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Emotional Beats: How to Easily Convert your Writing into Palpable Feelings
Because of the way our brains are wired, readers empathize more strongly if you don’t name the emotion you are trying to describe. As soon as you name an emotion, readers go into thinking mode. And when they think about an emotion, they distance themselves from feeling it.A great way to show anger, fear, indifference, and the whole range of emotions that characterize the human experience, is through beats. These action snippets that pepper dialogue can help describe a wide range of emotions while avoiding lazy writing. The power of beats lies in their innate ability to create richer, more immediate, deeper writing.This book includes hundreds of examples that you can use for your inspiration, so that you, too, can harness this technique to easily convert your writing into palpable feelings. Perfect for genre fiction authors, use Emotional Beat as a feeling thesaurus and watch your writing take off!
198 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2016
579 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas C. Rossis
21 books120 followersNicholas C. Rossis lives to write and does so from his cottage on the edge of a magical forest in Athens, Greece. When not composing epic fantasies or short sci-fi stories, he chats with fans and colleagues, writes blog posts, and enjoys the antics of two silly cats and his baby daughter, all of whom claim his lap as home. His books have won numerous awards, including the Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award.
In addition to his best-selling series, Pearseus, he writes short science fiction/speculative fiction stories, many of which have appeared in various collections and anthologies. These include Infinite Waters, which was voted one of the best 50 Indie books of 2015.
What readers are saying about Nick's fantasies:
"Most avid readers still have books from their childhood which they read over and over again. 'Runaway Smile' has joined the list."
"From the very first sentence I realized I was not reading a book, I was going on an adventure."
"Each story is like watching an old episode of the Twilight Zone."
For more on Nick or just to chat, visit him on:
Blog: http://bit.ly/1G79bQS
eNovel Authors: http://bit.ly/1JZEQct
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/18lyLr5
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1dKgsPT
Google+ : http://bit.ly/1IkzR22
In addition to his best-selling series, Pearseus, he writes short science fiction/speculative fiction stories, many of which have appeared in various collections and anthologies. These include Infinite Waters, which was voted one of the best 50 Indie books of 2015.
What readers are saying about Nick's fantasies:
"Most avid readers still have books from their childhood which they read over and over again. 'Runaway Smile' has joined the list."
"From the very first sentence I realized I was not reading a book, I was going on an adventure."
"Each story is like watching an old episode of the Twilight Zone."
For more on Nick or just to chat, visit him on:
Blog: http://bit.ly/1G79bQS
eNovel Authors: http://bit.ly/1JZEQct
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/18lyLr5
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1dKgsPT
Google+ : http://bit.ly/1IkzR22
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 17, 2022
An interesting resource for writers. A thesaurus of sorts for action beats, phrases, showing emotions, etc. It's a collection that could be used to get your brain thinking outside the box, which is really useful. But I'd definitely want to rephrase the examples to best suit my own writing. Had a few good ideas to get you kickstarted though. Could be a useful tool for revisions when you're trying to add some variety into your writing!
The title is a tad misleading, I think. It really isn't about how to write emotional scenes or even creating feelings in your readers so much as ways to portray emotions (and other things) through action beats, body language, etc. It also talks about how to use your surroundings and senses to flesh out your setting and world. And there are lists of verbs to create variety and strength in place of some commonly used verbs. Cool cover, though!
The title is a tad misleading, I think. It really isn't about how to write emotional scenes or even creating feelings in your readers so much as ways to portray emotions (and other things) through action beats, body language, etc. It also talks about how to use your surroundings and senses to flesh out your setting and world. And there are lists of verbs to create variety and strength in place of some commonly used verbs. Cool cover, though!
March 12, 2020
This is a very thorough resource that the author obviously put a great deal of time into compiling. It could have benefited from a more thorough proofread, but I still found it helpful. I highlighted a lot of phrases and ideas I like that I might someday adapt for my own writing.
December 19, 2016
A fabulous resource for the writer! So many diverse sections to spark the creative muse. Every writer hits a wall now and then when reaching for that perfect description or way to express a specific reaction. This book is great to kick your imagination in gear. Very handy!
February 7, 2017
This is a good compilation of list of emotional writing beats. Rossis has extensively cataloged the lists from his observations while reading. It's a solid piece of work that most any fiction writer can use as reference. Get this one and keep it at your fingertips if you're a writer!
February 1, 2018
"Emotional Beats" is a great resource for writers. This book is meant to help and inspire us to find new ways to express emotion in our writing. It's a wonderful book to use again and again as a reference. I bought the ebook, but I'm thinking of also buying the paperback. I found this book very useful and highly recommend it to anyone who loves to write.
November 28, 2022
Perfect for writing!
December 9, 2016
Excellent guide for when you're searching for a new way to express an emotion. The really nice part is, Rossis included emotions that very few other authors thought to add. I'm speaking of similar books to EMOTIONAL BEATS. He also included lists of alternate words most commonly used in a first draft. Very helpful!
September 15, 2023
While there were a few interesting turns of phrase, most examples were pretty generic. The interesting ones were often (unsurprisingly) very specific to a story or a writer's voice, and often bordered on purple prose.
My main peeve however was many of the example beats did not feel like they fit with the emotion the Author classed them under.
Also, only a third of the book - the first section (of four) - focused on emotional beats. Part 2 was general body part/senses focused (eg. Different ways to look, but sparse (about 10 pages in my Kindle). However I've found other much more detailed and thus useful 'body thesauruses'. Part 3 - Other Beats, was at least somewhat new, with examples of similes and beats for 'chairs' or 'clothing'. However some sections were very repetitive, with only minor variations between (often consecutive) examples, or were not so much about that object but actions that may involve it (eg chairs was not so much different types of seats, but the act of sitting or standing). Part 4 was mostly more like a traditional thesaurus with lists of single words or short phrases. This entire part was taken from other authors, each section by a different one or taken straight from a website.
Definitely more a reference or thesaurus for when you get stuck on a specific tag during writing. Not so good to generally browse through to get ideas on how to expand your own working 'vocabulary' for dialogue. But even so, other books like 'The Emotion Thesaurus' by Ackerman and Puglisi (which has many more emotions) will probably be more useful.
In short, creating your own 'tag thesaurus' as you read (and write and brainstorm) would likely be more useful. You'll pick ones that speak to you more, and your classifications will fit better with your own Writer Voice. If you don't want to create your own, I'd recommend getting books for specific areas you wish to focus on, such as a weather thesaurus or an encyclopedia of body expressions. You'll get more examples for the items covered here, and they will likely cover additional parts not found in this book (like body posture, or excitement).
My main peeve however was many of the example beats did not feel like they fit with the emotion the Author classed them under.
Also, only a third of the book - the first section (of four) - focused on emotional beats. Part 2 was general body part/senses focused (eg. Different ways to look, but sparse (about 10 pages in my Kindle). However I've found other much more detailed and thus useful 'body thesauruses'. Part 3 - Other Beats, was at least somewhat new, with examples of similes and beats for 'chairs' or 'clothing'. However some sections were very repetitive, with only minor variations between (often consecutive) examples, or were not so much about that object but actions that may involve it (eg chairs was not so much different types of seats, but the act of sitting or standing). Part 4 was mostly more like a traditional thesaurus with lists of single words or short phrases. This entire part was taken from other authors, each section by a different one or taken straight from a website.
Definitely more a reference or thesaurus for when you get stuck on a specific tag during writing. Not so good to generally browse through to get ideas on how to expand your own working 'vocabulary' for dialogue. But even so, other books like 'The Emotion Thesaurus' by Ackerman and Puglisi (which has many more emotions) will probably be more useful.
In short, creating your own 'tag thesaurus' as you read (and write and brainstorm) would likely be more useful. You'll pick ones that speak to you more, and your classifications will fit better with your own Writer Voice. If you don't want to create your own, I'd recommend getting books for specific areas you wish to focus on, such as a weather thesaurus or an encyclopedia of body expressions. You'll get more examples for the items covered here, and they will likely cover additional parts not found in this book (like body posture, or excitement).
December 14, 2020
The sub-heading to this is book How to Easily Convert your Writing into Palpable Feelings sets the ethos for the content very well.
The book essentially comprises lists of differing emotions combined with vast array of alternative descriptive phrases and sentences a writer could utilise. The author has taken time to note how he describes an emotion and how authors of books he has read portray them. It is from these longterm observances the lists have been created. Certainly a work of dedication, it must have taken ages.
Where an emotion is not immediately self evident or may be interpreted as defining more than one reaction, the author has kindly offered explanations and expansions. With these and many others, lists of synonyms, metaphors, examples, and alternatives are also incorporated, all of which help comprehension.
Authors are frequently told to ‘show’ rather than ‘tell’ e.g. convey a reaction by means of painting a picture in words as opposed to a straight forward statement explaining what is going on. This method makes it much more enjoyable and relatable for readers and is more likely to engage their own emotions. This book will prove a very useful resource toward achieving the ‘show’ style. It is certainly one authors should consider for their reference libraries.
One word of warning: most of the content is set out in tables consequently, when utilising an e-reading device, there may be some formatting issues. However, these do not detract unduly from the reader’s ability to understand, enjoy, and absorb the content.
As indicated, this is a book to dip into whenever a writer wishes to find a different way to express something familiar. The standard, often cliche phrases are listed but along with many alternatives which may be used per se or in part.
The book essentially comprises lists of differing emotions combined with vast array of alternative descriptive phrases and sentences a writer could utilise. The author has taken time to note how he describes an emotion and how authors of books he has read portray them. It is from these longterm observances the lists have been created. Certainly a work of dedication, it must have taken ages.
Where an emotion is not immediately self evident or may be interpreted as defining more than one reaction, the author has kindly offered explanations and expansions. With these and many others, lists of synonyms, metaphors, examples, and alternatives are also incorporated, all of which help comprehension.
Authors are frequently told to ‘show’ rather than ‘tell’ e.g. convey a reaction by means of painting a picture in words as opposed to a straight forward statement explaining what is going on. This method makes it much more enjoyable and relatable for readers and is more likely to engage their own emotions. This book will prove a very useful resource toward achieving the ‘show’ style. It is certainly one authors should consider for their reference libraries.
One word of warning: most of the content is set out in tables consequently, when utilising an e-reading device, there may be some formatting issues. However, these do not detract unduly from the reader’s ability to understand, enjoy, and absorb the content.
As indicated, this is a book to dip into whenever a writer wishes to find a different way to express something familiar. The standard, often cliche phrases are listed but along with many alternatives which may be used per se or in part.
February 9, 2024
I sat down to write a review of this book, but now I think I'll plop myself into a chair and let my fingers scrabble over the keys, trying to keep up with the train of thoughts that come barreling through my brain instead.
This is a wonderful addition to my writer's toolkit, sitting betwixt the Roget's and the Style Guide. Everytime I gaze at that toolkit I'm inspired to improve my writing. A few tweaks with action words and I'm back on track.
I originally got it through Amazon Unlimited, but was so impressed that I purchased so I can refer back anytime to my bookmarks, highlighted passages, and other useful information. This is the first book I've purchased after reading for free through Unlimited.
This is a wonderful addition to my writer's toolkit, sitting betwixt the Roget's and the Style Guide. Everytime I gaze at that toolkit I'm inspired to improve my writing. A few tweaks with action words and I'm back on track.
I originally got it through Amazon Unlimited, but was so impressed that I purchased so I can refer back anytime to my bookmarks, highlighted passages, and other useful information. This is the first book I've purchased after reading for free through Unlimited.
March 12, 2024
Nicholas Rossis has compiled a reference book for writers looking for ways to incorporate beats in their writing through description (showing) rather than telling a specific emotion. Some of it was excellent with solid examples while other parts fell a little flat. One could easily open a thesaurus and get the same information for some sections, especially with the lists of synonyms. On the other hand, I found some terrific examples mixed in with simplistic ones. It makes sense to skim the book initially and then come back to specific sections when describing specific feelings or emotions. The examples appeal to all the senses. The author chooses snippets from other writers as examples. Rossis is great about giving credit to the respective writers.
August 31, 2022
I got the ebook of this and found it so useful that I also got the paperback version. It is a really handy reference guide for emotions and is great for when you are stuck and need to spark ideas.
The lists of action beats show so many different ways to convey emotions and it’s really useful to get inspiration flowing.
I use this book during editing to get ideas for changing telling to showing when I get stuck. If you are a writer and struggle with showing emotions, I highly recommend getting a copy.
The lists of action beats show so many different ways to convey emotions and it’s really useful to get inspiration flowing.
I use this book during editing to get ideas for changing telling to showing when I get stuck. If you are a writer and struggle with showing emotions, I highly recommend getting a copy.
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September 26, 2023Great resource
Don't try to read this from beginning to end or all at once. It is best to look over these beats a few at a time and refer to them while writing. I highlighted many of the suggestions. The author gives good examples for inspiration.
It also includes suggestions for keeping clichés out of your writing, and words to elicit emotion in your reader. While this is not a thesaurus, it does include synonyms for common words such as "do," "make," "cry," and "laugh." Keep it close while writing and I think you'll find it helpful.
Don't try to read this from beginning to end or all at once. It is best to look over these beats a few at a time and refer to them while writing. I highlighted many of the suggestions. The author gives good examples for inspiration.
It also includes suggestions for keeping clichés out of your writing, and words to elicit emotion in your reader. While this is not a thesaurus, it does include synonyms for common words such as "do," "make," "cry," and "laugh." Keep it close while writing and I think you'll find it helpful.
April 22, 2024
I’m glad this was a free read on Kindle Unlimited. It wasn’t bad- I actually really liked the first few pages that talk about where to add the emotional beats. Wish there would have been more original content from the author.
The rest of the book was pretty much just a list of beat ideas, and that would have been great, however I think the beats listed were mediocre at best.
I’ll probably keep it on my Kindle bookshelf as a potential reference if I’m stuck, but I’m going to keep searching for other “beats list” reference books I’d actually like to purchase.
The rest of the book was pretty much just a list of beat ideas, and that would have been great, however I think the beats listed were mediocre at best.
I’ll probably keep it on my Kindle bookshelf as a potential reference if I’m stuck, but I’m going to keep searching for other “beats list” reference books I’d actually like to purchase.
January 2, 2019
This is a book for authors who are looking for new ways to say the same old thing. I know I can get stuck on a word or phrase and this gives many samples to wake up my creative side. I’ll have “Emotional Beats” by me when I edit my next book. This will not only help me freshen up my dialog, but there are many examples throughout the book, that include body parts and emotions, that show instead of tell. I recommend this handy writing tool.
August 19, 2023
This is a writing reference guide to facial expressions and emotions. This book gives great examples of how to show and not tell what the characters are feeling. The author uses metaphors and similes as examples, and the way they’re used gave me a clear idea of how I could create my own, and when and where to use them. Noun, verb, and adjective combinations can personify any emotion your characters need to express.
May 8, 2017
Great writer's reference book
This is one of the more helpful how to books I've read in a while. This one will be going on my reference book shelf and used often. It's full of great examples to help even the most seasoned writers overcome dull writing. Thanks to the author for putting this book out there!
This is one of the more helpful how to books I've read in a while. This one will be going on my reference book shelf and used often. It's full of great examples to help even the most seasoned writers overcome dull writing. Thanks to the author for putting this book out there!
July 2, 2018
A Writing Companion
I had this book for a long time and forgot about it. Then an author recommended it and I looked it up on amazon only to discover that I already had it. Its a wonderful reference when you are looking for just the right word. I intend to keep it handy for future use.
I give it 5 stars and recommend it highly.
I had this book for a long time and forgot about it. Then an author recommended it and I looked it up on amazon only to discover that I already had it. Its a wonderful reference when you are looking for just the right word. I intend to keep it handy for future use.
I give it 5 stars and recommend it highly.
June 13, 2020
The Beats Go On...
Wow. I should have read this book before writing my first book! That is the impact this book had on me. Ross is truly gives out real punches in writing that make one feel the emotion direct. Incorporating beat styles ramps up one's writing by leaps and bounds. Thank you for writing this wonderful book.
Wow. I should have read this book before writing my first book! That is the impact this book had on me. Ross is truly gives out real punches in writing that make one feel the emotion direct. Incorporating beat styles ramps up one's writing by leaps and bounds. Thank you for writing this wonderful book.
December 4, 2020
Good reference book for writers and editors
This short book contains good info re: beats. It has many long lists of examples of action beats, which would be helpful to writers and editors. I plan on buying a paperback copy of this for my reference shelf, A and I will definitely recommend it to clients.
This short book contains good info re: beats. It has many long lists of examples of action beats, which would be helpful to writers and editors. I plan on buying a paperback copy of this for my reference shelf, A and I will definitely recommend it to clients.
July 30, 2018
Great alternatives
I really appreciated the different perspectives and options provided by this author. The material is easy to read, well organized and will be useful in my writing. I have a much better understanding of the richness of beats now.
I really appreciated the different perspectives and options provided by this author. The material is easy to read, well organized and will be useful in my writing. I have a much better understanding of the richness of beats now.
November 1, 2018
Essential bible for writers. I referred to my copy of Emotional Beats just yesterday and remembered that I hadn't yet written a review! How could I have forgotten? As a writer, It has been indispensable.
March 22, 2019
This is a wonderful resource for any writer or author. It is easy to only think of common and overused words and phrases. I read this on my Kindle but will order a paperback for easy reference.
Thank you, Nicholas.
Thank you, Nicholas.
July 11, 2019
A useful guide for any writer looking to express emotions in a novel way. Especially helpful when treating the 'show, don't tell' aspect of writing. Having read similar books, I found quite a few extras here. It'll be a book I refer to frequently, of that I've no doubt.
October 24, 2019
Lots of examples
This book is really a reference tome, not something you read from start to finish. I have been been compiling similar lists, and this will give me some great additions to work with. Now I wish I'd gotten a paperback version instead of an ebook.
This book is really a reference tome, not something you read from start to finish. I have been been compiling similar lists, and this will give me some great additions to work with. Now I wish I'd gotten a paperback version instead of an ebook.
March 20, 2020
I have an emotional thesaurus I use lots for every scene, but I love using this book too, residual when describing character reactions the POV is observing. There is a lot to this book. The cinema is hard to navigate, but it's got a lot of useful expressions in, like a chest of treasure.
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June 8, 2021Wow!
This a god send for help with making a leap from plain to emotionally richness in your writing. This book covers everything from people, setting, action and lots of word suggestions to enhance your novel.
This a god send for help with making a leap from plain to emotionally richness in your writing. This book covers everything from people, setting, action and lots of word suggestions to enhance your novel.
December 21, 2022
I use this guide in half my rating sessions
Great quick reference for when you’re trying to find the right walking, looking, or facial expression verb to convey your character’s emotions.
Great quick reference for when you’re trying to find the right walking, looking, or facial expression verb to convey your character’s emotions.
February 19, 2023
This is Writer Gold!
This book is essential! Especially as a new writer. This was a great guide at showing and not telling. Readers read for emotion and love books based on how they feel when reading it. This is so helpful in achieving that!
This book is essential! Especially as a new writer. This was a great guide at showing and not telling. Readers read for emotion and love books based on how they feel when reading it. This is so helpful in achieving that!
February 19, 2023
Helpful info
I read a novel the last few days and the emotions in it thrust it into one of my top fav’s.
That’s how I want to write my stories. Emotional. Gripping. Unputdownable. I found this book and I plan to utilize it to its fullest potential.
I read a novel the last few days and the emotions in it thrust it into one of my top fav’s.
That’s how I want to write my stories. Emotional. Gripping. Unputdownable. I found this book and I plan to utilize it to its fullest potential.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews