Write Learn & Publish: Why writers MUST go deep down the emotional rabbit hole
How to write fiction with emotional honesty
By Annette J Beveridge
How deep do writers need to go when writing emotional scenes for a novel? It is an important question because if writers are unable to forge a strong connection with their characters and their experiences, they are missing a trick.
Of course, not every story has to be dark or even dramatic, but characters will have feelings, hopes and dreams. To write fiction that truly connects with readers, writers must be brave enough to go deep on an emotional level. It is about creating a deep connection with the character and experiencing the necessary emotions. The best fiction makes readers feel something real.
Crafting a strong storyline is just one aspect of the writing process. By dipping beneath the surface level, it is possible to perceive the emotional realities that connect us all - the longing, the love or even shame.
Why Depth Matters
Each person experiences similar emotions, so by using them, there is greater conviction during the writing process. Emotion provides an all-important bridge to cover that gap between the reader’s life and the character’s world.
No writer wants their words to have a hollow ring to them, so the solution is to expose their own vulnerability and write from the heart using their own experiences where possible. This is not always easy to do. It may feel uncomfortable, but it is an indicator that it is working.
How to Write with Emotional Depth
Be honest. A writer must understand what they are trying to say.
How well are the characters defined? Know the characters inside out.
Show, don’t tell. The emotion can be revealed through action, body language and expression.
Sometimes, the emotional investment can feel risky, but this is where writers need to go.
Emotions must feel authentic and not forced.
The Reward
Once an emotional connection has been achieved, writers feel those words deeply, too. The story is a shared human experience, which can comfort or challenge.
A story is not set at the surface level; there are always sublayers to any situation, and to connect those layers and expose them to the readers, writers must dive deep. It is about exploring the rich patterns of everyday life while bringing emotions to the fore. There is a far greater sense of satisfaction after doing so.
