24/7 immersion
The technique of forcing the hero and heroine to be together
24/7 on a journey of change is an often used technique. Why?
If done right, it is often a mix of fish-out-of-water for
both the audience and the hero and heroine. The other reason why is the 24/7
immersion of the hero and heroine with each other. How many of you wish you
could have had this while dating. You’d know soon enough if you were compatible
or in love. The nay-sayers say things like how could you fall in love in three
days. If you date once or twice a week, how long would it be before you pile up
3 or x full days?
For romance writers who have seen It Happened One Night, 1934, we treasure the memories of one of the
most perfect romances ever portrayed.
Many put down the Bachelor franchise but consider the
immersion and think again. I’m not selling the show just the concept for
writing.
So how does a writer handle immersion? Take care to observe
the changing environment and how the hero and heroine react to it and each
other. Counter-point: if you have a heroine or hero who works, has family,
friends and other interests you may have a longer story. Slow down for the
moment they fall in love. It is pivotal and must be believable. Don’t get me
wrong. The story is not over when they realize they’re in love, whether it be
immersion or slice of life. If done right there are obstacles typically both in
interior thought and outside influences. Black moments are the grist for our
mills.
No comments:
Post a Comment