3 days ago
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Posted On: October 15th 2026, 10:11 pm
Are You 'Hand-Holding' Your Readers?
One of the hardest but most rewarding exercises in writing is learning how to convey emotion without stating it. Which is more captivating: "I'd never been so angry" or "My jaw clenched as I struggled to hold back a string of curses." (And you definitely don't need both) This is a basic example, but you get the idea. Don't get me wrong—emotion words have their place in stories. But don't let them become a crutch. Make them work for YOU. Do you run the risk of a reader misinterpreting here or there? Sure. But it's usually more engaging to read without being spoon fed.
Recapped Caption: IDK who needs this, but...
Removing "emotion" words from your stories (angry, sad, scared, happy) will prove if the story holds up or if you're "hand-holding" the reader.
#writingcommunity #editing101 #authorgram #indieauthor #writingtips
One of the hardest but most rewarding exercises in writing is learning how to convey emotion without stating it. Which is more captivating: "I'd never been so angry" or "My jaw clenched as I struggled to hold back a string of curses." (And you definitely don't need both) This is a basic example, but you get the idea. Don't get me wrong—emotion words have their place in stories. But don't let them become a crutch. Make them work for YOU. Do you run the risk of a reader misinterpreting here or there? Sure. But it's usually more engaging to read without being spoon fed.
Recapped Caption: IDK who needs this, but...
Removing "emotion" words from your stories (angry, sad, scared, happy) will prove if the story holds up or if you're "hand-holding" the reader.
#writingcommunity #editing101 #authorgram #indieauthor #writingtips
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