Erm, no. Not that kind of beat.
Image: 123rf.com
Once again, my friends, I need your help.
I have been working on a non-fiction book that explains how to use beats to show emotion in your writing.
What are beats, you ask? They are short descriptions and actions that pepper a dialogue, indicating what a character thinks or does.
Give me a Beat
“Show, don’t tell,” everyone says.
Why?
Because of the way our brains are wired, the emotional resonance is much stronger if you don’t name the emotion you are trying to describe. As soon as you name an emotion, your readers go into thinking mode. And when we think about an emotion, we distance ourselves from the actual experience of feeling it.
So, the next question is, how? How can we show anger, fear, indifference, and the whole range of emotions that characterize the human experience?
Until a few years ago, the answer might have been simple: add an adverb. For example:
He fearfully stepped onto the ladder.
Simple. Unassuming. But, for today’s author, unacceptable. “Lazy writing,” your writing coach would say. And they would suggest, instead, you use a beat. The wunder-kid of today’s writing. So, you will now describe your character’s actions along the lines of:
He placed one uncertain foot on the ladder and raised his body. Will it hold? He closed his eyes for a second, expecting the worn step to give way. When it didn’t, he placed his second foot on the next step. His temples felt damp. He resisted the urge to wipe them, his fingers clutching instead the railing even harder. The ladder held. So far.
This is the power of beats: they create richer; immediate; deeper writing.
The book includes hundreds of examples that you can use for your inspiration, so that you, too, can harness this technique to show emotion in your writing.
Your Help
The book is almost ready, and at that stage when a cover is required. Once again, Alex Saskalides has undertaken its design. He just sent me a whole bunch of great-looking covers, and I need your help to choose the best one.
So, how about it? Feel like adding your 2 cents and helping out a decidedly undecided fellow author?
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What fun! I loved getting to vote. First experience doing so. TY TY TY
Lol – thanks 🙂
I’m voting for I don’t care what cover you use, I just want to see what’s inside! I love the idea of this book and could really use this exact advice. Can’t wait to add it to my shelf. What’s your publication schedule look like?
Lol – thanks for the brilliant comment that made my day. Probably some time in June. Why don’t I send you a thank-you preview copy, though? 🙂
I would love that, wow, thanks!
Coming right up!
I chose number one because the eye is immediately drawn to the word Emotion.
Good point. Thank you!
Number 4 is my favorite, followed by #1.
Thank you so much, Michelle! 🙂
🙂
I like #5 the best from what you have. As a graphic designer myself, typewriters weren’t that first thing that popped into my mind.when I thought of covers.
I visualized a dark, glossy cover with the words EMOTIONAL and BEATS either side of a readout from a heart monitor. And then, near the bottom; ‘How to convert your written words into palpable feelings.’
Or something like that!
Or I might just be being fanciful. 😀
I like the sound of that! I’ll have a serious think about it. Hmm…
An interesting new project, Nick. I should imagine it will do really well. Good luck! ?
Thank you, Ali! 🙂
This sounds like a book I could use, Nicholas. Your cover designer is good. 🙂 — Suzanne
He sure is. I’d be happy to send you a first-draft copy, if you wish 🙂
This is fascinating, Nick – there’s such a wide variance on people’s opinions on this one I hope you don’t end up feeling pulled from all sides.
I think your cover designer is a genius because they all look so clean and professional (although having said that I don’t think there is ever an excuse for using italic font on a book cover). #1 caught my eye the most. Its design is really contemporary with that overall tone of infographic cool, but #5 is closest to what’s the norm for the genre, and I don’t think it’s a bad thing if your cover indicates on a macro level what it’s supposed to be. I also don’t have a problem with typewriters. They signal immediately that the book is about writing, which isn’t a bad thing in my book 😀
Thank you so much for that, it’s actually very helpful 🙂
Well, I’m stepping in to comment on your BEAT example. I would not insert: Will it hold? That is a rhetorical question and removes/interrupts the tension. The reader is with the character in the action, but we are not in his head. The rhetorical question is meant to show angst. Which calls for one more bit of character action to emphasize it. I voted for cover one. Love it.
Thank you, Jackie! You’re right, another beat would help increase the tension. Personally, I’d go for a wobble of the staircase, a creaking step etc 🙂
I like the colours and general layout of #1, and I get the point Michelle makes about typewriter = writer/writing. BUT: isn’t that typewriter kind of a visual cliche (along with the even more antiquated quill pen and ink bottle)? Maybe a revisit to the drawing board is in order. I do like the orange colour of #1 though; if you decide to stick with the typewriter, that would be my choice.
I had a chat with Alex last night, and we’re most likely ditching the typewriter. #1 appeals to me a lot, too. Thanks 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading this book! I voted #1 because it let’s me get a happy, easy feel for a helpful book. Some of the others are distracting (to me). And although #6 is neat and concise, it looks a bit more clinical than fun to read and learn. 🙂 Hope this helps and I haven’t blabbed on.
Thanks, that’s a great analysis. Also, I’d be happy to send you a first-draft copy, if you wish!
I’d be thrilled! Thanks so much. I just finished Honest Fibs! As soon as life stops jabbing me and gives me a moment to breathe, I’ll be reviewing for you. I do love your writing style. 🙂
You do have my gmail addy?
Oh, wow! Read it already? You’re a star! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I do, and I just sent you your copy there. Thanks!
Thanks Nick. As I said, I’m very behind in work, meaning emails reviews, blog reading, etc., forget about even writing, with my husband’s illness right now.
All I can do really is READ, with long hours in doctor’s offices and hospital at least I can steal some reading time. 🙂
I’ll be checking emails this evening. 🙂
I picked #5 … it’s different that a whole slew of ‘how-to’ covers out there … maybe could work a bit better with the blue text which would tie in with the blue of the typewriter.
Hmm, good idea. Thanks 🙂
I agree with a lot of the other commenters — all of those covers are attractive, but I don’t think the images convey emotion. What about an EKG machine read-out as one of the elements? (I don’t know if that’s actually what they’re called, but you know what I mean – they always show them in medical dramas to show that the patient is still alive.)
Thanks! Yes, I do know the one you mean. It’s a thought, although I’m worried that people might think it’s, well, a medical drama 🙂
Well, that’s true, but it does show a “beat” in a sort of shorthand. It is hard to think of other visual symbols that communicate “emotion”, isn’t it? I’ll be interested to see what other ideas you and your crowd-sourcing group come up with! 🙂
Me too 😀
I like where Textile Ranger is going. You are talking about emotions and an image to heighten the message. I voted that you needed to go back to the drawing board, because I feel these image will be lost in the mix of other books.
Thanks! I agree 🙂
I would consider a different title, such as “Using Beats,” with sub of “To Effectively Create Emotions” or “To Effectively Write Emotions”. (or something similar). Personally, I dislike “super-easy”. It seems like something from dated commercials. I too thought that the typewriter was anachronistic.
Interesting point, thanks! The name is not set in stone, but I did check it for impact on https://coschedule.com/headline-analyzer
I really like number 2, Nicholas, because it’s so bold and clean. However, I do think the “Emotion” subtitle needs to be more visible. It’s the hook and the reason I would/will buy it. Relegated to the bottom of the cover, it get’s lost, So here’s my real vote: The layout of #1 with the image and color scheme of #2. 😀 Sound like a great book!
Thanks! There’s some info from you in there, if you recall 🙂
I’m happy to send you a first draft copy, if you wish!
Oh, yeah. Ha ha ha. Awesome. I’m happy to purchase it when it comes out 😀
You’re too sweet 🙂
#1 is my fave. I like how much emphasis it places on the word “emotion”.
Good point. I think we need to emphasize it even more. Thanks 🙂
I like #1 the best.
I did notice that #5 has iStock branding on the photo… just thought I’d point that out. However, it is my second favourite cover.
Well, there’s no sense in buying the photo if I don’t end up using it, is there? 🙂
Thanks!
Happy to help out with a vote on the cover. You’ll have to repay me later this week – I have two covers I need to choose from and will post them! Get some sleep, Dad.
Lol – deal. Thanks 🙂
Funny how the old method of adverbs is now considered wrong. Even when I do something like the ‘beats’, I get told by some people that I should condense and use an adverb. Makes me wonder if most of the writing rules of today are nothing more than popular suggestion.
As for the covers, I found it interesting that you use a typewriter. Not sure if that would really limit your audience like said above. Maybe we give younger generations too little credit in terms of recognizing old technology or having the idea of looking things up. I will agree that while I picked #4, the covers didn’t make me think of ‘beats’ so to speak. That’s always more musical to me, so maybe there’s a way to combine the music and writing thing?
Now there’s a thought. I think it’s back to the drawing board 🙂
Not sure younger generations know what a drawing board is either. 😛 It would probably portray the wrong message, but what about having the typewriter morph into a computer and then an iPad type of thing. Doesn’t really work with the ‘beats’ idea. It’s a difficult word to work with when music isn’t involved.
Tell me about it…
I agree with many comments above. If you are looking for an emotional response, then the covers don’t convey this message. They are lovely covers though. I would relate beats to connecting words to the heart and giving deeper meaning to your text, or turning words into actions on the cover?
Not a bad idea! Thank you 🙂
Just another flash – use ‘illustrative emoticons!!! 😀
Hi Nick – sorry I’m a ‘none of them’ gal too… If you go with the core message of using beats, you’re dealing with how to convey emotion by hot wiring the mind of your reader, so a very obvious and literal approach can’t cut it without becoming too mechanical. If you must have a writing implement then let it just be the keyboard itself and nothing else – the qwerty keys are the tools that you’ll use so everything else is superfluous?
One thing that’s jumping out at me is conjuring emotions in the mind’s eye – how about some expressive eyes/eyebrows showing emotion (sadness is easy of course) or smiling, snarling or ‘puckering up’ lips maybe? That might help with the show-tell paradox too and it could be like a photo-montage or cartoony, so Alex can let loose a little more?! 😉
All great ideas! Thank you 🙂
I voted for 2, and also like 6. I agree with Frosty about the ‘chick-lit’ feel of some too.
I liked those plain covers as they are reminiscent of DK guide books, and those appeal to me on racks, or on an Amazon page. Less fussy, more authority, at least from my perspective.
Perhaps because I am older, (but maybe not just that) I understand the typewriter. The image of the writer banging at the keys, the paper, the ‘ding’ at the end of the carriage. I understand those who are criticising the use of this image, but I disagree that it will limit your market. Surely any aspiring writers out there will totally ‘get’ the reference?
That’s my two-pence worth, Nicholas.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you so much for the detailed response, Pete! At 45, I’m relatively young, but old enough to also get the typewriter reference. I now wonder if the same can be said about the younger aspiring authors, though. Hmm…
I agree with many above. None. Musical beats, or a conductor beating out emotional drama? Or an image of a boy receiving ten of the best across a desk? Since emotion is what you are writing about that needs to be conveyed economically. Typewriters convey exactly the opposite, an uptight unemotional secretary in a pinze-nez! Or do to me.
Good point. Thank you 🙂
Lol – I’m with Veronica on this one – none of the covers stand out at all. Typewriters?? I’m not sure that many writers use such an elderly device…(sigh, I used to love tapping on my typewriter back in the ’80s). I think you need something a little more up to date and relevent on the cover that reflects todays tech savvy author. Since you are doing a book about emotional beats, why not include musical notes and words that describe emotions flowing out of the computer or something along those lines. I hate to say it Nicholas, but the typewriter, pens, paper and pencils must go 😀
The musical notes flowing out of the computer is a great idea! Thanks 🙂
I chose #1 because EMOTION stands out on that one, but the typewriters aren’t doing much–although I like the typewriter on #5 the better than others. Agree about typewriters being overdone. What about a book with fluttering pages and emotions shooting out? Or something very simple like this: https://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2015/05/william_zinsser_a_writing_teac.html
Just thinking out loud.
Thanks! I find Zinsser’s cover beautiful, but plain. I’d like some extra pizzazz 🙂
I’d like to explore the fluttering pages and emotions idea!
In my opinion, #5 focuses the title more while giving us a quick glimpse of the typewriter. I found the typewriter on the other covers too distracting. LOL
Good point! Thanks 🙂
First of all, congrats on the book! Promoted the right way, it will find thousands of readers! Everyone needs those lists, not least me 🙂 As for the cover, because I do tend to feel that typewriters represent the old non-beat kind of writing, I’d go for the third cover as it’s more, well, off-beat, so to speak. The focus is not on the typewriter but on a number of tools a writer uses.
Based on the reactions so far, I’m pretty sure you’re more confused 🙂
Lol – no, I’m more convinced that we need a different approach 🙂
I like #5 the most, but number one is a runner up for me. The others are all No.
Thank you! Those two are my favorite, too. People have pointed out that a typewriter may be the wrong image, though, so that’s food for thought.
Yes, I saw that about the typewriter, and while I can agree to a point I also see how using it in some capacity makes it quick and easy for writers to identify. I think the one used in 5 is just different enough to be a fresh take and looks professional. If you were to go a different route what thematic element might you focus on?
Something that emphasizes emotion. I need to have a brainstorming session with Alex 🙂
I’m curious to see what you will come up with!
Lol – so am I 😀
I’m sure that whatever you decide on in the end will be a great cover. I’m quite confident!
Aw, you! Still, just to be safe, I’ll put it back to the vote 🙂
That’s a fun way for us all to have a sneak peek!
Number 1 and 5 are the best in my opinion, 1 best of all. Numbers 3 and 4 give the wrong idea. Because of the fonts they seem humorous, like chick-lit fiction – I wouldn’t go for those, 4 being the worst. Hope this helps and good luck with the book, dear 🙂
It does help – a lot. Thanks 🙂
I am sorry, but non of them strike me.
Back to the drawing board, then 🙂
In my opinion, typewriters have been overdone for books on the craft of writing and banners for writer’s websites, so none of the above samples represent an innovative design that will stand out in competition against hundreds of book covers in this genre. Ditto for giant pencils and pens. Don’t settle for ordinary. You don’t write ordinary. Ordinary does not represent you.
It’s too bad designing covers isn’t super easy.
Since the word emotion features in your subtitle, I would explore images associated with that and leave the office supplies for ads for stationery stores.
That’s a good point. Hmm…
Number 5 stands out for me Nicholas.They’re all good but that was the best. Voted.
Hugs
Thanks! It’s one of my two top choices, actually 🙂
Just a comment on your book cover. While they all have merit for design, I am wondering, why are you using an antiquated typewriter as the tool? I think you may be limiting your audience to an older generation who have used a typewriter in their lifetimes. Is this in fact your audience? Just food for thought.
Thanks, that’s a good point. Hmm…
In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with typewriters. For the older generation, that’s what they grew up typing on, so it’s nostalgic and comforting — and then the bold colors and clean font make it all seem very modern. For the younger generation, nostalgia is very “in” right now, so typewriters are making a comeback. I think it’s a win-win either way.
Aha, a dissenting voice! Thanks 😀