In this episode, I’m sharing 3 techniques to master emotions in your story. So you can move readers in a way that stays with them long after they finish your pages. A story they can’t stop thinking and talking about.
Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”
Episode at a glance:
[03:05] When a story truly moves us, it’s not because of beautiful writing or a strong voice. It’s not because of what happens on the plot level. Certainly, we want all those things. But those things on their own, don’t move us emotionally. What makes a story unputdownable and unforgettable is that the reader goes on an emotional journey of his or her own. They don’t just feel for your characters they feel with your characters.
[05:46] Think Big. Write Small.
Often writers will write large emotions like love, grief, anger, joy, jealousy, etc. too directly, or melodramatically. And that short circuits the reader’s desire to feel it. The secret is to use restraint and get at those big emotions aslant, through small emotionally loaded details.
[09:50] Emotional Surprise.
You want to go against what readers’ expectations of what a character would feel in any given situation. At the same time the emotion should feel true to the character. Learn how to write against reader expectations.
[14:25] Select 1 setting detail as a reflective element
Often writers will use setting details for mere decoration or atmosphere. Using a particular setting detail – rain for example – can reflect a character’s emotions and even track their emotional journey.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Episode 180: Show, Don’t Tell: Your Top Questions Answered
One Day by David Nicholls
Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts.
“I love Writer Unleashed!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show. This helps me support more writers — just like you —to bring the story burning in their imagination onto the page. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. It’s chock full of writing tips and inspiration every Tuesday. Follow now!
Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support with your writing? Click here to join our FREE Private Facebook Community.
Subscribe to Writer Unleashed and never miss an episode.
In this episode, I’m sharing 3 techniques to master emotions in your story. So you can move readers in a way that stays with them long after they finish your pages. A story they can’t stop thinking and talking about.
Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”
Episode at a glance:
[03:05] When a story truly moves us, it’s not because of beautiful writing or a strong voice. It’s not because of what happens on the plot level. Certainly, we want all those things. But those things on their own, don’t move us emotionally. What makes a story unputdownable and unforgettable is that the reader goes on an emotional journey of his or her own. They don’t just feel for your characters they feel with your characters.
[05:46] Think Big. Write Small.
Often writers will write large emotions like love, grief, anger, joy, jealousy, etc. too directly, or melodramatically. And that short circuits the reader’s desire to feel it. The secret is to use restraint and get at those big emotions aslant, through small emotionally loaded details.
[09:50] Emotional Surprise.
You want to go against what readers’ expectations of what a character would feel in any given situation. At the same time the emotion should feel true to the character. Learn how to write against reader expectations.
[14:25] Select 1 setting detail as a reflective element
Often writers will use setting details for mere decoration or atmosphere. Using a particular setting detail – rain for example – can reflect a character’s emotions and even track their emotional journey.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Episode 180: Show, Don’t Tell: Your Top Questions Answered
One Day by David Nicholls
Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts.
“I love Writer Unleashed!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show. This helps me support more writers — just like you —to bring the story burning in their imagination onto the page. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. It’s chock full of writing tips and inspiration every Tuesday. Follow now!
Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support with your writing? Click here to join our FREE Private Facebook Community.
Subscribe to Writer Unleashed and never miss an episode.
In this episode, I’m sharing 3 techniques to master emotions in your story. So you can move readers in a way that stays with them long after they finish your pages. A story they can’t stop thinking and talking about.
Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”
Episode at a glance:
[03:05] When a story truly moves us, it’s not because of beautiful writing or a strong voice. It’s not because of a great plot. Certainly, we want all those things. But those things on their own, don’t move us emotionally. What makes a story unputdownable and unforgettable is that the reader goes on an emotional journey of his or her own. They don’t just feel for your characters they feel with your characters.
[05:46] Think Big. Write Small.
Often writers will write large emotions like love, grief, anger, joy, jealousy, etc. too directly, or melodramatically. And that short circuits the reader’s desire to feel it. The secret is to use restraint and get at those big emotions aslant, through small emotionally loaded details.
[09:50] Emotional Surprise.
You want to go against readers’ expectations of what a character would feel in any given situation. At the same time the emotion should feel true to the character. You’ll learn how to thwart readers’ expectations while conveying emotion that feels true.
[14:25] Select one setting detail as a reflective element.
Often writers will use setting details for mere decoration or atmosphere. Using a particular setting detail – rain for example – can reflect a character’s emotions and even track their emotional journey.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Episode 180: Show, Don’t Tell: Your Top Questions Answered
One Day by David Nicholls
Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts.
“I love Writer Unleashed!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show. This helps me support more writers — just like you —to bring the story burning in their imagination onto the page. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. It’s chock full of writing tips and inspiration every Tuesday. Follow now!