Fiction is about giving your reader a powerful emotional experience. Therefore, every story must have one or more emotional drivers, the particular emotions that you are trying to excite in your reader.
When a reader enjoyed reading a novel, the lasting impact is the emotions she experienced during reading the book. Fiction is all about giving your reader a powerful emotional experience. To achieve this, every story must have one or more emotional drivers—the specific emotions you aim to evoke in your reader. These drivers can range widely, including love, lust, fear, horror, jealousy, anger, revenge, greed, sorrow, guilt, and more.
When crafting your novel, it’s essential to decide which emotions you want to deliver. Typically, you should choose two or three emotional drivers. These should align with your novel’s category and genre, but don’t be afraid to mix very different emotions. One of these emotions should be your primary driver, while the others add depth and complexity. However, be cautious not to overload your story with too many drivers, as this can dilute their impact. Limiting yourself to a few key emotions ensures a focused and compelling narrative. You can always explore other emotions in your next novel.
Certain genres come with expectations for specific emotional drivers. For instance, if you’re writing a romance, love must be your primary driver. In contrast, a thriller should primarily evoke fear or horror. Beyond these genre-specific requirements, you have the freedom to choose almost any combination of emotional drivers, as long as they are appropriate for your category. For example, a lust driver wouldn’t be suitable for children’s fiction, just as depression wouldn’t fit well in a James Bond-style spy novel.
The key to a successful novel is balancing your chosen emotional drivers to create a rich and engaging experience for your readers. By thoughtfully selecting and combining these emotions, you can craft a story that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impression. Remember, the goal is to evoke powerful emotions that keep your readers invested in your story from beginning to end.