This week, I'm in the middle of revisions on my February, 2013 release IN FROM THE COLD and am dealing with an issue that is a constant in writing, especially when writing romance—going as deeply into a character's emotions as possible. Readers react to emotion. The problem comes in making sure the emotion exists without hitting the reader over the head with it.
An author has to dig deeply into a character and then, when it seems that enough has been done, go back and delve further. It requires that a writer call on imagination and memory and constant observation of the human race.
How would I feel if...? This one is hard. When I'm dealing with something new to me, it takes all of my powers of imagination to conjure up...not the right response, so much as the best one for a particular character. So, I have to try to make the emotion universal so the reader can empathize, but also specific to this character, so the reader can learn more about this person and identify.
Remember when that person you thought was a good friend betrayed you? Delve into that. Boy, is that ever hard—reaching into old memories, especially bad ones that I more often than not would rather forget or leave buried. Writers are called on to dig them up and examine them, remember how they felt to live through, and then bleed those experiences onto the page as though cutting into an artery.
What on earth is that girl feeling right now? People watching is a treasure trove of fodder for the writer. Whether on the street or in a coffee shop or in the neighbourhood, the faces of the people around us can convey so much. A fraction of an animated conversation overheard can set off all kinds of ideas in the writer.
Two of my favourite authors who never cease to engage my emotions are LaVyrle Spencer and Deborah Smith.
Which authors do you read who know how to elicit an emotional response from you, who know how to delve deeply into a character's soul, but never make you feel manipulated? Who do you learn from?
13 comments:
Most recently it would have to be Jean Brashear - her last two Supers(On His Honor and A Life Rebuilt) really pulled me in.
MarcieR
Mary, emotion is my favorite part of a book. If there is emotion on every page, I'm there. The first book I ever remember reading that held me captive was Up Periscope, by Robb White. I rarely take the time to read a fiction book more than once, but I did this one. Of course, I had much more time then, I was a kid.
Good choice, Marcie ;-)
Mary, I know what you mean about not having the time we once had to read books more than once. When a book is worthy of a second look, it can feel like a dear friend.
Up Periscope sounds great. I must check it out. I love stories about the Second World War. A couple of my favourites were Gone To Soldiers by Marge Piercy and Armageddon by Leon Uris about the Berlin Airlift.
I love lavyler spence 's book too especially morning glory :)
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand was the first book that absorbed me so deeply I actually threw it across the room at a particularly poignant scene. Not because I was disgusted. On the contrary, my emotions were so high, I had to DO something. As I'm normally a fairly even-tempered soul, imagine the look of surprise on my husband's face:-)
I'm STILL sitting on the last book in Karen Marie Moning's Fever series because I want to go back and read it from the beginning.
Unfortunately, I have yet to find that kind of time :?
Mary, you make such a great point--if the writer doesn't feel it, then the reader probably won't either. I recently read Sharla Lovelace's "The Reason is You" and oh, my gosh, what a tear-jerker--in a good way. :-) Kristin Hannah and Jodi Picoult also have a knack for making me emotional. I've never heard of Deborah Smith, Mary--I'll have to check her out!
Eli, Morning Glory is my favourite LaVyrle Spencer!!!
Pamela, I can just imagine your husband wondering what had got into you ;-)
Rogenna, I've never read Karen Marie Moning but have heard sooo much good about her I'lll have to pick her up soon.
Kathy, I'll check for The Reason is You at the library. I love Kristin Hannah, too. She's amazing. I read my first Jodi Picoult last week and I'll be picking up more of her books in the future!
My favourite Deborah Smith is A Place to Call Home. It blew my socks off the first time I read it and I've read it again a couple of more times since then.
I think most of our super authors are really good at pulling you into the story. Some books more than others, some authors more than others, but I wouldn't read them if they didn't pull me in :)
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