“Explode a Moment” 8/31/12

Using Snaps and Thoughts to Explode the Moment

Explode a Moment What does “Explode a Moment” mean?

When a moment is slowed waaaay down for the purpose of painting a frame-by-frame picture for your reader…

Snapshots (a moment’s glance) Thoughtshots

Flashbacks Flashforwards Present thoughts

Explode a Moment When should you use it?

Think of yourself as a movie director, and look in your writing for a moment where you should use slow motion to expand and zoom in on.

Explode a Moment How do I use “Explode a Moment?”

Select a sentence Explode that sentence Provide your reader with a frame-by-

frame picture of the action (details) Provide your reader with insights into the

character’s thoughts Zoom in with sights, sounds, smells,

tastes, and touch

Example “He walked through the doorway.”

He grasped the cold doorknob and turned it slowly to the right.  He pushed the door inward.  The hinges squeaked and cold air rushed past the opening door.  The room was dark.  He darted his eyes to the right.  Nothing.  He pushed the door open a little farther, and slowly moved his right foot into the room.  His shoe creaked a bit as it hit the polished hardwood floor.

Now it’s your turn! Practice the “Explode a Moment” technique by

using the following sentence.

“Get out of the way!” screamed the teacher, as the violent storm moved closer.