I’m sure all of you have heard about the passing of Prince last week. I’ve long been a Prince fan, so I was deeply impacted by his passing. Not because I knew him personally, but because his music had affected my life in many ways through the years. A few of his songs are still my ‘go-to’ songs when I’m feeling down and need to lift my spirits.
As I tried to get back into my WIP on Thursday, my mind was still distracted by the news. Then I suddenly realized that I was at the perfect spot in the story to pay tribute to Prince. Here’s a snapshot:
I love that I was able to capture this moment in my work. It then made me think about other hidden gems I’ve been able to incorporate into my novels. As I started thinking through them, there are quite a few.
Why am I a fan of hidden gems in my work? I guess it’s because I view it as a way of leaving a bit of myself inside the fictional story I’m creating. Even if only a few people pick up on them, I know they’re there. Some gems represent special moments from my own life, while others are like coded messages to friends/family. Then there are a few that are specific to my writing for one reason or another.
Here are just a few examples of my hidden gems:
Kingston Series
Sarah’s son’s favorite stuffed dog, Max, is a direct inspiration from my daughter’s favorite stuffed dog (although hers has a different name and sometimes wears a pink tutu).
Shattered Angel
Wuthering Heights was the first book I remember having a huge impact on me, and it plays an important role in Shattered Angel.
Whispers is a character who makes a brief appearance in Shattered Angel. His name is a nod to a friend who thinks he’s my muse.
Current WIP
As mentioned above, I’ve incorporated Prince into my current WIP. In addition to that, my two primary characters meet during a ‘constant, steady rain’. This is a tribute to my book club. They’ll get it :)
All Books
In my first book, Kingston’s Project, I used the number 113 for my primary character’s weight. In a later book, I subconsciously used that same number for a hotel room. I didn’t realize I’d used the same number until my edits. I now consider 113 my book number.
If I plan to drop any f-bombs in a book, I use a specific number. Again, this was something that started out unintentionally, but now I do it on purpose. I’ll keep the reason to myself—a bit of mystery is a good thing.
Adding hidden gems in your work is not only a great way to give something special to your readers (at least those who are paying attention), but it’s also a great way to pay tribute to things that are important in your life.
However, it’s critical that you don’t try to force a hidden gem into your work. It has to become a seamless part of the story. I have a friend who would like for me to incorporate something we call Sally into one of my books. I love the idea, but it has to be right. So for now Sally hasn’t made an appearance, but I hope to find the right moment in one of my future books.
What gems are hidden inside your novels?
~ Carrie
My novels are all packed to the gills with what I call "Easter eggs" or what you call here "hidden gems." I almost can't help it. When I hear on TV or read something clever or perfect I almost always go back to weave it in to my novels somewhere. My first editor got so frustrated she demanded a list so that the publisher would know I wasn't "getting anything over" on them. Since then my editors have considered themselves clever for catching one or two. It's not that I take pleasure in being smarter than my editors...ah, who am I kidding? Of course I do.
ReplyDeleteLove how you call them 'Easter Eggs'! Great idea. I agree that it can be kind of fun to slip something in and know that it's lurking where many won't notice.
DeleteI love to include hidden gems in my writing. For me, they're sort of inside jokes sometimes. Or my favorite stuff. Bands I love. TV shows I love. People I hate. You know, that sort of stuff.
ReplyDeleteAwesome - When I start reading Dead and Breakfast I won't be able to stop myself from wondering where the 'gems' are hidden. :)
DeleteI definitely have a Star Wars reference or two in my MG book. If you've ever read any Ernest Cline (Ready Player One or Armada) easily 75% of what he writes about is the stuff he loves (80's movies, video games, etc.). I love how deliberate yours are, Carrie... Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome - and Star Wars is a great reference. Especially considering your topic.
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