Writing Tips, Part 3: How Are You Making Readers Feel?

We never want to write a shallow story void of emotions or descriptions. Not only would our stories be boring to our readers, but we would also be ripping people off. Readers have invested time and money in you, so reward them with something that moves them. 

• Google search images. Sometimes envisioning a place or object can be difficult, bogging down the already tedious writing process. A little trick I've used is searching online for images of locations and objects. This will allow you to see the intricacies and details of an object or place, giving your story more depth and vision, and allowing your readers to envision your scenes more deeply. This may be a fair opportunity to use AI. Don't cringe, hear me out. If you have a scene of a monster with fangs, wild hair, and bloodshot eyes, or some weird upside-down world, us an AI generator to create the image and then describe it in your story.

• Breathing, living locations. Another great way to draw in readers is by using all the senses. Describe the smells, sounds, sights. Do they cause the characters to sneeze, squint, sweat or tremble? "Show, don't tell," is often used as a writing technique. It can be tricky at times to not fall into the trap of telling, to be fair, it's easier. But if we can learn to show, the rewards will be greater.

• Reading. Someone said, "You can't be a writer if you're not a reader." This may be true, not sure, but who am I to question Stephen King? But reading can definitely inspire and teach you the art of writing and also broaden your vocabulary. I am a huge reader and currently have all forms of books going at once. Audiobook, paperback and e-book. I have gleaned countless tips and inspiration from the books and writers I explore.

• "Kill your darlings." Don't be afraid to kill people off. Think about it this way, how do you feel when one of your favorite character dies in a book or film? You're devastated, angry, sad, right? And THAT'S how you affect your readers. Yank at their heart strings. Make them FEEL your story. Make them cry, make them hate you. Punch them in the face. Make them love you.

Reading should be a journey, an experience, an escape. And in order to transport your readers to your world, all their senses and emotions should be plugged into your narrative. Reading isn't just about the words on the page but sharing all the flavors, colors, and feelings of what's in your head with your readers. So, you should always ask yourself, "How are you making readers feel?"

Robbie Sheerin is a Scottish-born author currently based in the United States. He has written five books, along with numerous short stories, published across a range of print and digital platforms. His books are available on Amazon, and more about his work can be found at www.robbiesheerinwriter.com.