By David McFarland Surprising Emotions When I was thirteen, I met my grandfather for the first time, and he told me about his life in the Mafia. “I ran whorehouses and gambling joints in the Midwest, for more than thirty years,” he said, “mainly from Detroit down into … [Read more...] about Surprising Emotions: How Will Your Character React?
Search Results for: how to show emotion
Description 911: Over Expressed Emotions
Because this blog is all about flexing our descriptive skills, I wanted to touch on something I see from time to time when I critique: too much emotional showing. Emotions can be the most difficult to convey (this is why Becca and I built the Emotion Thesaurus!) Not only do we need to express … [Read more...] about Description 911: Over Expressed Emotions
How to Show Flirting Between Characters
Flirting--a smile, a joke, a quick touch that is so much more than what it appears to be. It can instantly forge a connection between two strangers, or escalate a friendship. For some, their mad skillz in attraction gives them the pick of the room, while others break out in hives at the … [Read more...] about How to Show Flirting Between Characters
Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Resignation
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Resignation
Emotion Thesaurus Addendum: Wariness
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Addendum: Wariness
Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Defensive
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Defensive
Emotion Thesaurus Addendum: Energetic
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Addendum: Energetic
Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Desire
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Desire
Expressing Cardinal Emotions: Masculine vs. Feminine
We thought since we've profiled 130 different emotions and their physical and mental cues in The Emotion Thesaurus, we'd take a look at some of the Cardinal Emotions, and some generalized differences you may see between how males and females (or those who identify with one of these genders) may … [Read more...] about Expressing Cardinal Emotions: Masculine vs. Feminine
Emotion Thesaurus Addendum: Pain (Physical)
If you want to add tension and complication, an Emotional Amplifier might be just the ticket. This companion to The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression is a body language tool for describing your character’s pain, stress, illness, hunger, dehydration, attraction, and other … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Addendum: Pain (Physical)
Emotion Thesaurus Addendum: Hunger
If you want to add tension and complication, an Emotional Amplifier might be just the ticket. This companion to The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression is a body language tool for describing your character’s pain, stress, illness, hunger, dehydration, attraction, and other … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Addendum: Hunger
Emotion Thesaurus Addendum: Exhaustion
If you want to add tension and complication, an Emotional Amplifier might be just the ticket. This companion to The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression is a body language tool for describing your character’s pain, stress, illness, hunger, dehydration, attraction, … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Addendum: Exhaustion