In the world of cinema and literature, what audiences often see is the polished end product. Very few people know the challenges that unfold behind the scenes. A prime example is the Jaws animatronic, intended to instill terror. Instead, what was scary was how badly it malfunctioned.
During the filming of Jaws, the mechanical shark, named "Bruce" after Steven Spielberg's lawyer, was a groundbreaking attempt at special effects. However, Bruce was unreliable in the salty seawater and broke down often. Spielberg faced a dilemma: continue with the faulty shark or find a new approach. His solution? To suggest the shark's presence through music and camera angles. These choices ended up changing suspense in cinema.
Similarly, I faced my own "Bruce" while rewriting my second book in the Shiver series, These Boots Are Made for Killing. The initial drafts, much like the early tests of Bruce, showed promise but ultimately didn’t function as needed. The narrative was there but wasn’t as believable as I wanted it to be. The decision to shelve the original manuscript and start fresh was a tough and necessary choice.
Both scenarios teach the same lesson: sometimes, the path to success is littered with failures that require creative rethinking. I learned that rewriting isn’t just about making do with what’s on the page; it’s about re-envisioning the story to captivate and thrill.
Every creator faces moments when it seems easier to give up than to keep pushing through. But it's those moments that can define our paths. Whether writing a novel, making a film, or tackling any creative project, persistence can lead to unexpected success.
Have you faced a "Bruce" in your projects? How did you navigate those waters? Share your stories in the comments and remember to keep on shivering!
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