It's probably the most important thing you can do when you write, but how, exactly, does one do it? I don't know. I'm still learning!
But.
I know you can bring the reader into your story by giving them characters they can identify with -- not too perfect, not too evil.
AND
Involve them in the story by bringing in the five senses - Sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing, so that they really feel like they're there in the story. Someone once told me, after you write your draft and done your edits, do a sense edit, and add a sense for every. single. page. It takes forever, but I think it really helps.
What about you? Any tips on involving the reader?
I guess my editor doesn't like the other senses besides sight. ;)
ReplyDeleteYour editor may or may not need to be whacked with a newspaper ;)
DeleteI feel the same way. I like to use sight/sound and smell. Also, no character is black or white. It's always good to think of what made the character become bad or angry or crabby. Sometimes the back story helps flush out the character's multi levels. Great tips! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly! I love it :)
DeleteGreat tips on involving the reader, because if we fail at that, we fail as a writer. (at least that's how I look at it) Using the senses and getting rid of those extra words, I feel, I see, etc. so that, as a reader, we can be as close to me MC as possible is what I strive to do. And why my favorite books are my favorites. Great post!
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly! I'm still working on it, though!
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