Adrift in life like feathers floating,
you are here yet there and never knowing
what is wanted when you step.
Your words are candy in my ears,
but your eyes are seeing throughout past years
of hardship, angst, and strength.
Tag: Emotions
Emotion Felt Often
What positive emotion do you feel most often?
I would have to go with happiness and contentment.
Identifying with Characters
When I’m reading a book, I like to be able to identify with the main character(s), empathize, get to know them, and miss them when the book is finished. This means the author must create them in such a way that they become ‘real’ to the reader. I know, that might sound silly to some, but it isn’t.
To start, the main character(s) is introduced at the beginning of the book (typically in chapter one). Then, throughout the book this same character will or should convey their feelings. Now this should be done in such a way that not only tells the reader how they’re feeling without literally telling them but also show how they’re feeling. This humanizes them and makes them real to us (the reader). (See linked article at the end of this post)
Throwing situations at your main character that draws out these emotions is the key. BUT make sure the emotion(s) fit the situation. You don’t want your male who is madly in love with his girl friend to lack in devastation if she breaks it off with him. This will cause us readers to roll our eyes. You don’t want that.
You want to hook your readers not repel them. Do everything you can to draw them in to your story world with your characters by their side. Make them your readers’ best friend.
For more on character emotions, please refer to my blog post Emotions from April 28, 2021.
The Dark
Standing in the dark, does your imagination run wild? Yes? Good…let it. It will serve you well. Add to that the pack of tense, fearful emotions felt at the time. Remember the experience as you’re living it. Then write it down to use it later in a story.
Adding Humor
It’s said that in fiction there must be a pet-the-dog moment. These are times within the story where the protagonist (main character), pets a dog (or other vulnerable creature). What this does is sympathizes your main character. At the same time, if the the pet-the-dog moment is done just right, it will add suspense to the scene or the story as a whole. I have done this with the books I’ve written/published. But…..
I like to also add some humor, kind of sprinkled here and there. What this does is show your MC has a sense of humor as well. In addition, it should also add to your scene (see example below the next paragraph).
Below is an example of humor from my new novel The Cross’s Key. My main character, Kyle Stevens, is trying to glean information from one of the other characters who is being rather difficult or evasive. He does a good job of getting what he wants, while creating humor for the reader at he same time.
Why did you not ask it that way before?”
“My other three brothers would have understood what I was asking,” Kyle spat out. “Now, answer my question. Unless you don’t know. If that’s the case, admit you’re ignorant and send me on my way.” The increase in irritation caused his abdomen to rumble. The result was a noise he hadn’t intended.
“Really, you chose now to pass wind?”
Realizing Jarron must be trying to get on his nerves, Kyle relaxed and chose not to play that game anymore. “Yes, I chose now to pass wind, and I’ll continue to do so unless you answer my question.” For a minute, no one spoke. Then, “I can do this all day,” responded Kyle with a cheesy grin.
Do you have to do this every time? No. Only when I feel the need for it. At the same time, I want my readers to get a chuckle/giggle while they’re reading. s
The Last Goodbye
Describe the last difficult “goodbye” you said.
A guy friend of mine and I used to work together. Something cane up and he had to quit. It devastated me. We enjoyed working together. It was fun.
Connections by L. M. Montes
Like a deluge you stormed my heart,
yet gentle as a lamb you did impart
your mind upon my soul’s being
with emotion’s droplets,
forever leaning.
Hours raced and flew on by us,
creating meaning so momentous,
instilling self within my mind,
foretelling secrets,
intertwined.
Played by L. M. Montes
A sparkle sprinkled through the day,
when welcomed touch you sent my way,
I turned and looked into your eyes,
there love’s wonder made me sigh.
But was it love or just a lie,
to raise emotions up so high,
then throw them down and cast away,
never to love another day.
Words of Depicting Emotion
I’ve talked about emotions before and how to convey them within the story text. But here are some lists of helpful words depicting various emotions instead of using the word(s) confused, sad, strong, happy, angry, surprised, energized, hurt, confident, and fearful:
Confusion
doubtful
embarrassed
lost
hesitant
bewilderment
flustered
perplexed
puzzlement
unsettled
dumbfounding
Sad
crushed
depressed
upset
heavy
mournful
bitter
melancholy
dismal
gloom
glum
heartsick
Strong
secure
sure
certain
ambitious
aggressive
willful
compelling
effectiveness
hardy
dynamic
tenacious
Happy
joyful
optimistic
content
grateful
glad
cheerful
elated
convivial
exultant
jolly
lively
Anger
agitated
perturbed
hateful
furious
livid
mad
bitter
critical
raging
resentful
outraged
disgusted
Surprise
astounded
astonished
amazed
awed
bewildered
curious
marvel
shocked
epiphany
wonderment
eye-opener
unforeseen
unexpected
Energized
active
animated
spirited
healthy
vibrant
renewed
invigorated
inspired
determined
Hurt
betrayed
damaged
abused
rejected
punished
shook
sore
crushed
distressed
disturbed
Confident
assured
convinced
sure
hopeful
sanguine
prepared
successful
brave
certain
Fear
anxiety
scared
terrified
dread
agitated
vulnerable
alarm
angst
fright
distress
foreboding
discomposure
panic
Writing Growth
Your growth as a writer is important. After all, the better you get, the better your story/poem will be. When that happens, your reader response goes up. You also want to please others with your writing and getting better at it will accomplish that. Below are some ways to advance your writing skilks:
- Write Everyday: You might not feel like writing everyday, but if you write something…anything for just 5 to 10 minutes, it’s still something. Oftentimes, that 5 to 10 minutes turns out to be longer without you realizing it. What writing everyday is doing is getting you into a habit. Great! That’s what you want.
- Use Writing Prompts: These are particularly useful when you don’t know what to write about. Plus, if you don’t feel like writing, it’s a great way to get you writing something. Keep in mind, 1 prompt can be used for a number of different stories/poems. The internet is full of writing promt list. Just type that into Google Search
- Get Feedback: I know, no one likes to be told they need improvement. We all enjoy hearing how good we are. BUT…hearing how you can improve will raise you to that next level.
- Read from the Best: Read works from some of the best authors you enjoy reading. Do not copy them, but learn from their stylistic choices. Then use what you learn to improve YOUR style.
- Take Classes/Courses: Talk about beneficial. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and sharpen your skills as a writer in a more in depth manner.
- Read Books about Writing: There are so many books out there on the subject of writing. Whether you are writing fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, you can find books on the different aspects that go into each. From story structure to learning how to incorporate emotions into your characters. These books will help you. Some of them even have exercises so you can practice.
Have fun with your writing growth journey. I promise you it will be a great adventure in and of itself.
WRITE TIME AND AGAIN 