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In September, I mentioned the launch of Emotional Beats: How to Easily Convert your Writing into Palpable Feelings. As promised, I will be posting the book on my blog. So, here is the next installment, listing beats you can use to convey:
Interest
Commonly used in a romantic setting, these are some nice ways to show interest between characters.
Eyes
- She anchored her attention on…
- For a moment, his eyes hung on the [object].
- He shifted his gaze to the [object].
- His eyes retraced their path to…
- Her eyes darted toward…
- His dark-eyed gaze tugged at her heart.
Hands & Feet
- She spread her arms wide.
- He held out his arms.
- She raised a hand in greeting.
- He snapped to attention.
- He leaned forward, his fingers laced before him on the tabletop.
- He gestured a little too excitedly and nearly toppled off the couch.
- Her index finger made tight circles in the air while she considered his words.
- He pulled himself to his feet.
- He jumped to his feet.
- He waved.
- She held up her hands.
- She gesticulated.
- He waved his hands.
- She clapped her hands.
- He snapped his fingers.
- She held up a finger: Wait!
- She gestured with a thumb.
- He jerked his thumb toward [object].
- She held out her hand.
- He extended a hand.
- She spaced her index finger and thumb a quarter of an inch apart to show him how much she liked him.
Head
- He cocked his head.
- She bobbed her head in agreement.
- He responded with a wink and nod of acknowledgment.
- She raised her chin.
- He lifted his chin.
- She nodded.
- He bobbed his head.
- She tilted her head.
- She inclined her head.
- He jerked her head in the direction of…
- He responded with a curt nod.
- She tucked a long, loose strand of black hair behind her ear.
Next week: relaxation. View all posts on the subject, or buy the book on Amazon – free on KU!
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Precious suggestions,Nicholas! In fact, I love to be taken adrift by these little things describing what are the “senses” of the protagonists. Unfortunately, as Charles Yallowitz said, nowadays people use the :-)emotions to show something deep inside… but to write it down, well, that is the magic of being a writer! Have a lovely weekend!
:-)claudine
Thank you so much, Claudine! Ah, the power of a well-placed emoticon… 😉
Excellent help! 🙂
Yay! Thank you, Debby 🙂
And thank you Nicholas for being such a wonderful supporter to our Indie community. 🙂
Fabulous! 😛
More great tips! Thanks.
A pleasure! I hope you’re finding them useful 🙂
There are usually a couple that get an “ooooh.”
I ‘anchored my attention’ on these great tips!
Thanks, Nicholas.
Best wishes, Pete.
Yay! Glad to hear you found them useful, Pete. Should you ever want a copy of the book, it’ll be my pleasure to send you one for your gaze to drift towards. I trust you’ll be awaiting it with your arms spread wide?
I bought it already, Nicholas. ‘My desire to own it knew no bounds…!’
Lol – you’re a star 😀
All I can think about is how interest is currently shown by like buttons. That or just saying ‘like’ as if that’s a detailed response.
Like!
I should have seen that coming.