How to Get Emotion Onto The Page By Lisa Cron

Get Emotion onto the Page: How to Write the Stories That Sell

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In the world of storytelling, emotion serves as the lifeblood of narratives, driving readers to connect with characters, situations, and ultimately, the story itself. Lisa Cron’s insightful book, Get Emotion on the Page: How to Write the Stories That Sell, dives into the intricate relationship between emotion and storytelling. It highlights that the stories we tell are not merely a sequence of events; rather, they hinge upon the emotional journeys that characters navigate. This piece will explore key elements from Cron’s work, illustrating the techniques and perspectives that can elevate storytelling and engage readers on a profound emotional level.

Understanding Emotion

Emotion is more than a mere backdrop in storytelling; it is the primary force that propels the narrative forward. Lisa Cron explicates this concept by emphasizing that readers do not just want to know what is happening in the story they want to feel what the characters are experiencing. When readers connectwith the emotional layers of a narrative, they are much more likely to remain engaged and invested throughout its course.

The emotional journey of a story lies in its ability to evoke feelings of joy, sadness, fear, or empathy from the audience. For instance, a character facing the loss of a loved one can stir feelings of heartache in the reader, but only if the narrative accurately encapsulates the character’s internal conflict and outward expression of grief. Cron encourages writers to craft stories that delve into these emotional depths. Doing so creates a bridge between the characters and the audience, allowing for a shared experience that resonates long after the final page is turned.

To illustrate this further, consider how two authors might present a character dealing with a traumatic event. One author might summarize the events in a few brief sentences, while the other dives deeply into the character’s internal thoughts and sensory experiences. The latter approach not only describes the events but shows the reader how those events feel in a visceral way. Thus, understanding and harnessing emotion becomes the backbone of compelling storytelling.

The Role of Story

Moving beyond mere events, stories are vehicles for the emotional experiences of characters. Cron discusses how effective storytelling transcends the plot to prioritize the internal landscape of characters, giving readers access to their thoughts, motivations, and feelings. This focus on emotional truth is what breathes life into narratives, moving them from simply being entertaining tales to profound reflections on the human experience.

An emotional story is akin to a richly woven tapestry, where each thread represents a character’s feelings, struggles, and triumphs. To evoke genuine emotion in readers, writers must cultivate a rich understanding of their characters’ emotional arcs. They should consider questions such as: What fears haunt the character? What desires drive their every action? What conflicts do they wish to resolve? Each answer contributes to a more nuanced portrayal, drawing readers deeper into the character’s experience.

This approach can be likened to peeling layers of an onion: with each layer uncovered, the reader gains a clearer picture of the character’s emotional state. This not only enhances the story but also enables readers to develop a sense of attachment to the characters. A well-crafted story resonates with readers, as they come to appreciate not just what happens, but the emotional significance of those events.

Crafting Relatable Characters

Creating characters that resonate with readers involves a profound exploration of their emotional landscapes. Cron advocates for deep emotional exploration in character development a vital aspect of connecting with the audience. If a character feels real and relatable, readers are more likely to root for them, sympathize with their struggles, and celebrate their victories.

One effective technique for crafting relatable characters is to compose detailed backstories that inform the character’s present emotional state. This exploration can be categorized into key components:

Essential Components of Character Development:

• Backstory: Understanding their history helps shape their current emotional responses.
• Motivations: What drives the character? Are they motivated by love, revenge, or redemption?
• Fears: Acknowledging what the character is afraid of can set the stage for real stakes and tension.
• Desires: What does the character long for? Their desires should be compelling and relatable.

By investing time in detailing these aspects, writers forge connections between characters and their readers. This connection is pivotal in eliciting emotional empathy, as it allows the audience to recognize reflections of their own experiences in the characters’ stories.

Using Specific Techniques

In her book, Cron provides a variety of practical exercises and techniques that writers can utilize to uncover the emotional core of their stories. These techniques ensure that the emotional threads are woven throughout the narrative, creating a cohesive and gripping tale.

Key Techniques for Eliciting Emotion:

1. Character Journals: Encourage writers to write from their character’s perspective; this can reveal hidden emotions and motivations.
2. Sensory Details: Utilize vivid descriptions that engage the five senses, making the emotional experience tangible.
3. Dialogue Exploration: Focus on how characters express their feelings through dialogue; authentic conversation can convey deep emotion.
4. Emotional Climax: Plan pivotal moments where characters confront their biggest fears and desires, leading toward dramatic emotional resolutions.

By employing these techniques, writers can strip away superficial storytelling and reveal genuine emotional engagement. Get Emotion on the Page encourages writers to dig deep into their characters’ psyches, ultimately enriching their narratives with layers of emotional impact.

The Importance of Conflict

Conflict is an essential ingredient in storytelling that naturally provokes emotional responses. Cron posits that to captivate readers, a story must present high-stakes situations that challenge characters, thereby eliciting a spectrum of emotions that resonate with the audience.

The essence of conflict:

• External Conflict: External forces, such as societal pressures or antagonistic characters, challenge the protagonist, thereby revealing their inner strength or fragility.
• Internal Conflict: Characters grappling with their inner demons often create a fracture between who they are and who they wish to become, eliciting deeper empathy from the reader.
• Moral Conflict: Characters facing ethical dilemmas offer a compelling tension that prompts readers to reflect on their own values.

For example, a character torn between loyalty and ambition can generate suspense and emotional investment. This internal struggle mirrors real-life dilemmas, inviting readers to reflect on their own choices. By embedding conflict into a narrative, writers fulfill Cron’s goal of crafting stories that evoke not just understanding but also a deeply felt emotional engagement.

Showing, Not Telling

One of the most significant pieces of advice Cron offers is the principle of “showing, not telling.” Instead of merely stating emotions, writers should harness the power of vivid imagery and sensory details to create scenes that evoke feelings, allowing readers to experience emotions alongside the characters.

Techniques for Showing:

• Vivid Imagery: Use descriptive language that engages the five senses.
• Physical Reactions: Describe how characters physically react through body language, such as clenched fists, trembling hands, or a racing heart.
• Symbolism: Objects or settings can symbolize emotions, adding a layer of depth to the narrative.

For instance, rather than stating that a character felt scared, a writer might describe how the character’s palms grew clammy and their breath quickened as they heard footsteps approaching. This technique pulls readers into the character’s emotional experience and allows them to viscerally react to the narrative’s tension. By illustrating emotions rather than naming them, the writing transcends conventional storytelling and creates an unforgettable experience.

The Reader’s Experience

The ultimate goal of Get Emotion on the Page is to arm writers with the tools necessary to craft stories that resonate emotionally, ensuring readers find themselves invested in both the plot and the characters’ journeys. The inclusion of emotional depth transforms a story from a mere escapade to a profound exploration of the human experience.

Consider the difference between a novel that entertains and one that lingers in the mind long after reading. Stories that effectively incorporate emotion resonate with readers, prompting them to reflect on their own lives, struggles, and triumphs. This kind of connection fosters a lasting impact the hallmark of exemplary storytelling.

In conclusion, Lisa Cron’s book provides invaluable insights into the importance of emotion in storytelling. By understanding the emotional journeys characters undertake, exploring internal landscapes, crafting relatable characters, employing specific techniques, embodying conflict, showing rather than telling, and focusing on the reader’s experience, writers can create compelling narratives that not only captivate but profoundly move their audiences. As writers embrace these principles, they pave the path to enriching their storytelling skills and crafting a legacy that resonates deeply through the realms of literature.

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