Situational awareness is a part of our own lives, especially in today’s frighteningly violent world. Being aware of our surroundings is imperative for us and also a method for a writer to enhance their scenes. The primary character (POV character) must familiarize herself/himself with their environment and be ready to act. Knowledge, experience and education enables the character to be observant, vigilant. With this information he/she will determine their plight or circumstances.
Have your character:
Trust in his or her gut instinct!
Never have his or her back to the door, entrance. In a Promise at Midnight, Henry…
“Shoulders aching from pulling on the reins, King guided the horses to a stop at the mouth of a small canyon. He’d evaded the bandits, seemingly as if they didn’t want to catch the stagecoach. What about the cashbox which was bolted to the floor? Bandits were known to burn the carriage and take the cashbox. Could it be possible they went to retrieve their wounded or dead?
Regardless, the canyon would provide them coverage from three sides if they were attacked. He unfettered the horses and removed a shovel from the boot.”
Have him or her be cognizant of the location of other players in the scene.
Use all of the senses: taste, sight, smell, touch, hearing, perception (gut instinct).
Sometimes fighting isn’t the best weapon-RUN.
A Promise at Midnight, Emma was captured by the criminals.
“You run, I kill,” he whispered with foul onion scented breath. An evil gleam replaced the vacant look. Two personalities, one large body.”
Later, with no other choice:
“Excess energy gave her the strength to run like a gazelle. The sprinted jump start would be her only advantage. An outraged Peach yelled, his tones bouncing around the rock faces. Head down, legs pumping, she carried on until she hit a wall of human flesh.”
Situational awareness is critical for successful decision making. The character must maintain control, focus, and attention to his or her surroundings. Typically, situational awareness evolves around making safe choices, but it can be a strong scene enhancer, pulling the elements of the scene together.
Elevate your writing, consider situational awareness…enable your POV character with an essential foundation for effective judgement calls.
Excerpt From A Promise at Midnight. jj Keller
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WORLDWIDE RELEASE: JULY 10TH.
Emma Cody bucks traditional etiquette and travels alone to Colorado to help her pregnant sister-in-law. The stagecoach is attacked by bandits, one of whom she recognizes. She takes on the financial responsibility of her family. Doing whatever’s necessary to provide food and shelter, she uses her skills to enter a sharpshooting contest. The ruggedly handsome Henry Courtland rides into her world and orchestrates an unforgettable weekend filled with laughter and fiery passion. Will the romance stay strong or will Emma’s secret create an insurmountable precipice?
Henry “King” Courtland, conservative wealthy businessman, wants to hold onto his money despite an outlaw gang robbing his payroll. When the proper Miss, sitting across from him in the stagecoach, asks to use his gun to fight bandits he’s captivated. His attraction for the refined, privileged Emma Cody is an anomaly, and he wants to invest.
Unexpected feelings lead the two passionate people to rope in a relationship. However, greed, jealousy, and love clash when Emma is held captive by the outlaws.
Theme(s): Family Life/Oriented, Small Town, Mystery, Action-Adventure, Opposites Attract
SubGenre(s): Suspense, Western, Historical
BISAC: FIC027100 FICTION / Romance / Western
Western; Adventure; historical; Buffalo Bill; Sharpshooting; kidnapping; survival; competition; violence; rifle; surprise wedding; romance novel
Page Count: 348 Word Count: 86142
Digital Price: 3.99
Print Price : 18.99
ISBN(s):
978-1-5092-4874-2 Paperback
978-1-5092-4875-9 Digital
jj Keller 