Epiphany...

[sleigh]

So there I was this morning, writing one of the scenes toward the end of A MAGIC OF NIGHTFALL (I think I have about nine more scenes to go. I think). Events were moving nicely toward the ending I had envisioned for the book when -- while writing a conversation between two of the main characters -- one of them said something that made me realize that the ending I had in my head wasn't the best one.

It wasn't the intended ending was 'wrong' per se, but only that if I moved it about 90 degrees from where it was supposed to go, then the ending would be much better: wonderfully bittersweet and devastating. Not only that, but the altered ending would tie in with several of thematic threads of the book better than the original conception. I sat there for a few minutes with this feeling of 'rightness' surging through me, looking at the conversation and realizing what it meant.

Sometimes, writing itself is magic...

Yeah, yeah, I'm being deliberately fuzzy here so as to avoid plot-spoilers for a book that's not even out yet. But, trust me, this was a wonderful feeling. It's serendipity and synchronicity like this that is one of the pleasures of writing for me.

Comments

[zencuppa.livejournal.com]

I understand and I am happy for you :-)

Although my feelings come when a client calls after getting the copy and says "You said exactly what we wanted to say!"

*grin*

[barbarienne.livejournal.com]

I believe those moments are the only reason anyone ever becomes a professional writer. The rest of the time it's just work.

ETA: Which is to say, "Yes, I totally know what you mean and it is the most wonderful feeling in the world!"

[sleigh.livejournal.com]

Nice feeling, isn't it? :-)

[sleigh.livejournal.com]

And then there's the 'expanded' version, and the version with "new revised scenes," and ...

A whole career on one book!

[sleigh.livejournal.com]

Work? You mean writing's work? :-)

[ontology101.livejournal.com]

I love your description of this Steve...I felt your joy. Cool.