Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Ah Hah Moment

By Taige Crenshaw (Guest Blogger)

In my opinion what makes the difference between an ok book and a great one is that all-important "ah hah" moment.

So what is an "ah hah" moment?

Ah Hah Moment ~ Taige Crenshaw Definition: A moment that elevates a story beyond just a book to a book that makes the reader remember a line or scene that makes them go back to it time and again. This is a true keeper book that has wear and tear from continued reading. The book you buy multiple copies of and don't lend it to anyone.

These "ah hah" moments aren't only in books. They can extent much further than that. They also happen in movies, TV shows and things that happen in your everyday life. In movies and TV shows these "ah hah" moments are those you remember and discuss with others. This is what happened to me recently. Some friends and I were discussing some of our favorite shows and movies. I noticed that each person had an "ah hah" moment when they talked about their show or movie they liked. In the everyday instances they ranged from falling in love, loss, and just a feel good or bad thing. Whenever I talk with others it is interesting hearing all these moments that resonated with each person.

No matter that type of "ah hah" they all had one thing in common -- they leave a lasting impression. Resonate with you long after done.

Now back to books. So what makes an "ah hah" book? There is no sure formula. It has to be something that resonates with the reader. For me an "ah hah" moment is what makes the story more real. A book that from the first line they capture me. To that last line that makes me feel not only content but when I go to sleep I dream of the book. And long after that last word I think of what I read. Give me everything. Emotions laid bare. Build the setting so I can feel it like I am there. Bring me along with the characters step by step. Give me a plot that is intriguing and makes me flip the pages.

Then the most important thing of all "ah hah" is me. Give me something in the story that will flip that special figurative switch inside. This will bring reading to an all-new level. When you hit that "ah hah" level you are on my automatic must buy and read now list. Again we go back leaving a lasting impression. One that resonates with the reader.

As a reader I seek out that "ah hah" moment in books. Those books are keeper ones that line my shelves and I read often. As a writer I strive to give the reader that "ah hah" moment. Since reading is so varied and goes by what resonates with the reader I don’t succeed with everyone. Yet when I do with even just one reader I feel I have done what I set out to do - given that "ah hah" moment that will make me a keeper for a reader. I have a few readers who have contacted me letting me know that my story resonated with them in someway. That is it's own "ah hah" moment that makes me as a writer proud.

What are some of your "ah hah" moments in books?

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Taige Crenshaw is a multi-published author with books available at Ellora's Cave Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, Loose Id, and Total-E-Bound. Taige has been enthralled with the written word from time she picked up her first book. It wasn't long before she started to make up her own tales of romance. With novels set in today, in alternate dimensions, or in the future she writes with adventure, fun sassy heroines, and sexy heros. Always hard at work creating new and exciting places Taige can be found curled up with a hot novel with exciting characters when she is not creating her own. Join her in the fun, frolic, interesting people and far reaches of the world in her novels. You can find out more about Taige at her website: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com or blog: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/blog.

Wilde Seduction - What happens when a woman who doesn’t know how to relax meets a man whose lust for life will change her and make all her deepest desires come to life?

Buy here at Total-E-Bound.

6 comments:

Lisabet Sarai said...

Hello, Taige,

Welcome to Beyond Romance! I know exactly what you are talking about. There are some books that still haunt me, years after reading them. Then I'll reread them and re-experience the joy and excitement as if it were the first time.

Best,
Lisabet

Terra said...

Oh and Total E-books is having a sale so maybe this one is listed. Hot dog got to add Wilde Seduction to my shopping list. Love your books Taige.

Colleen said...

Ah hah moments for me are when the feelings and emotions come across to me... if a book makes me laugh or cry or want to read it over and over again till the book falls apart... :)

Aliyah Burke said...

Those moments for me are when I have to stop and reread the scene/paragraph and make sure the feelings which hit me weren't my imagination. I love to feel the goosebumps exploding on my skin as the words sink in and I realise what's before me on the page. I love books which can deliver moments like that. You do it very well.
Great blog!
Happy reading,
~Aliyah

Taige Crenshaw said...

Lisabet - Thanks for having me. Yes I have the same. A scence or line will pop in my head from the book and I have to read it. Each time I fall in love with something new.

Terra – Thanks for coming by. Glad you love my books.

Colleen – Exactcly. All the emotions. You’ve touched on one of my hot buttons. I love to cry in a book. Make me weep (in a good way) and I love it.

Aliyah - Yes that is what I am talking about. Making you have to go back. The hairs raises on your arms and you love it.

Thanks for the compliment. Glad I could give you that “ah hah” moment. You do those “ah hah” moments for me to.

Margaret Tanner said...

The Ah hah moment, hard to describe but we all know it when we come to it.
Great blog.

regards

Margaret

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