It’s taken me seven years to write my first novel. I’m still in the process of revision, working to make the characters deeper than they already are and attempt to remove any flatness they might have.
When I wrote scenes in my book I often asked myself this question. “Is it epic enough?” In other words was the action such that when I finished reading it, I had captured the sense of excitement and vision that I saw in my mind’s eye? When my novel is translated into film, will there be enough of a description for the producer and director to translate my work to the silver screen?
“Is it epic enough?”
I once saw a motion picture that I was really excited to see. When I left the movies I was disappointed. Not because it wasn’t that great of a movie but it left me wanting because I realized. It wasn’t “epic” enough.
Now that I’m essentially done with my story and I am deep into developing my characters even more, I find that I’m asking a new question as it relates to them. “Are they emotional enough?” In other words will you care about them? Do they make you laugh? Cry, want to wring their necks? Because if they don’t. Then I haven’t done my job yet.
I’m actually finding this is more of my weakness as a writer, at least as it relates to this story. But I’m working on it: so that when you read my stories. You will come away satisfied and moved in some fashion a character.
Is your story epic enough? And are your characters emotional enough?
Think about it.
DonovanDonovan M. Neal is the Amazon best-selling independently published author of the Third Heaven Series: a speculative Christian fantasy four book series that explores the captivating story about the fall of Lucifer. The book takes readers on an epic journey through the celestial realms, offering a unique perspective on the events surrounding Lucifer’s rebellion and his descent into darkness. In this imaginative tale, Donovan weaves together elements of Christian theology, angelic mythology, and fantastical world-building. The story delves into the cosmic conflict between good and evil, painting a vivid picture of the spiritual warfare that unfolded in the heavens. Donovan has published eleven books and is currently working on publishing five more in the year 2023 alone. His books have reached thirteen countries including India, Japan, the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil and across Europe, Canada and the US. He has sold over thirty thousand units of his books and generated over a quarter million in gross sales part time and without an agent. Donovan has produced fiction; non-fiction and most recently published a graphic novel. His genre of preference is fantasy and he has been named among such notable authors as Frank Perretti, Brian Godawa, and the late Dr. Michael S. Heiser. When he’s not writing or working, Donovan can be found gaming or enjoying various forms of media. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and a graduate degree in Non-profit Management from Walden University. Prior to his current career, Donovan served in ordained ministry from 1993-2011 and has extensive experience teaching the Bible. You can learn more about him professionally if you would like by clicking here. His favorite movie is the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He also enjoys gaming and can be found on the Playstation5 deep in Destiny 2, He’s owned most gaming systems all the way back from Atari and Pong! and has made several friends from his beloved days on World of Warcraft. A lover of such classics as chess and backgammon he loves most games and the strategy behind them. When he is not imagining comic conflicts between good and evil he is helping to secure employment for housing insecure women as the Executive Director of a non-profit in the city of Detroit and also serves in the prayer and discipleship ministry of his local church.