Our emotions and physical condition certainly influence our moods and in turn our writing. Strong emotions, such as anger or depression subdue our creativity while feelings of love and happiness enhance it. If we are suffering an illness, our mind is filled with pain, discomfort or tiredness. Our concentration is in short supply or our focus limited. To pour out these feelings in words can dispel some of them.
As writers, we learn to use these emotional insights to the benefit of our craft. It gives us an idea how our characters may react to a certain situation and thus breathes life into our stories. Of course when we are in the midst of these feelings they are possibly too raw to even contemplate using but as with all things time heals. Jot down how it felt to be angry, shocked, sad, joyful or happy.
Did your body feel different?
Was your mind erratic or focused?
When the feeling passed, what changes did you notice?
When you can look back at that emotion and look deeply into it, it is there we find inspiration – it will strengthen our writing – and also (hopefully) help resolve barriers in character development.For example, after feeling angry does your 'action' scene have more impact? Did you channel the forceful nature of your feelings into your characters? Or when relaxed and comfortable can you imagine a characters reflection on a certain subject better?
How do you find your emotional state affects your writing?
Have you used a personal emotion to good effect in your writing?
Did an emotion inspire a story?
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I appreciate your comments about emotions impacting our writing.
I am, however, writing a book about the emotions we experience through the process and content of our writing. The working title is Ecstasy Through Agony: The Writer’s Odyssey. I would welcome any comments you might send me that I could include in the book.
Hi Steve, there are a multitude of emotions when writing a book from the excitement of a new story idea, to the immersion into characters and settings to the drudge of the editing and revisions and finally the joy of seeing it in print. There is also the effect on the author of the actual subject matter within the narrative. We relate and use personal experiences and in doing so can relive those emotions to give more depth to our narrative. I hope this helps, but please reach out again if you need more. Mandy
thank you
You are welcome
Yes, so true. I am waiting on a call from my Vet today and as I sit here watching my fur baby slip slowly into the spirit world, I can’t even begin to work on my novel. It will have to wait until I am over this emotional roller coaster. And, I won’t allow him to suffer, I just need the diagnosis to know what’s really going on.
Oh Peggy, I am so sorry. I know that pain only too well – hugs and love to you. The words can wait until your heart heals.