As a kid looking at movies, I enjoyed the moment when the scene rewinds and the person goes back in time or slows down. There is
usually some broken glass shattering or bullet ripping through the scene, leaving ripples in its wake. It feels excellent to experience a moment in time when
everything has basically come to a halt.
We could see in action and zero in on a time or moment
from a video presentation. This is a technique used by authors to alter the way
a reader sees time. This time-altering writing style is referred to as an ‘Exploded
Moment.’ I never knew the name associated with this technique. I only look at it
as slow motion or talking in my head so we can understand what is happening
better. I learnt that authors used these moments in writing to draw the moment out as if it were happening in slow motion.
Interestingly, this technique not only helps us as readers
feel the same level of disorientation the main character is feeling, but it also allows the writer to explore all the minute details, sounds that happen,
emotions racing through your veins and visuals that the main character just
cannot seem to peel their eyes away from the pages. Unimaginably, an exploded
moment let all this happen in just a short time, creating that
slow-motion effect.
As I am about to do my narrative writing, this is a technique I will incorporate into my writing, and I am sure you will, too.
Sensory details
adding the right amount of sensory details, we can take a small moment that, in reality, lasts only a few seconds to create an intense piece of writing; check it out below;
My hands extended out and caressed the
shimming black that captivated my attention. I see myself trying on those
lovely pair of Michael Kors. My foot has a will of its own as it
slowly slides into the velvet cushion, and my toes wiggle in its plush softness.
The black patent colour with red under-trimming screamed joyfully as it welcomed
its owner home. A smile emanated from my face, and a warm feeling flowed through
my veins. My long-last wish is now granted. As the store clerk packaged my black
beauty, I saw it going with my milk-white dress and gold hoops. As I moved
towards the cash-out line, I hugged my box with all my might, ready to pay. When suddenly, a ringing sound vibrated through the air, ‘Oh gosh,’ I cried; it was my 5 o’clock
alarm. (by Cordy).
The author above could have just said she tried on shoes,
but the readers would have missed all those little details and actions. As a reader, this technique made me feel like I was in the moment, too. Sensory details are
not the only technique authors use; some use repetition to make the moment
seem like it is also going in slow motion.
Keep these in mind since I also want to use this technique, and
if you are too, let us recognize that using exploding the moment throughout our
narrative piece will become redundant and boring. Instead, we can look for the moment our main character experiences an exciting or fearful moment. Where
the character is facing the consequences for their action and something of
importance is revealed.
I am currently searching for a video to help my students when I return to the classroom. Feel free to share what you guys found. I will pick the best one or use different ones to drive the point home.
Hi Cordelia! It's fascinating how authors can slow down and explore the minute details of a moment, just like those slow-motion scenes in movies. It's a powerful way to immerse readers in the experience, letting them feel the same disorientation and intensity as the main character.
ReplyDeleteSensory details, as demonstrated in the example you provided, truly bring a scene to life. They make the reader feel like they're right there in the moment, which is a fantastic way to create a vivid narrative.
You're absolutely right about not overusing the "Exploded Moment" technique, as you do not want to be redundant, there needs to be a balance. Using it selectively during exciting or crucial moments is a great approach to keep your writing engaging.
Good luck with your narrative writing!
https://youtu.be/jWZXmer7ayY?si=j9mrE5x_YqkSqTfw
⬆️⬆️⬆️This link attached is a cool video demonstrating the explode the moment strategy. It is a good animation, however, it only consists of written information, so you will have to read to your struggling readers. Nonetheless, I think it captures the essence of the strategy.
All the best! 😅
Andrea, I appreciate will give it a look.
DeleteSo far, the classes on "Exploding the Moment" are my favourite, so I've read your post smiling from ear to ear.
ReplyDeleteYour post aptly discusses the literary technique of an "Exploded Moment" and the significance of sensory details in narrative writing and it effectively communicates how this technique can enhance storytelling, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the scene. It is commendable that you intend to incorporate this technique into your narrative writing as I plan on doing the same.
I never gave it any thought, but I like how you've highlighted and gave useful caution about not overusing the technique to avoid redundancy but emphasized the importance of selecting moments in the narrative where it has the most impact, such as during intense or revealing scenes.
Your commitment to finding instructional videos for your students shows a proactive approach to teaching and engaging young writers effectively and I must say kudos.
What do think about this example of "exploding the moment"? Do you have another/ favourite example to share?
https://images.slideplayer.com/31/9789092/slides/slide_5.jpg
Ronelle, the provision of the slides will be placed in my achive, i believe in not just using one strategy, but mulitple since our classroom dynamics varies. Brilliant use of that slide show I am thinking of using some of the information to build a concept map or an anchor chat.
DeleteHi Cordelia, I love your detailed description of the technique "Exploding the moment" and also the example shared. Like you, I always love the slow-motion pieces in movies, especially in the cartoons when one-character drops something or falls down, and the numerous things that are seen happening before that thing actually falls down. It is those type of scenes that make you excited and anxious at the same time or very emotional if the moment being exploded is a sad one. I was really amazed to learn that this technique is used in writing. I am very eager to use it in my narrative piece as well as take it back to my classroom. Students with their creative minds and their love for television, will do a tremendous job in exploding the moment. Once they are taught well and are given sufficient time to practice, they will definitely succeed. All the best as you implement this technique in your classroom.
ReplyDeleteRowanna, image me as a child engrossed in cartoons on a Saturday mornings laughing over when one character drops something or fall as you stated. I was oblivion to the fact that these were ''exploding the moment.' I have tried it in my narrative writing and I am also excited to use the video and slides given by my collegues. Let us continue to share, since this not only help us, but ultimately the students that grace our claaroom each academic school year.
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