a man with a gun in his hand

[marycatelli]

I need a man with a gun in his hand to come through the door, or rather, his fantastical equivalent, suitable for the story. . . or maybe not. . . .

One of the heroine's problems is that the problem she's trying to fix is important but not urgent.  AND -- she's about face a temptation to leave her quest. Or at least dial it way, way, way back. It's very likely that though barely adult when she begins, she could accomplish it at such leisure that she could finish when a grandmother without detriment to the world.

Sending in the fantastical equivalent would shake her up.  OTOH, it might leave her motive a bit weak.

Perhaps I will have her read a book about the possible consequences.

sigh I knew it would be a challenge when the muse suggested the idea.

Comments

[whitefangedwolf.livejournal.com]

If the temptation is for her to put the quest off because she thinks she has her whole life ahead of her to get it done in, maybe the unexpected death of someone young could remind her that nobody really knows how long they'll live.

[marycatelli]

Hmmm. . . maybe. OTOH, it would also discourage her with the thought that she could consume her entire short life with something no one else thinks important.

[whitefangedwolf.livejournal.com]

I see what you mean...

Could she find an ally or two who also thinks the problem is important and work on the problem together?

[marycatelli]

Inspiration struck. . . .

She's going to meet some friendly people who give her information that makes the importance clearer, but what really moves her is someone who offers to -- help.

Setting off all her alarm bells.