Why 90% of Fiction Writers Fail to Connect with Readers

"The Emotional Craft of Fiction" by Donald Maass:

11 writing courses at Bookfox Academy:

Subscribe to my email newsletters:

Bookfox has an incredible publicist that you can hire:

Danielle is a fantastic copyeditor:

Timeline:
0:00 Intro
1:25 1st way to get readers to feel something (Inner mode)
2:15 2nd way to get reader to feel something (Outer mode)
3:29 3rd way to get reader to feel something (Other mode)
4:20 1st problem: Lack of Intimacy
5:41 2nd Problem: Avoid Mono-Emotions
6:29 3rd Problem: Focusing on Negative Emotions
7:34 1st Strategy: The Emotional Plot
8:35 2nd Strategy: The Emotional Hook
9:51 3rd Strategy: Keep Readers on the Roller Coaster
10:56 4th Strategy: Emotional Mapping
11:58 5th Strategy: Risk Melodrama
13:17 Become a Black Belt in Emotion

[temmiekssj]

Thanks for actually telling us how to do things and not just that we should be. You’re one of the best writing channels for actual improvement

[guim]

1. The Core Idea

Connecting with readers happens through emotions, not just plot, characters, or writing quality. A writer’s goal is to make readers experience their own emotional journeys, as emotions are the essence of fiction.

2. Three Ways to Evoke Emotions

2.1. Inner Mode
Convey emotions directly by telling readers what the characters feel.
Example: “She had been sad earlier, but now she felt happy.”
While simple, it’s a common technique for beginner writers and can still effectively create intimacy and vulnerability.

2.2 Outer Mode
Show emotions through the characters’ actions, letting readers infer what they’re feeling.
Example: John Wick smashing his basement floor with a sledgehammer conveys his rage without a single word.
This is the most effective and widely used mode.
Pro Tip: List the character’s emotions and corresponding actions to portray them visually.

2.3. Other Mode
Make readers feel something different from what the characters feel.
Example: Life is Beautiful contrasts the protagonist’s optimism with the horrors of the Holocaust.
This advanced technique is rare but deeply impactful when executed well.

3. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

3.1. Lack of Intimacy
Characters must be emotionally vulnerable and open with readers.
Example: In The Fault in Our Stars, Hazel shares her feelings directly, creating a strong bond with the audience.
Tip: Include moments where characters "spill the beans" and reveal their deepest emotions.

3.2. Mono-Emotions
Don’t focus on a single emotion (e.g., fear in horror or love in romance).
Incorporate small emotions like boredom or melancholy to add realism and prepare readers for major emotional shifts.

3.3. Overuse of Negative Emotions
Balance dramatic emotions like anger and fear with positive ones like kindness and forgiveness.
Examples: Katniss volunteering as tribute (The Hunger Games) or hiding a Jewish man in The Book Thief.
Positive emotions provide contrast and give readers room to breathe.

4. Five Strategies to Deepen Emotional Impact

4.1. Emotional Plot
Focus on emotional conflicts, not just external events.
Example: In Die Hard, John McClane’s estranged relationship with his wife adds emotional stakes.
Tip: Treat plot events as opportunities for emotional growth.

4.2. Emotional Hook
Engage readers emotionally from the start.
Example: The Stranger begins with, “Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday.”
Introduce emotional friction early to intrigue readers.

4.3. Emotional Rollercoaster
Alternate emotional highs and lows to maintain reader engagement.
Example: The Red Wedding in Game of Thrones shocks after moments of hope and celebration.
Tip: Balance positive and negative events to heighten emotional contrast.

4.4. Emotional Mapping
Map the emotional dynamics between characters.
Draw arrows between characters to show emotional influences.
Tip: Ensure your protagonist has multiple connections affecting and being affected by others emotionally.

5. Risk Melodrama
Don’t shy away from big emotional moments, even at the risk of melodrama.
Example: In Candles on Bay Street, the town honors a dying woman with a candlelight vigil, creating a deeply moving moment.
Tip: It’s better to risk melodrama than leave readers indifferent.

5.1 The Emotional Work of the Writer

The most important work in writing is self-reflection. Understand your own emotions, contradictions, and strongest feelings through introspection or therapy.
Quote: “To create emotions on the page, you need a black belt in your own emotional state.”

Conclusion

The Emotional Craft of Fiction emphasizes that emotions are the heartbeat of a compelling story. By mastering the three modes of emotional evocation, avoiding common pitfalls, applying practical strategies, and delving into self-awareness, writers can craft stories that resonate deeply with readers.

[abnarain]

Your teaching/communication and subject matter are honestly some of the best, most valuable content I've found on YouTube

[davidmackie]

Regarding melodrama: I think artists fear being corny more than readers dislike corny.

[rileystanch]

Right now I’m reading Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, and one thing that’s really stood out to me in the book is the portrayal of emotions. Scarlett’s emotions feel so real, Mitchell portrays those difficult, confusing teenage emotions perfectly. 🤩

[huskymcfluff]

13:00 -- the whole town coming out to hold lit candles that she sold them? I wouldn't consider that melodramatic at all. I think that's tear-jerkingly beautiful, but still well within the realm of being realistic.

[Zee-piio]

wow. I've been watching writing videos on youtube for a year now, and applying them to my writing as best I can. But this video just struck a chord with me. I think its the missing piece in a lot of my writing. Thanks so much!

[streamonbix]

I usually do not comment on YouTube but this time I had to. Thank you much for your videos. You have helped me so much. I was stuck on the first draft of my book, without having a clue how I would begin to edit it. With all your tips, I truly feel I am a much better writer and reader. You helped me learn how to correctly and technically critic a book, see the details, going for more, trying new things. Thank you 🙏

[remlya]

I am in awe of your ability to speak so eloquently on the subject of writing. It’s like the universe is using you as a conduit to deliver story knowledge to us. I wish I had as much of a grasp on any subject as you do with literature. Thanks for keeping the flame alive in a screen-dominated world.

[joes_bankaccount]

This is so insightful! I watched a video from some YouTuber that focused on the physical plot and not the emotional plot and when I was outlining my book it felt hollow because I felt like the innards, the emotions in the story outlined, were missing. Your video just confirmed my thoughts!

[DandyZero]

This is my go-to channel for finding books and other resources on writing. Bookfox has his own pool of knowledge, but also shows us what tons of other writers are saying as well while giving them full credit for it. It's exactly what I was looking for 🎉


Keep up the good work sir.

[AuthorChristinaKeller]

A few years ago (2018 or 2019) I went to a day long workshop by Maas on this very topic and it was one of the best things I ever did for my writing. I still refer to the notes I took that day. I didn't realize it was a book. I will have to pick it up ASAP. Great video!

[YouzerseifSensei]

I can't wait to see your channel break the 100k mark, very informative, creative, and entertaining.
One of the best writing channels in Youtube, Period

[nerdmommy]

This is by far the most helpful content I’ve watched about writing. So tired of hearing the same advice that we get washed up by technical stuff, when telling stories at the end of the day is all about making someone relate and feel anything and think about things. Thank you! ❤

[MentalNoiseMachine]

Dang, every video of yours I watch feels like I'm actually learning something new towards my journey to become a better writer. This one may have hit even harder because it gave me the answer to something I've always been confused about. This idea that emotion is what you should be focusing on seems like it would also apply to music, visual art, and much more!

[janeyrevanescence]

Donald Maas is indeed fantastic. He's written two other books that I've used to improve my writing and always recommend to authors looking to improve their fiction.

The one that got me into him is called "Writing the Breakout Novel" (which has a workbook you can use) where he talks about what makes popular fiction sell and some of the tips he gives have made my writing much stronger.

The other one I use is "The Fire in Fiction" where he talks about the basic blocks of fiction (characters, plot, dialogue, conflict, theme, etc) that authors stumble over and how to make your writing stronger.

Even if your intention isn't to write the next Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or whatever, I've found his books very helpful in tightening my writing.

[ericericson]

I love to set my readers on an emotional roller coaster.
Years ago, someone asked, "How do you show emotion in your work?"
My answer, I must lay my beating heart before you, and open up my word for all to see. Knowing you may trample it in rejection, but honesty alone will set me free. Walk softly where I open myself to you, for I reveal my hopes and fears and dreams. Go past the bright facade I show to others, to where my life is tearing open at the seams.

[andreabknight]

The Emotion Thesaurus is an amazing resource for physical responses that align with emotions- written by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

[kayleeamons]

This spoke to me on so many levels! I always always always start my writing (novels, short stories, poems, whatever) with emotions and vibes. I actually struggle with plotting because everything is being driven by raw emotion rather than external factors. I also use personal writing/journaling to process my own emotions, which I feel really helps strengthen my fictional works! I will definitely be ordering the book you linked, and I would love more videos in this same vein. For example, taking those emotional outlines and hooks and translating them to plot structures, that is where I always go sideways!

[BoRoze-cw]

BEST help for Writers ever. Thanx for revealing how to bring Life in our books with emotions!