How to Write Thinking in a Story
Writing thinking in a story can be a challenging task, but it is essential for creating a rich and engaging narrative. When characters reflect on their thoughts and feelings, it adds depth to their personalities and helps readers connect with them on a more personal level. In this article, we will explore some effective techniques for writing thinking in a story.
1. Use Dialogue to Express Thoughts
Dialogue is a powerful tool for conveying a character’s thoughts. When characters speak their inner monologues, it allows readers to hear their thoughts directly. However, it is crucial to avoid overusing dialogue and ensure that it remains natural and authentic. To achieve this, consider the following tips:
– Keep the dialogue concise and focused on the character’s thoughts.
– Use dialogue tags and beats to indicate when a character is thinking.
– Avoid using dialogue as a means to explain the plot or provide background information.
2. Incorporate Internal Monologue
Internal monologue is a character’s private thoughts, feelings, and reactions that are not shared with others. It can be a great way to delve into a character’s mind and reveal their true emotions. To effectively use internal monologue, consider these suggestions:
– Write in the first person or third person limited perspective to allow readers access to the character’s thoughts.
– Use a mix of short and long sentences to create a natural flow of thoughts.
– Avoid using internal monologue as a means to explain the plot or provide background information.
3. Describe the Character’s Actions and Reactions
Characters’ actions and reactions can also convey their thoughts and feelings. By observing how a character responds to different situations, readers can gain insight into their inner world. Here are some ways to incorporate this technique:
– Show the character’s physical reactions, such as frowning, trembling, or avoiding eye contact.
– Describe the character’s emotional state through their behavior, such as becoming defensive or withdrawing.
– Use sensory details to enhance the reader’s understanding of the character’s thoughts and feelings.
4. Use Narrative Commentary
Narrative commentary is a direct statement from the narrator that explains a character’s thoughts or feelings. While this technique should be used sparingly, it can be effective when used to provide essential context or to emphasize a character’s emotional state. To use narrative commentary effectively:
– Keep the commentary brief and focused on the character’s thoughts.
– Use narrative commentary to highlight key moments or themes in the story.
– Avoid overusing narrative commentary, as it can become intrusive and disrupt the narrative flow.
5. Practice and Experiment
Writing thinking in a story is a skill that requires practice and experimentation. As you develop your writing, try different techniques and observe how they work in your narrative. Pay attention to your readers’ reactions and be open to making adjustments to improve the effectiveness of your writing.
In conclusion, writing thinking in a story is an essential aspect of character development and narrative depth. By using dialogue, internal monologue, describing actions and reactions, incorporating narrative commentary, and practicing your craft, you can create a compelling and engaging story that resonates with your readers.
