 Drama: December 01, 2021 Issue [#11092] |
This week: Why so emotional? Edited by: Lilli 𧿠â  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
 
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
| Whether youâre a novelist, blogger, poet, or writer of short stories, evoking emotions in your readers can make them feel more invested in your characters and the story as a whole. This week we will explore some writing tips to help you write and evoke emotion. |
| ASIN: B000FC0SIM |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99
|
|
Be specific with word choice.
When writing it can be easy to fall into clichĂ© when writing emotions. Even bestselling authors can fall into this trap. How many times have you read the phrase âa single tear fell down her cheekâ or âhis heart skipped a beatâ? These clichĂ©s are such common ways to show emotion that they are almost meaningless. When describing character emotions, be as specific as possible in your word choice and body language. Go through your first draft by yourself or with a writing coach/friend and eliminate phrases or descriptions that feel overused.
Make sure readers identify with the protagonist.
Readers experience emotions through the eyes of the characters. Therefore itâs essential that your protagonist or main character be relatable and sympathetic. The more invested readers are in the character development, backstory, and plot points involving the protagonist, the more theyâll be able to identify with their own emotional experiences. Thatâs why writing your big emotional scene on page one isnât as effective as waiting for the climaxâthe reader needs time to build a relationship with the main character.
Vary your descriptions.
When it comes to emotional writing, itâs not enough to simply relay the characterâs emotions. Readers need to see the effect of the characterâs emotions through their body language, facial expressions, and actions. In other words: show, donât tell. Rather than simply telling us that a character is scared, illustrate the way their body tenses up with fear. Instead of stating that a character is sad, describe their trembling lips and watery eyes. By showing rather than telling, writers are better able to trigger readersâ emotions by allowing them to feel as though they are experiencing what the character is feeling.
Build up to intense emotions for greater impact.
In fiction writing, just like in real life, deep emotions are more memorable than shallow emotions. Unbridled joy is more impactful than fleeting happiness. Aching grief is more intense than minor disappointment. Readers are more likely to share in your main characterâs emotional state if those feelings are strong and passionate. Fiction writers should strive to create scenarios in which their character feels an intense range of emotions.
Try journaling.
The most vivid and relatable character emotions often mirror real-life experiences. Thatâs why keeping a journal can be such a great resource. A journal can help you document your own daily emotional experiences, whether itâs anger, sadness, or joy. Attempt to write down the exact circumstances that led to your emotional response, and be as specific as possible when describing your own emotions. When itâs time to describe your characterâs feelings in your creative writing, refer back to your journal. Try to transfer your own past emotional state into your fiction writing. The more specific your characterâs thoughts and point of view, the greater the emotional impact. |
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2176319 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2261930 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2255793 by Not Available. |
|
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
| ASIN: B004PICKDS |
Product Type: Toys & Games
|
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
|
|
| ASIN: 197380364X |
|
Amazon's Price: $ 15.99
|
|
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction
of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
