Originally published in 2014, James Scott Bell wrote a book about writing called, Write Your Novel from the Middle. Bell, a crime/thriller writer who tends to lean towards courtroom drama, came up with the idea when reviewing numerous books and movies. He recognized a pattern that took place in the middle of all these stories. The main character essentially had a ‘mirror moment’ where they looked at themselves, their situation and had to decide what their next steps would be and the changes they needed to make in order to ‘win’.
I confess that while I’m not a fan of James Scott Bell’s genre, his books on writing have been very useful. Learning to identify the Mirror Moment has been tremendously helpful as an author. According to Bell, finding the Mirror Moment can help with determining theme as well as what the main character struggles with in the story which helps when developing the character arc.
Does the mirror moment mean the main character looks at themselves in the mirror? No. They can, but the mirror moment is more about the character looking internally. The character practices self-reflection with regard to their circumstance and out of that internal processing, the character will determine a new course that usually falls into what James Scott Bell says is an either/or change.
- Growth to become a different person
- Growth to become stronger to survive
I have two favorite mirror moments in my books. The first is in Hidden where Ciaran, who’s been ignoring a traumatic event of his childhood must face it to go forward. In this case, he goes to the place where his Uncle died. The moment is too long to share here. My second favorite mirror moment takes place in Realm of Choice and Life. Not only is it the mirror moment for the book, but it is also the mirror moment for the series.
I left Naila’s shop and walked down the rain-soaked street. It was quiet and serene with cool fresh air and a light mist coating my face. Moisture soaked into my shoes, but I didn’t care and laughed. In the reflection of a window to a restaurant, my face was spotted and streaked from the water.
Only a month ago, I knew who I was. Or I thought I knew. But now… Who was I? Human? Fae? English teacher? Was I what Rose wanted? Patrick? Lothair? My students? Scattered pieces of me intersected with the lives of others like the drops of rain that ran down the windowpane and then into each other. But underneath the rain, was my reflection.
Living up to everyone’s expectations was impossible. I wasn’t trying to please everyone, but in the midst of trying to do my best at work and build relationships, I was losing sight of myself.
I shook my head at the thought. I wiped the rain-spotted reflection with my hand and saw the complete me underneath. A small smile crossed my lips.
I was enough.
Both these books are available on Amazon if you are interested in checking them out.
The Mirror Moment is a moment of reflection that the main character has at a pivotal time in the story. Consider some of your favorite books or movies, can you spot the mirror moment?
K. M. Wray 