The Art of Restraint in Writing
Do you find yourself over-explaining emotions or situations in your writing? In both this blog and my next subscriber-only Monday Writing Motivation mailer, I look into the power of restraint in writing and how it can elevate your storytelling.
Writing tips for restraint
- Show, don’t tell: Reveal emotions through subtle actions, body language, or dialogue rather than being explicit
- Use indirect characterisation: Allow readers to piece together information about characters through their actions and interactions.
- Create subtext: Leave room for readers to interpret and make connections, enhancing engagement with your story.
Writing Exercise
Choose a scene you’ve written where a character is experiencing a strong emotion (anger, sadness, fear, etc.). Rewrite it revealing the emotion more subtly. Focus on using physical cues, dialogue, or actions rather than directly stating the emotion.
Writing at its most powerful lands blows that you don’t see coming. It lays traps of which you’re unaware until they close with a snap on your ankle.
Want to learn more about the art of restraint in writing? Sign up for our Monday Writing Motivation email for exclusive content, in-depth analysis, and actionable writing tips that will help you master the delicate balance between saying too much and too little in your prose.
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