Not giving advice here, folks--asking for it!
I suck at the emotional stuff. There, I've said it. I blame my upbringing (not from a touchy-feeling kinda family), my personality (reserved, shy-bordering-on-reclusive), and my occupation (in journalism and public relations, one's lack of visible emotion is something to be praised). In writing fiction? Not so praiseworthy.
Here's my problem. I can show emotion via physical response--hearts pounding, nerves on edge, blah, blah, blah--but that really only gets you so far. When I get inside my characters' heads and start probing around for their emotions and letting them spill onto the page, I feel--hell, I feel all melodrama and soap opera. Hate that. Purple ink.
So I'm trying to find the fine line between death-by-emo and emotional void. Suggestons? Tips? Tricks? Anyone else have this problem?
Hey, FF&P is doing a workshop called How to Write Emotion. It just started today so if you hurry over, you can probably still get in.
ReplyDeleteI'm in it! I'm hoping workshop leader Laurie Sanders can whip me into shape :-) She has her work cut out for her, though.
ReplyDeleteAn author spoke on this topic once as he had been an actor in stage plays, and had to show emotions. Tears were part of one of the scenes, and at first, he could dredge them up over his dog having died. But then, they were gone. And he had to continually think of other sad events that helped him "feel" the emotion. When something happens that gives you joy,or makes you grieve, or wears you out, take notes. Sometimes you can use these experiences adapted to your story. :) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Terry. Hard to dredge up those painful episodes, but it would be a great way to channel some deep feelings, especially sadness. Now, anxiety and stress I can do :-(
ReplyDeleteSuzanne,
ReplyDeleteDig a little bit deeper and you'll be fine.
I have the problem writing emotional action tags. The opposite of you.
Dawn