Think of a scene or snippet from a movie, book or television show that gave you goosebumps. Maybe it is a bible verse that really resonates with you. Perhaps it's a cliffhanger ending that had you literally perched on the edge of your seat. When I asked myself this question the very first image that popped into my head was from the movie TITANIC. The scene in particular is when Jack and Rose are clinging to the side of the boat and he tells her, "Hold your breath and kick for the surface. DO NOT let go of my hand." The reason this scene hit me so hard was because that is when things get real. Yes Jack and Rose were fictional characters, however what they were enduring was not. I thought of how many people went down with the ship. I am sure most of them had that moment of terrifying realization when it became clear that they were about to enter that frigid water and there wasn't a damn thing they could do about it but fight to survive and pray.
I believe it is the raw emotion behind moments like that create the goosebump paradox. Something in those moments resonate or speak to us so deeply on an almost primal level that they cause a physical reaction. As a writer causing that reaction is a goal of mine. (It beats another physical reaction of throwing the book across the room. I hope to avoid that.)
I have been told by numerous people that there is a certain scene in THE CONDUIT that gave them chills. I won't ruin it for those of you that haven't read it, but I will admit that on my first full read through even I got a little shiver and I knew what was coming! Now as I edit EMBRACE I wonder which moments will impact readers the most. I have a couple in mind, but I could be completely off base as opinions are subjective and based on each reader's tastes and experiences. One thing is for sure though; I will never let go of my desire to strike a cord with people. I'll never let go.
