I’ve been working on a piece that includes death scene. I’m not talking about a shooting or stabbing death, but a death caused by cancer. Death scenes can be tricky, especially in these circumstances. If you’re having a character killed off you just have them shot or stabbed and there’s a moment of dying then that’s it.
But in this instance the character is in a hospital spending her last moments with her loving husband. Yeah, I cried all the way through writing the scene which took several days. It was mentally and physically draining. The scene spanned a chapter or two as this was a pivotal point of the story line. It sets the scenarios for the rest of the book. And no it’s not a tear jerker all the way through. It’s a really sweet romance from start to finish.
The main character is just such an amazing man. He’s so full of Faith, family and love that you can’t help but fall in love with him. I’ve cried with him, laughed with him and now it’s at another pivotal life changing event and I’ve just sat and sighed with him. Let’s just say it’s going to pull you up in your seat.
In a death scene such as this, you have to be careful. I wanted the death scene to flow easily but not too quickly. The emotions and the last words are pivotal in the mechanics of the main characters decisions later on. Yes, I even put some romance in the death scene which is hard to do, but with these two it’s easy. Their love was immense and totally empowering.
It’s also a little eye opening for my own life. I’ve lost so many family and friends to cancer so it was a little sad. It also made me think of my own immortality. How would I handle my last minutes on earth? Could I be as brave as Rachel? Would I be a complete mess? How would I handle my last moments with my child and my husband? It’s something to think about. I spent a little time digging into my own heart. It was a reality check for sure.
As always, good writing and May God Bless you…
Stephanie Hurt - Romance Author 
Interesting… definitely something to think about. I am aware of my own mortality but sometimes you feel it more than others. It’s strange how writing and using your imagination can take you to emotional places like that.
Of course I put immortality 🙂 I guess I’ve been writing too long that I now think I’m immortal. LOL… Writing and using your imagination really throws you for an emotional roller coaster. Enjoy your day Elaine 🙂
You too! 🙂
I would love to read it. I have cancer and I get scared of gets that lady moment will be like. I thought if writing about my personal experience but it’s truly sad and draining. Love I your blog.
Thank you. I’m sorry for your misfortune. I’ve pulled emotions from the loved ones that I’ve lost due to cancer. It’s such a nasty disease and I tried to bring about the hope that loved ones have at times like this. Good luck with your journey friend.