Of Fiction: The Emotional Craft
Use involuntary reactions (the prickle of sweat, the sudden chill, the buzzing in the ears) to signal high stakes before the character even processes them.
Avoid "He felt," "She noticed," or "He thought." Removing these filters puts the reader directly inside the character’s nervous system. Filtered: He felt the room grow cold. Immersive: A sharp chill cut through his sweater. 3. Subtext: The Power of What Isn't Said The Emotional Craft of Fiction
Use long, flowing, multi-clausal sentences that meander, mirroring a mind that is lost or heavy. 6. The "So What?" Factor (Stakes) Use involuntary reactions (the prickle of sweat, the
This guide explores how to move beyond "describing" feelings to building an immersive emotional experience for your reader. 1. The Core Principle: Resonance over Reportage Immersive: A sharp chill cut through his sweater
We don't cry because a character is sad; we cry because we know exactly what that character lost and how much they cared about it.
The environment should reflect or contrast the character's internal state.
Emotion only lands if the reader understands what is at risk.
This is a great message for me to hear, for all of us to hear who are “doing art” and sometimes wonder if it will ever be good enough to share. There is the idea of doing art just for oneself, to use it as a therapeutic process, which is beneficial for sure, but your perspective gives me another motivation to actually share my work with someone(s). As always, Thank you for your wisdom and encouragement.
I just ordered your new book for myself. Merry Christmas to me!
Maybe I’m late to the party- but have you ever thought about or actually ever made autographed bookplates that we can purchase for our books? I would love to have your signature inside my copy. 😊
I loved this message. I have greatly enjoyed your essays and this one went straight to my heart. Thank you.