THE SPECULATIVE REACTION

What would you do if the elevator doors opened and everything had been destroyed—in just a matter of seconds?

What would you say? Would you say anything?

Was that an easy question to answer? Or did you have to pause for a minute and really think about it?

One of the hardest parts of science fiction is imagining what a realistic character would do in an otherwise unrealistic scenario.

In fact, we could argue those reactions to an otherworldly phenomenon are what foster a reader's suspension of disbelief. If you can't relate to or connect with the character's response to the unimaginable, then it becomes harder to truly imagine it.

I rewrote this scene quite a few times.

I sat with it, staring at my screen, fingertips hovering over the keys—mulling over the question, what would I do if this happened to me?

Then, I had to figure out how a whole group of varied personalities would react to the same thing.

Suffice it to say, this moment was a challenge.

Throughout this series—during the editing phase—I frequently discovered some Nell bleed in my characters' emotional responses to their surroundings. I sometimes found that two of my characters were described as reacting in the exact same way—my way—instead of how they would.

It's an intricate process—channeling various personalities. Especially when each character is responding to the environment simultaneously.

This is why it's important to do that deep dive into every character. It's why most writers can give you a full backstory on each character.

We explore their upbringing, their family structures, and the significant life events that shaped them into the characters they are in the story.

Personally, I'd probably do a lot of crying, some screaming, running, and fighting where applicable if I were in this situation. But, that's not everyone's response to trauma. Some freeze—speechless. Some freeze—speechless. Some are vocal and panicky. Some faint. And some sprint into action.

I didn't just create character cards for the sake of content. Those personality profiles were born from research fused with my imagination.

I actually have a Personality Traits website bookmarked in my browser for the character development stage in my writing. Once I've established who I wish the character to be—their backgrounds, how they'll serve the plot, how they'll experience the events of the story—I go to this site and I take the test on their behalf. The results are always helpful. They usually affirm what I'd established about the character and most often reveal something I had not anticipated or considered. The process allows me to delve deeper into who they are functionally and psycho-emotionally within the story.

All of this is to create someone readers can connect with and follow—whether they love the character or hate them. They need to feel real in order to effectively steer an emotional journey for the reader.

The process of character development also offers new inspiration for the story. It might even change elements of the story—just by knowing the character better. It helps drive the plot forward, aids in writing dialogue, and locks in behavioral consistency.

Character development (or lack thereof) is far more critical to a story than one might think.

And it is truly the only way—at least, for me—that I can effectively write a scene like this. One that must be both believable and keep the reader holding their breath, aching to find out... how on earth do we get out of this?

So... what would you do? The building you were in—once fully functioning and normal—is suddenly and inexplicably destroyed.

Do you shrink back? Like... uh... nah.

Or do you step out to investigate?

You might think the answer is a clear and easy one until you consider the full picture. Your options are to stay inside a small metal box—indefinitely—or find out what's going on and try to make your way to safety. Maybe you have family you need to check on.

There's truly a lot to consider in a situation like this where multiple personalities are involved. Not to mention one character’s reaction might supersede another’s.

So, yeah... I sat with this one for a bit. And rightfully so. After all, this—is the moment where it all truly begins.

It had to be done just right.

The chapter where it all goes down.

If you haven't yet, now's a great time to catch up on The Draft. Book Two is in the publication process as we speak, and early chapters drop first on Patreon.

Start reading Book One now

READ IT HERE