I had a major epiphany while working on my WIP today. I suddenly saw a solution to several problems all at once, and it was utterly thrilling.
Very sadly, I was alone in the cafe at that point , my writing companion having disappeared temporarily for an appointment. I must’ve looked agitated, because the serving staff started apologising to me for making lots of noise as they rearranged tables for a group booking. (I think they’ve come to rather like the weird group of writers who camp out in their cafe all Saturday.) I daresay I might have had my hand clamped over my mouth, my eyes darting around wildly, as all the possibilities unfurled before my racing brain.
It was something as simple — and as significant – as a whole new viewpoint character.
I had previously ditched one of my two viewpoint characters (leaving me with just the one) because I wasn’t feeling the love. But it was troubling me how I was going to tell the other half of the story…
And then suddenly I realised I had this other character already there, ready and waiting for me to tell her story too, a story that will reflect my main character’s story perfectly. It both adds dimension and drives straight to the heart of my main storyline; it helps me show a whole heap of cultural worldbuilding stuff that I was trying to figure out how to cover. In a word, it’s perfect.
This really has been a most productive week for me — in more ways than one. There’s something in the water (or the coffee… or the wine!) at that cafe! Just had to share 
September 30th, 2012 at 1:15 am
That is wonderful! Congratulations on your epiphany. I’m dancing in my chair for you (not that that helped while you were alone in the coffee shop, but still…). Woohoo!
September 30th, 2012 at 6:14 am
Thanks! Yeah, I was dancing all day! And my friend came back soon enough to celebrate with
September 30th, 2012 at 1:27 am
Yay! I LOVE story epiphanies! They are so satisfying, aren’t they? Even though it is after the fact, I’m celebrating with you as I raise my morning coffee to you in a toast. Here’s to productive writing weeks! Cheers!
September 30th, 2012 at 6:19 am
Thanks, Tami. A celebratory coffee is much appreciated
I’m having one too (and there might have been wine yesterday in the afternoon too!),
September 30th, 2012 at 1:37 am
It’s amazing, isn’t it, what the sub-conscious cooks up when we’re not looking. Cheers, Ellen!
September 30th, 2012 at 6:22 am
Yes, it’s great. The Subconscious is a wondrous thing. Thanks, Sherri.
September 30th, 2012 at 6:29 am
Good work! I hope it all continues to fall into place.
September 30th, 2012 at 6:42 am
Thanks, Liv. Now I just have to execute
September 30th, 2012 at 10:23 am
Where is this magical cafe, where writing epiphanies flow?
September 30th, 2012 at 6:40 pm
Ah, it’s in Elsternwick, Melbourne! Nice and large with onsite coffee roasting and a well-stocked bar. All kinds of perfect, really