It seems ironic that today we’re talking about the Black Moment in character change, the day after we have one of the closest political races in history.  Half of America is waking up looking at the blue skies, the other half see the gloom. 

 Regardless, it’s an opportunity for everyone to examine what they believe.  And, if you’re a McCain follower, it’s an opportunity to say, what now?  How then shall I go forward? 

 A Character at the crux of their Black Moment needs to ask the same questions.  If you’ve been following My Book Therapy, think back to the beginning of the year when we started developing our characters. We talked about a character’s greatest fears, and why they had them, and then used that to create the Black Moment.  Every character’s black moment will be different, uniquely crafted to suit them and bring them to their lowest place. 

 Why is this Black Moment so important?  Because we want them to examine WHY this is their lowest place, and confront the beliefs, even perhaps a spiritual lie that has pushed them through life to this dark place.  Or maybe, they just need to accept the situation, and figure out how to go forward.

 Nevertheless, as they sit in this darkness, they’ll need to search for truth, the LIGHT so to speak.  They’ll be looking for an epiphany….which is the next stage of character growth.  The epiphany should be a truth, a realization, and something that touches the core of their beliefs.

 The key here is to create a Black Moment that assaults their values…what do they believe?  What drives them?  (And then an epiphany that shows them the light).

 For example, in my upcoming book Nothing But Trouble, my character PJ Sugar believes that she is faulty, that she just can’t help but get into trouble.  And, I confirm that in her Black Moment by accusing her of a crime she didn’t commit, but all signs point to her guilt.  Not only that, but because of her actions, her nephew’s life is in danger, and the man she loves believes that she is guilty.  She realizes that she has to stop believing she is flawed, and start living in the truth – that God delights in her, despite her cracks.  She has an entire paradigm shift, which allows her to see herself and the world differently. And of course, recognize the REAL culprit. 

Rachel here: Great points on black moment. I have the same issue in my latest book, The Sweet By and By. Jade must realize a choice she made as a teen, that has tainted her life since, was HER choice. Not her mother’s or other pressures, but her. She feels if she admits it she has betrayed her last port of call, her last safe haven. It’s not easy to turn on yourself.

 But she cannot move on with her life without facing her sin.

 Now, a black moment has to come out of the character journey. Make it sincere to your character and the story. Don’t come up with a black moment so dark it doesn’t resonate with your character.

 A black moment can be your protagonist realizes he can’t have his way, or she must give up something she loves for truth.

 SO. . . Make your Black Moment as black as you can – asking, how can I devastate my character.  Because on their knees is the perfect place to change a heart, and mind.  And finally see the Light.