Have you ever picked up a novel in which the emotional scenes were as dry as burnt toast? You were unable to experience the emotions the writer was describing? It happens. But only to writers who don't pay attention. I was asked once if my horror novels frightened me? The answer was yes. Because if not, how can you frighten your readers. Whether the scene is describing murder, suspense, or sensual love, if a writer is just putting down words, it shows. One key piece of advice to romance authors years ago was to put yourself in a romantic mood using settings in your home. Work in your favorite room, with your favorite view of the outside world, burn scented candles, play mood music. I wasn't into pure romance novels, so I never tried it. But this is getting at the idea of working within the emotions in your novel. For my horror novels the method employed was different. I could hardly work in a room with a full blown pentagram mid floor, with images of demonic monsters plastering the walls. My method was to enter the novel itself in my mind; play a character in my mind and therefore become part of the story. Only by being a true part of what you're writing can you add those emotions to your manuscript. One good trick is to try and visualize your novel as a movie that plays out in front of you while you're writing it down. Blend in with the characters; join in the ongoing dialogue; take a key part and run with it. Try and visualize the reactions of the other characters to the one you're playing. Are they smirking at your character's opinion? Frowning in dissatisfaction? If they disagree with a point the character you're playing makes, can you use the emotions of the moment to change their minds? Do you feel enough emotion within yourself to make the suggested changes-if any-believable? Because believability is what you're aiming for above all else. You cannot tell your readers to love, hate, admire, despise another character in the novel until you make them experience the emotions themselves. And if you can't pull it off, you need to let go of your basic insecurities and put more of yourself into your work. Don't worry about being made fun of by those who haven't yet mastered the craft. Writing is more than putting words down on paper. And too many writers/authors today fail to realize this important fact. Dare to stand above the crowd. Get involved.
A pat on the back 2 U Dana- lets make that a few! Excellent again with thoughts running in my brain. Thank you for that well thought out detail of story writing... I will take heed- 4 sure! I find it fun-to go into my mind and change who I am at that time! just to make what I write more believable to me -which in turn, will make it more believable to someone else. Feel the fear come up from inside- and run with it- I got it! and writing Poetry is the same- Feel it, see it and write it, w/ descriptive personality! Inspiration B 2 U-Lady,Sheee
Reviewed by Judy Lloyd (Reader)
Reviewed on January 20, 2005
Again I find that there is a great deal of truth in what you write and I take it to heart because what you write helps me tremendously. Thanks again for this wonderful post.
In his many novels, poetry, histories, editorials, plays, and letters, W. E. B. Du Bois poured so much of his blindingly incandescent soul into his writings that no single volume could ever contain all of his words or works. In fact, had not the his
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