The Emotional Craft Of Fiction -

Avoid "He felt," "She noticed," or "He thought." Removing these filters puts the reader directly inside the character’s nervous system. Filtered: He felt the room grow cold. Immersive: A sharp chill cut through his sweater. 3. Subtext: The Power of What Isn't Said

Emotion only lands if the reader understands what is at risk. The Emotional Craft of Fiction

Characters often talk about the weather or a trivial task when they are actually grieving or terrified. Avoid "He felt," "She noticed," or "He thought