J.L. Mbewe’s Reviews > The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface > Status Update

What do you think of this book?

It’s a meaty read. Still trying to wrap my mind around what it’s saying. But good so far. So many times I’m only thinking of the plot in external terms: the adventure, the action. This book focuses on the emotional journey, which helps to see how the external and internal journeys come together.

J.L. wrote: "It’s a meaty read. Still trying to wrap my mind around what it’s saying. But good so far. So many times I’m only thinking of the plot in external terms: the adventure, the action. This book focuses..."

Yes, I thought so too. I'm wondering if some of the exercizes that add so much interiority to the ms. will slow down the action/suspense. Thoughts?

Yes, I thought so too. I'm wondering if some of the exercizes that add so much interiority to the ms. will slow down the action/suspense. Thoughts?

If done right, I think it could heighten the tension rather than slow the story down. The exercises can give us a good foundation in building the character, so that when the character interacts or describes a scene, they'll choose words that will give readers more insight into that character as well as giving readers an underlying emotional experience.