Hiya Wit!
You know that feeling when you’re about halfway through a project and everything finally seems to click?
The words are flowing. The plot holes are closing. Your hero just had a major win, and for the first time, you can actually see the finish line.
It feels like glory.
But it’s really a mirage.
Welcome to the False Horizon. 🏔️
In The Storyteller’s Way, this is the beat where the hero believes they’re approaching the summit. They’ve learned some lessons, made some friends, and gained some ground. They think they’ve almost won.
But the truth is, they’ve only just begun to climb.
This beat is crucial because it gives the reader (and the hero) a moment of hope before the real stakes are revealed. Without the False Horizon, the eventual "Soul Punch" doesn't hurt as much.
You have to let your readers breathe so you can take their breath away later.
We hit False Horizons in real life, too. That "honeymoon phase" of a new habit or a shiny new idea. When it suddenly gets hard again, don't panic. You didn't fail. You just reached the end of the mirage and the beginning of the real work. In my books, that's something to celebrate.
Happy writing! 🎒🗺️⛏️
My summertime challenge, "The Dig" starts this Wednesday! I'm both excited and nervous. But I am confident that it will be a powerful and meaningful experience for all of us. Join The Dig's Discord or subscribe to The Dig's email updates.
