The Most Important Part of Your Story (The Aha Moment)

What's the MOST IMPORTANT part of your story? The "aha moment." I've been waiting forever to talk about this...and the day has come! In this video, we're diving into your character's realization and transformation... and how to leave a lasting impact on your audience. This is YOUR moment – the reason why you wanted to write this story in the first place! I'm also going to show you examples of the aha moment from some of my favorite stories, and what makes them so emotional.

🎥PREVIOUS VIDEOS IN THIS SERIES:
▶︎ACT 1
▶︎ACT 2
▶︎ACT 3

0:00 Introduction
1:10 What is the Aha Moment?
5:28 Case Study: Pride & Prejudice
9:07 Case Study: It’s A Wonderful Life
11:58 Case Study: Gifted
14:42 Recap
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✨ V A L U A B L E R E S O U R C E S✨

MORE VIDEOS YOU WOULD LIKE:

→ HOW TO WRITE THEME INTO YOUR STORY

→ HOW TO TWIST ANY PLOT

→ PLOT DRIVEN STORIES VS CHARACTER DRIVEN STORIES

→ INCITING INCIDENTS: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN VS DIVERGENT

✨F O L L O W ✨

✨ A B O U T ✨
My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.

Story isn’t about “what happens” — it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel – and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!

✨C R E D I T S ✨
All movie clips and soundtracks used for educational purposes under the Fair Use law. Pride & Prejudice (2005) copyright Focus Features, It's A Wonderful Life (1946) copyright Liberty Films, Gifted (2017) copyright Fox Searchlight Pictures.

[yuruyukii]

"there is a person out there exactly like your mc"
me writing a novel about a narcissistic serial killer: well I hope not

[happyfellowship]

The line "Harry wasn't there to save them because you weren't there to save Harry!" has stuck with me ever since I first heard it. It's A Wonderful Life is TRULY a classic.

[gregolonious]

I always thought I understood why I liked certain films and books, it wasn't until Abbie clarified the internal conflict that I started to realize why

[dancersupreme]

I just finished the outline for my story last night and I was so excited to write that last sentence.

[MarcusHaaksma]

Characters aren't just drawings or things on a page. They are people.

[silkechambers]

Abbie, you're a girl after my own heart. Pride and Prejudice and ESPECIALLY It's a Wonderful Life are two of my faves. I am always bawling by the time Harry calls George "the richest man in town". Well Done!

[ican]

I’m writing a werewolf fiction book and read this as the ‘alpha’ moment

[CharlieHorse]

I didn’t expect this video on writing to make me cry and feel like my life matters. This hit so many different ways - from when you explained how writing is so important with the aha moment to the it’s a wonderful life example. Thank you 😭💯💕 good writing tips and self love boosters all in one

[gnilbirts]

Your channel is the most polished, well produced channel I have ever seen for someone under one million subs...like, what?! If it's just you, unbelievable! You're a master. If it's a team behind you, way to go guys!

[lovelearn-itsastorynotasu]

*Me*: forgets it's Wednesday
*Abbie emmons*: post the AHA moment
*Also me*: thank you writing gods for the graciousness you have shown me today....

[hufflepuff_halfblood]

Damn. It's a Wonderful Life's section really made me emotionalXD

[baylee]

Abbie giving video examples is like when you’re in class and the teacher puts on a movie for the lesson of that day, it’s the best part haha

[isabellavaldivia]

I never thought of the aha moment as something of great importance and didn't think it was necessary, this video was so helpful and eye-opening! Thank you!

[jacindaellison]

Last week, I finished my first draft to my book! Going to try to edit.

[footballlover]

Legit clicked on this cause I saw Chris Evans in the thumbnail LOL. I do enjoy the video itself too :) I want to start preparing for unofficially participating in NANOWRIMO and this helps me :) thanks!

[AGlyn-epic]

Girl. You're videos SLAP! content, editing, personality. You got it all!

[stronggirlsyndrome]

I drank champagne with kings and queens. The politicians praised my name.
But those are someone else's dreams. The pitfalls of the man I became.
For years and years I chased their cheers; the crazy speed of always needing more.
But when I stop and see you here
I remember who all this was for!

And from now on these eyes will not be blinded by the lights.
From now on what's waited 'til tomorrow starts tonight!
It starts TONIGHT!
And let this promise in me start like an anthem in my heart.
From now on.
From now on.
FROM. NOW. ON.

[nicoliset]

Why am I crying? Thank you for your valuable teachings on storytelling, Abbie! As one of the examples you gave, the world is so much brighter with your wonderful presence in the world.

[beatrizlaranjeira]

I know you wrote this a while ago, but I just wanted to say THANK YOU for how much you helped me with this video. The way you talked so paxionately about it not only made me want to cry, but helped me love what I'm doing as a young writer and want to finish what I started. God bless you!💙

[albertocatania]

I really have to thank you as an amateur writer. I'm writing my first book and this lessons your are giving me means a lot. Before watching it I didn't think too much about the psicology behind any specific action of the main character. I was so stupid that I thought people will easily understand by themselves. That's not true at all. You need to give the bad and good moments to the protagonist to show the reasons behind any of his/her action and mood. Thank you really. I'm not and English native person and I decided to write my book in English to improve my language skills. Moreover writing in this language I discovered how much I love it and also how good and satisfying it is to write a novel in this language. I will keep watching your videos to improve and became at least a decent story teller and writer. 😊