Turning points in our lives. We’ve all had them. Often we don’t realize what they are until a lot of time has passed. At other times, we recognize turning points in the moment we make a decision and/or take an action. Considering turning points in our own lives can prompt us to create turning points for our characters.
I had two in quick succession as a new mother and realized what they were as they were happening. During the first week with my first child, I became very anxious about his health — I can’t remember specifically what I was worried about. But I told myself if I started worrying now, I’d never stop. So I had to stamp out my worries.
The second turning point came as I tried to soothe my fussy baby, and it hit me that I was IT. The mother. The only one who could help my child. Nobody could do it but me. I had to figure how to comfort my child, or he would remain upset. That realization was as startling as getting smacked upside the head with mallet. But it made me truly a mother.
What turning points have you faced? Have you tried to work them into a story?
How interesting! I hadn’t thought of this before, but you’re so right that sometimes we don’t even realize we’re at a turning point, while other times it’s as startling as getting smacked….that description made me laugh! Your article makes me realize the importance of incorporating turning points in our characters’ stories.
The turning points you see as they are happening are so startling. Glad you liked the description!