How to Create Moments as a Fiction Writer: Creating Moments is an Art Form

Creating moments as a fiction writer comes instinctively to some writers, while others must learn how to create moments that will enhance their fiction writing.

Why are moments in fiction so important?

They draw readership, as well as make fiction fun to read, exciting and enjoyable. Creating effective moments as a fiction writer is not always easy, as any moment has to fit the work in progress, as well as be compatible with other moments in that work.      

What is a moment in fiction?

Perhaps defining the word moment will help to explain what a moment in fiction is to a fiction writer or a reader.

The free dictionary.com suggests that a moment is “a brief, indefinite interval of time”, one that is “specific”, but also “a particular period of importance, influence, or significance in a series of events or developments”, often of “outstanding significance or value”.

A moment is “a brief period of time that is characterized by a quality, such as excellence, suitability or distinction”.

Moments are highlights or peak events that trigger the fiction writer to continue writing and the reader to read on. It is the integrity inherent of a moment or moments that lend power and potency to fiction. Integrity makes moments real to individual and collective readers. In other words, a moment rings true to the reader.

How to create powerful moments in fiction is problematic to some extent, depending upon the individual fiction writer, his or her imagination and degree of creativity. No fiction writers create exactly the same moments in their writing, nor do they need to do so.

Moments often have a specific amount of time accorded to them. In other words, they are only momentary and pass quickly. At other times, they may be prolonged to increase their intensity.

Timing can be everything in creating a moment.

What appears to be an ideal or a perfect moment in one instance, may not be at another time. Be aware that the most powerful, intriguing and empowering moments are those that enable the fiction writer to change the course or direction in his or her work. They bring about a transition in the reader’s thought progression, as well.

Even though the moments in fiction are not real, some kind of enhancement with reality to which the reader can relate, brings them to life and increases their viability. Writing moments in such a way that they appear to be reality magnifies them.

The use of excitement, adventure and drama proves effective tools in the creation of moments in fiction. The introduction of realistic characters in moments, even in the midst of animation, allows the reader to relate to them.

Moments result in changes or turning points that have the power to magnify or create a further transition in thought that can open doorways to the progressive development of a work of fiction.

Emotion plays a powerful role in moments, as everyone can relate to them in terms of feelings. Peaks of joy and sorrow often become moments in almost any kind of fiction.

Creating an ideal or a perfect moment in fiction is instinctive for some fiction writers, as it comes naturally to them, but learning how to enhance them further turns creating moments into an art.