Mastering Emotion in Writing: Proven Tips to Make Your Readers Feel Every Word

What makes a book linger in a reader’s memory long after they’ve turned the final page? Often, it’s not just the plot twists or the richly described settings, but the emotions it evokes. The books we love most are the ones that make us feel—whether it’s joy, sorrow, anger, or fear. Crafting powerful emotional moments in your writing isn’t just a skill; it’s an art. In this post, we’ll dive into strategies to master emotional storytelling and leave your readers feeling every word.

Why is it important to write with emotion?

Emotions are the beating heart of fiction. They infuse life into characters, give depth to plots, and create a profound connection with readers. Emotions have this incredible ability to tap into the human experience on a deep level. When we read about a character's joy, pain, or fear, it makes us feel something, too. It's like going on an emotional rollercoaster ride alongside them! When we can touch the hearts of our readers, we leave a lasting impact on their lives, which is why in this post, we’re discussing how to write emotion into your story naturally.

Tips to convey emotion in writing

Lay your emotional groundwork

What kind of story are you writing? That will impact what types of deep emotions you want to make your readers feel. Think about the mood you want to create—is it all about heartwarming love, spine-chilling fear, or maybe a mix of excitement and anxiety? Whatever it is, pinpoint those emotions that'll resonate with your readers. Also, consider the theme and/or genre of your novel. Are you writing about betrayal and revenge? You’ll want to tap into hurt, anger, and similar emotions in your writing. If you’re writing a romance, then you may want to look at emotions like joy, elation, and maybe even lust.

Build emotional depth in your characters

Well-developed characters are like the soul of your story. They're the ones who pull at our heartstrings, make us laugh, cry, and root for their success. So, it's essential to invest time in creating characters that feel real and relatable. To do that, dig deep into their lives and give them layered backstories and motivations. Think about what drives them, what their flaws or wounds are. What challenges or achievements have shaped who they are and what they desire? These rich layers make them more than just words on a page; they become living, breathing beings that your readers can't help but care about.

Emotional depth doesn’t just come from external challenges; it’s often the result of internal conflict. For example, Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere explores themes of identity and belonging through characters like Mia and Elena. Their opposing worldviews and personal struggles create layered emotional arcs that drive the story forward.

Show emotion through body language

You're likely already familiar with the tip, “show, don’t tell.”When it comes to writing emotions in your story, you want to show and tell. Physical gestures are like the secret sauce to revealing emotions. Instead of just telling readers, "She was sad," show it through her drooping shoulders, teary eyes, and shaky voice. But what you can tell is your character's internal thoughts and feelings that complement the external cues you're showing. This combination of showing and telling can create a deeper emotional impact on your readers, allowing them to connect with the character on a more intimate level.

In The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, Starr’s emotions are vividly shown through her physical cues during a confrontation with the police:

I fight to find my voice. "He didn't mean—"

"Hands on the dashboard!" the officer barks at me. "Don't move!"

I do what he tells me, but my hands are shaking too much to be still.

These physical descriptions of what Starr is experiencing create an emotional response in the reader, and are far more powerful than simply stating, “She was scared.”

Remember to choose words that evoke emotions—the chill of fear, the warmth of love, or the thrill of excitement. Don't forget to add sensory details to set the mood—the smell of fresh-baked cookies right out of the oven, the distant hum of a bustling city, or the cold, wet feel of raindrops on your skin. One note of warning, though— beware of clichés!  Instead, embrace unique emotional expressions that make your characters stand out. 

Evoke emotion through dialogue

Authentic and powerful dialogue can speak volumes about your character’s emotions. Let your characters talk like real people and use language that fits their personality and the situation they're in. Consider the POV you’re writing from and how your character feels in the scene. Depending on their mood, they may notice different things about their surroundings and describe them differently.

Take this example from John Green's YA novel, The Fault in Our Stars: 

Then Augustus Waters reached into a pocket and pulled out, of all things, a pack of cigarettes. He flipped it open and put a cigarette between his lips.

"Are you serious?" I asked. "You think that's cool? Oh, my God, you just ruined the whole thing."

In this scene, Hazel's disbelief and frustration with Augustus's apparent use of cigarettes is immediately evident in her dialogue. The reader understands that Hazel, who has a terminal cancer diagnosis, would naturally be shocked and upset to find out that the boy she's been flirting with is a smoker. To make your dialogue emotionally authentic, think about how your character’s mood and circumstances shape their tone, word choice, and even what they choose to leave unsaid. A sarcastic character might deflect with humor in a tense situation, while a more introspective one might internalize their feelings and speak in fragmented sentences.

Tapping into your own emotions

Think about those moments in life when you've felt elation, heartache, or fear. How did it feel? Once you’ve got the emotion and memory in mind, it’s time to analyze the nuances and complexities of those emotional experiences. Emotions are never simple; they come with many different layers and shades. So, reflect on the why, the how, and the what of those feelings. Why did you feel that way? How did your emotions manifest in your thoughts and actions? What made those moments so powerful? By exploring the depths of your emotional experiences, you’ll open the door to crafting characters and stories that feel real and authentic.

Here’s an exercise: Think of a moment when you felt overwhelming joy, such as reuniting with a loved one after a long absence. Freewrite about that experience for five minutes, focusing on sensory details and emotional nuances. Then, challenge yourself to weave those emotions into a scene for a fictional character in a completely different context, like winning a hard-fought battle or achieving a lifelong dream.

Ready to master emotional writing?

Ready to take your readers on an emotional journey? Start small. Pick a scene in your current project and ask yourself: How do I want my readers to feel in this moment? Experiment with layering emotions using body language, dialogue, and sensory details. And remember—practice is the key to mastery.