#sad writing

[pollka1]

Once upon a dream

Summary — Everything's...okay?

Genre — Fluff, angst

Characters — Josh Washington, Sam Giddings, Matt Taylor, Emily Davis, Jess Riley, Mike Munroe, Chris Hartley, Ashley Brown, Hannah Washington, Beth Washington

Warnings — None

Character speech is NOT colour coded for this fic

The scent of cinnamon and woodsmoke clung to the air. Somewhere in the background, a record player crackled to life with an old song—something soft, jazzy, full of nostalgia. Josh sank deeper into the worn couch cushions, a half-finished cup of cocoa in his hands, steam curling up toward his face.

“Okay, okay, but hear me out,” Mike said from across the room, dramatically waving a spoon. “If the marshmallows don’t melt a little, it’s not real cocoa. It’s just chocolate soup.”

“That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” Emily shot back, perched on the arm of the loveseat. “It’s literally better if they don’t melt. You get texture.”

“Texture?” Matt repeated with a laugh. “It’s a drink, Em. It’s not a five-course meal.”

Beth snorted from the floor, where she was braiding Hannah’s hair. “Maybe we should just get you a spoonful of sugar and call it a day.”

“I’d eat it,” Jess chimed in, unwrapping a candy cane and sticking it in her mouth sideways like a pirate. “Argh, cocoa’s for softies.”

“Yeah, okay, Cap’n Cavity,” Sam said, nudging her with her socked foot.

Josh watched them, smiling to himself. It was chaos—the best kind. Chris and Ashley were huddled at the game table, arguing over whether or not to use their last clue in Clue, of all games.

“You’re wrong!” Chris insisted, holding the card like a lawyer mid-trial. “Colonel Mustard has always been shady.”

Ashley rolled her eyes. “Chris, you’ve said every character is shady. That’s not strategy. That’s paranoia.”

“Thank you!” Mike called. “Finally, someone says it!”

“You guys are lucky I’m a pacifist,” Chris mumbled, pretending to be wounded.

Laughter filled the room like the crackling fire—it danced along the walls, climbed into the rafters, and made the space feel like home. Josh just soaked it in. Every voice, every tease, every exaggerated groan of board-game betrayal.

Hannah looked up at him from where she sat cross-legged on the floor.

“Hey,” she said, grinning. “You okay, big bro?”

“Yeah,” he said, smiling back. “I’m just...happy.”

“Gross,” Beth teased.

He flipped a cushion at her and missed. She tossed it right back, smacking him in the face. Everyone erupted in laughter, and Josh leaned back into the couch, laughing until his ribs ached.

The record switched tracks.

Then—

He blinked.

There was something off about the corner of the room. A tall, metal floor lamp. Thin. Too modern. Too...humming. Like it didn’t belong.

He frowned, tilting his head. No one else seemed to notice.

Jess jumped up and spun around dramatically. “Alright, I say we play charades next. Girls versus boys.”

“I accept,” Sam said instantly, cracking her knuckles. “Prepare to lose.”

Chris looked horrified. “Charades? Again? Last time Emily accused me of gaslighting her because I pretended to be a dolphin.”

“Because you did the worst dolphin impression ever,” Emily snapped.

“I panicked!”

Josh was still staring at the lamp.

It buzzed. Not loud, just enough to start scratching under his skin.

No one else noticed.

He turned to Sam beside him. “Hey, do you see that?”

She looked at him and smiled like she always did—warm, steady, kind. “What, the lamp?”

Josh nodded slowly.

“Looks fine to me,” she said, and reached out to touch his arm. “You sure you’re not just a little cocoa drunk?”

He gave a weak laugh, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

The buzzing got louder.

He looked down at the mug in his hands.

Now it was metal. Not ceramic. Cold. Sterile. Empty.

His heart jumped.

Beth and Hannah were gone.

No one was speaking anymore.

The fire died out in an instant, like someone had yanked the film reel from a projector.

The lamp—

BZZZZZT.

It shattered in a sharp flicker of sparks.

Josh sat up with a gasp.

His throat was dry. His hospital-issue sheets stuck to his back with sweat. The room was too white, too quiet. Just a flickering lamp buzzing in the corner. Not warm. Not gold.

His friends were gone.

The lodge was gone.

Beth and Hannah were gone.

He brought a shaking hand to his face, pressing his fingers to his eyes. There was still cocoa in his mouth. Or maybe it was just the taste of something sweet turning bitter.

He turned his head toward the lamp. The same one from his dream.

Still buzzing.

Josh let himself fall back into the mattress. Not quite crying. Not quite breathing easy, either.

Just...flickering.

[heyitslouiseeeee]

M #39

In English we say, "I love you."

But in poetry we say, "My heart was a storm of devotion, too fierce to name - so I swallowed my words, fearing they might break you. For in a world full of fragile things, you are the one I’d shatter myself to protect."

deana louise

[sleeplessv0id]

what doesn't kill you makes you weird at intimacy

[saduboiss]

my soul is too sensitive for this life.

[maihonhassan]

Parveen Shakir is the finest poetess in the history of urdu literature:

“ye dukh nahi ke andheron se sulah ki humne, malal yeh hai ke ab subha ki talab bhi nahi.”

[covered-in-bones]

it is getting harder for me to want to continue existing

[strnilolover]

⋆.˚ Keep Me Afloat .ᐟ

Warnings : mental/emotional burnout, crying, sad thoughts, bed rotting, brief mention of self negelct, comfort, pet names (Ma, baby, sweetheart, angel.), angst?

A/N : Matt and Chris are dating reader! If I’m being honest, I’ve never written a thing for a three person couple so sorry if this is eh and let me know if yall fw it? I’ve been in such a sad mood that now it’s making me want to write sad stuff again. Also if any of this is touchy subject for you please read at your own risk! It’s not very detailed but just in case. Always remember to reach out to someone if you ever need help, I am here for any of you that need to talk. <3

To say you were drained was an understatement. Your mind feeling foggy everyday as if you were just existing without ever really thinking. It became more common for yourself to just lay in bed everyday before and after work, not really doing anything to care for yourself much in between.

Matt and Chris had no idea how bad you were getting. Always making excuses not to see them because you were “too busy” when that was never really the case. You were always bad at expressing your feelings, not letting anyone offer help because you were so used to suffering alone.

It felt like you were drowning, your own thoughts consumed your mind every second of the day. You were tired, sore, and mentally exhausted. Wanting to leave your job, the weight of responsibilities becoming too much to bear.

So here you were, laying in your bed with the covers up to your chin and your stuffed animal clutched tightly in your grasp. Your two weeks already out, in and over with, no longer working. You had yet to tell Matt and Chris, slightly ignoring their texts and ghosting them as you reveled in your own mind.

They became worried, constantly talking to one another about what to do and if they should go see you because it had been weeks.

So when they had finally showed up at your home, using their spare key to let themselves in, they found it in disarray. Clothes scattered in places they shouldn’t be, take out containers littered the floor. They frowned, looking at one another as they made their way to your room.

You could hear their hushed voices, footsteps growing louder as they approached your room. Of course they knocked first, entering in shortly after. It was dark, the blackout curtains drawn closed to drown out the light.

“Sweetheart?” Matt questioned, his body moving toward the bed as Chris trailed behind slightly. You didn’t move, your eyes staring blankly as his frame appeared in front of you.

His hand came out slowly to the cover, pulling it down slight to see your face. You looked pale, the dark bags under your eyes indicating you weren’t getting enough sleep. It broke their hearts.

Chris came up behind you, the bed dipping where he sat down, his hand coming out to rub your back. “Ma what’s wrong?” He asked, the worry laced into his words.

You just shook your head at them, “couldn’t take it anymore — s’too much.” You whispered as your face grew hot. Big tears streaming down your face quickly. “I-I feel so worn down. So d-drained — m’left my j-job.” You sobbed.

Their eyes widened at your words, your tears cascading down your cheeks. Matt laid down In front of you, pulling you to his chest as Chris laid behind you. “Shh — s’okay baby. Why didn’t you tell us?” Matt said as he ran his hand along your hair, the strands tangled slightly.

You shrugged, continuing to cry into his chest. Chris’ hand rubbed soothing circles on your back, trying to help calm you. “I-I just didn’t — didn’t w-want you guys to b-be concerned.” You whispered between sobs, the tears wetting Matt’s shirt. Your hands fisted in his shirt, holding him close to you as you just broke.

“We’re always going to be concerned about you baby, whether it be for small things or big things. We won’t ever stop worrying about you.” Chris stated, Matt nodding in agreement as he added on to Chris’ words. “You can always tell us if something is bothering you sweetheart — if you’re struggling, because we’ll always be here to help you.”

You nodded your head, knowing their words were true. “I was s-so unhappy there — it became too m-much on my mental health.. and emotional health.” You stated, sniffling as your tears began to stop. Feeling too tired to cry anymore. “Became hard to find time to do anything, hard to t-take care of myself.” You added.

Chris and Matt nodded at your words, holding you in their embraces tighter. It felt good to be held by them, after pushing them away for so many weeks, allowing yourself to somewhat relax after the constant fighting with your brain.

“We’re here now angel. let us take care of you, okay?” Matt whispered against your head as his lips pressed a kiss to your temple.

Chris nodded in agreement, “you don’t have to worry about a thing ma, just let us help you feel better. How about a nice long bubble bath?” He said, squeezing your hip reassuringly.

You nodded your head slowly, allowing them to take over for you, to help you just let go. You felt Chris move behind you, standing up to walk to your connected bathroom. Cupboard doors behind opened and closed as the water began to run, Matt holding you close still as his hands continued to rub soothing circles on you.

Chris walked back into the room, making his way back over to where you and Matt were. He pulled the covers back from you, scooping you up in his arms gently as he pressed a kiss to your head just like Matt did. He walked back to the bathroom, setting you down gently as Matt followed behind.

“Let’s get you out of these clothes and into the bath okay?” He said softly, tugging your shirt up and over your head. The rest of your clothes following suit as he guided you into the tub, Matt helping where he could.

They sat there near you as you seemed to relax into the warm water, eyes closing momentarily. You somehow knew you were going to be okay, even if it was going to be hard to fix how you were feeling. But, you had two of the most amazing people to help you every step of the way.

A/N 2 : Wrote this while half asleep so if it seems repetitive and such I’m sorry </3

[hayatheauthor]

Crafting Sad Scenes: Writing Tears and Emotional Depth

Creating authentic emotions is vital for immersive storytelling, which is why I decided to make this series on how to write different emotions. After exploring rage, it's now time to delve into sadness!

When it comes to portraying sadness, delving into various aspects of your character's behaviour and environment can deepen the emotional impact. Here's a guide on how to evoke sadness in your writing using different elements:

Facial Expressions

Downcast Eyes and Furrowed Brow: Describe how their eyes lower and brows crease, reflecting inner sorrow or distress.

Quivering Lips or Trembling Chin: Note the subtle quivers in their lips or chin, indicating emotional vulnerability or the effort to hold back tears.

Pained or Distant Gaze: Highlight a gaze that's distant, unfocused, or filled with inner turmoil, showing their emotional detachment or deep sadness.

Tear-Streaked or Reddened Eyes: Mention tear tracks or reddened eyes, portraying recent or suppressed crying, enhancing the visual impact of their sadness.

Hollow Cheeks and Sunken Eyes: Describe physical changes like hollow cheeks or sunken eyes, reflecting fatigue, despair, or prolonged emotional distress.

Body Language and Gestures

Slumped Shoulders and Hunched Posture: Show their dejected stance with slumped shoulders and a hunched posture, conveying a sense of heaviness or defeat.

Fidgeting or Clasping Hands: Detail how they fidget nervously or clasp their hands tightly, indicating inner turmoil or a need for comfort.

Absentminded Touching of Face or Hair: Mention absentminded gestures like touching their face or running fingers through their hair, reflecting introspection or sadness.

Slow or Listless Movements: Describe their movements as slow, lethargic, or lacking energy, mirroring their emotional state of sadness.

Avoiding Eye Contact or Retreating: Highlight how they avoid eye contact or retreat from interactions, seeking solitude or trying to mask their emotions.

Dialogue and Inner Monologue

Subdued or Monotone Speech: Show their dialogue as subdued, with a monotone delivery or pauses, conveying emotional restraint or inner pain.

Expressing Regret, Loss, or Longing: Use dialogue to express their regrets, sense of loss, or longing for something or someone, adding depth to their sadness.

Internal Conflicts and Self-Reflection: Delve into their inner monologue, revealing their conflicts, doubts, or self-reflection, showcasing the complexity of their emotional journey.

Using Metaphors or Symbolic Language: Incorporate metaphors or symbolic language in their dialogue or thoughts, enhancing the poetic or introspective nature of their sadness.

Environmental Cues and Setting

Bleak or Desolate Settings: Set scenes in bleak or desolate environments, such as abandoned places or dimly lit spaces, amplifying the sense of isolation or melancholy.

Rainy Weather or Gray Skies: Describe rainy weather, gray skies, or somber atmospheres, mirroring their emotional state and adding a reflective tone to the setting.

Diminished Colors or Lack of Vibrancy: Use descriptions of muted colors or a lack of vibrancy in the surroundings, reflecting the character's subdued mood and emotional depth.

Actions and Reactions

Withdrawing from Interactions: Show them withdrawing from social interactions, seeking solitude, or avoiding activities they once enjoyed, highlighting their emotional withdrawal.

Seeking Comfort Objects or Routines: Describe how they turn to comfort objects or routines, such as listening to music, writing, or engaging in familiar activities, as coping mechanisms.

Emotional Outbursts or Sudden Changes: Portray occasional emotional outbursts, sudden changes in behavior, or moments of vulnerability, revealing layers of their sadness.

Impact on Relationships and Interactions: Explore how their sadness affects their relationships and interactions with others, showcasing the dynamics of empathy, support, or misunderstanding.

Types of Tears and Emotional Triggers

Watery Eyes: These tears often accompany moments of deep emotional pain, such as hearing hurtful words, experiencing profound disappointment, or feeling overwhelmed by sadness. Characters may blink rapidly or struggle to maintain eye contact as tears well up, indicating their struggle to contain their emotions.

Quiet Tears: Quiet tears are silent and discreet, often shed in moments of solitude or introspection. They may occur when a character reflects on past memories, grapples with internal conflicts, or experiences a poignant realization. These tears are a subtle yet powerful expression of inner turmoil.

Full-On Sobs: Full-on sobs involve audible crying, heaving breaths, and visible emotional distress. They typically arise from intense grief, loss, physical pain, or overwhelming stress. Characters may find it challenging to speak coherently or control their emotions during such outbursts, revealing the depth of their emotional turmoil.

Tears of Joy: Tears of joy occur in moments of immense happiness, relief, or heartfelt connection. They often accompany scenes of reunions, achievements, or profound expressions of love and gratitude. These tears symbolize emotional release and the overwhelming experience of positive emotions.

Tears of Empathy: Characters may shed tears of empathy when witnessing others' suffering or hearing poignant stories. These tears reflect their compassion, sensitivity, and ability to deeply connect with the emotions of others, adding layers of empathy to their characterization.

Writing Prompts and Exercises

Write a scene where your character experiences a sudden wave of sadness in a public setting, struggling to conceal their emotions.

Craft a dialogue between two characters, one trying to comfort the other who is deeply saddened by a personal loss or disappointment.

Describe a setting that reflects the mood of sadness, using sensory details to evoke emotions and create atmosphere.

Explore a character's inner monologue as they reflect on past regrets or missed opportunities, expressing their profound sense of sadness.

Create a symbolic object or motif in your story that represents your character's journey through sadness, using it as a recurring theme for emotional depth.

Incorporating these elements can enrich your narrative and evoke powerful emotions in your readers, fostering a deeper connection to your characters and their emotional journeys.

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Haya’s book blog where I post writing and publishing tips for authors every Monday and Thursday! And don’t forget to head over to my TikTok and Instagram profiles @hayatheauthor to learn more about my WIP and writing journey! 

[sickmuseum]

milk and honey - rupi kaur.

[moontus]

𝐍𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 "𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰" 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐬 "𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠?"

𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭

- 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐬

[tipsynight0]

For the life we never knew

Parings- Jeff the killer x female reader

Word count - 975

TRIGGER WARNING - Miscarriage, blood, grief, child loss, trauma.

Summary - a quiet night takes a devastating turn.

Authors note - As you can probably tell, I’m not your typical Creepypasta fanfiction writer. My stories lean more toward real-life experiences—raw, messy, and unfiltered. Writing has always been more for me than anything else, a way to process what I can’t always say out loud. Maybe it’s a coping mechanism, maybe it’s just a need to put pain into words.

I know I haven’t updated in a while, and for that, I’m sorry. Life has a way of pulling us under when we least expect it. But for those of you still here, reading and supporting, thank you. It means more than I can express.

I guess I’ve always found comfort in heartbreak��in taking a story and twisting it until it feels real enough to leave a mark. So, as you read this, don’t be afraid to cry, to feel. That’s what it’s meant for. And maybe, when you’re done, we’ll both feel just a little less alone.

Hopefully, I’ll have more for you soon. Until then, take care of yourselves—and try not to cry too much.

Becoming a dad was never on the radar for Jeff. Not for someone like him—a serial killer with bloodstained hands and years of unresolved trauma. Jeff wasn’t the kind of man who would teach his kid how to throw a ball or give them advice on their first crush. Hell, he barely had any idea how to take care of himself. But when Y/N came to him that day, clutching the pregnancy test in trembling hands, terror written all over her face—not the kind of fear he was used to, the kind he relished in—it was different. This fear was raw, uncertain, vulnerable. And for the first time, Jeff felt it too.

The conversation that followed wasn’t pretty. There was shouting, tears, accusations, and a silence so heavy it crushed them both. But somewhere in that mess of emotions, there was a spark—something small and fragile. A seed of hope Jeff never thought he’d feel.

As the days turned into weeks, that seed began to grow. The thought of a child, their child, burrowed its way into Jeff’s cold, damaged heart. He found himself imagining things he never thought possible: a tiny hand gripping his finger, a toothless smile, a giggle that echoed in the halls of the mansion. He didn’t just start to accept it; he started to want it.

The house was alive with a strange excitement. Even the others couldn’t help but marvel at the idea of another child joining them—another innocent soul like Sally. Jack stole prenatal vitamins and a doppler, and Jeff had spent hours with Y/N listening to the faint sound of their baby’s heartbeat. He painted the nursery himself, his hands steady in a way they’d never been before. For once, the chaos of their lives didn’t seem so suffocating.

And then came the night that shattered it all.

Jeff barely stirred when Y/N slipped out of bed. She’d been getting up a lot lately, her small trips to the bathroom almost routine. He was half-asleep when he heard her call out, her voice trembling with something he couldn’t quite place.

“Jeff... come here... something’s wrong.”

The fear in her voice jolted him awake. He stumbled out of bed, heart pounding as he rushed to the bathroom. The sight that met him stopped him cold.

Y/N was sitting on the floor, her hands trembling and slick with blood. It was everywhere—on her thighs, pooling on the tiles, staining her nightshirt. Jeff’s breath hitched, his stomach turning in a way he hadn’t felt since the first time he took a life. Blood was supposed to excite him, but this... this made him want to vomit.

“I’ll... I’ll be back,” he stammered, his voice cracking in a way that felt foreign and wrong. “I’ll get Jack. Don’t move, Y/N. Don’t move.”

He didn’t wait for her reply, didn’t dare look back. He sprinted down the stairs, nearly tripping in his panic. He found Jack in the kitchen, dragging him by the arm before the other man could even ask what was happening. His words tumbled out, frantic and disjointed, but Jack didn’t need an explanation when he saw the scene for himself.

Jack knelt beside Y/N, his usually steady hands trembling ever so slightly as he placed a hand on her shoulder. “Stand up,” he said softly. “I need to see.”

Y/N obeyed, her body shaking as she clung to Jack for support. Jeff stayed rooted to the doorway, his nails digging into the wood as if it could somehow anchor him to reality.

Jack’s expression was grim as he straightened, his voice heavy when he finally spoke. “I’m sorry, Y/N.”

The words hit Jeff like a physical blow. Y/N let out a strangled sob, her knees buckling as Jack caught her and eased her to the floor. Jeff moved without thinking, dropping to his knees beside her and grabbing her hand.

“No,” Jeff muttered, shaking his head. “No, no, no. This—this isn’t happening. Fix it, Jack. Do something.”

Jack looked at him, his hollow eyes filled with something that almost resembled pity. “There’s nothing I can do, Jeff. It’s already happening.”

Y/N’s grip on Jeff’s hand tightened, her face pale and glistening with tears. “Jeff... it’s my fault,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

“Don’t,” he said sharply, his voice cracking. “Don’t you dare say that. This isn’t your fault.”

She sobbed harder, her free hand clutching her stomach as another wave of pain wracked her body. Jeff could only watch, helpless and furious, as the person he cared about most suffered in a way he couldn’t stop.

Time seemed to crawl, every second dragging like a knife through Jeff’s chest. He wasn’t supposed to care like this. He wasn’t supposed to feel this kind of pain. But as Y/N finally passed the tiny, lifeless form of what could have been their child, Jeff felt something inside him shatter.

He stared at the tiny, fragile thing Jack gently took away, his chest heaving as he fought to keep the scream building inside him at bay. Y/N was limp against him now, her strength spent, her sobs quieted into hollow, hitching breaths.

Jeff pressed his forehead to hers, his hand still gripping hers tightly as though letting go would mean losing her too. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I’m so sorry.”

In that moment, he hated himself more than he ever thought possible. He wasn’t supposed to care, wasn’t supposed to feel this. But as he held Y/N and felt the life drain from the future they’d dared to hope for, Jeff realized that maybe, just maybe, he’d wanted to be a dad after all.

And now, he never would be.

[heyitslouiseeeee]

M #40

our existence is only a momentary of whisper - but in this lifetime, i met you.

[saduboiss]

sometimes I just get so sick and tired of fighting just to survive.

[maihonhassan]

Arabic saying that got me in tears;

“هناك قلوب لن تكرهك مهما أوجعتها "

"There are hearts that won't ever hate you, no matter how much you hurt them."

[minimalist-quotes]

What doesn't kill you makes you weird at intimacy

[hayatheauthor]

How To Showcase Surprise In Your Writing

Welcome to the latest installation of my series on how to write different emotions. Today we’re covering surprise.

Surprise is a powerful emotion that can add depth and intrigue to your characters and scenes. Mastering the art of depicting surprise in writing can captivate your readers and keep them engaged. Here's how you can effectively showcase surprise in your writing:

Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are key to conveying the emotion of surprise in your writing. Here are some cues you can use to effectively describe facial expressions of surprise:

Widened Eyes: Describe how the character's eyes widen in astonishment, perhaps with pupils dilated.

Raised Eyebrows: Note how their eyebrows shoot up, creating a look of disbelief or astonishment.

Open Mouth: Mention their mouth falling open slightly or hanging agape, reflecting their shock.

Clenched Jaw: In some cases, surprise can also manifest as a clenched jaw, indicating tension or disbelief.

Flushed Cheeks: Describe how their cheeks may flush with the rush of adrenaline accompanying surprise.

Twitching or Tics: Note any involuntary movements, like twitching of the lips or facial tics, that can accompany surprise.

Body Language

Body language is another crucial element in conveying the emotion of surprise. Here are some body language cues you can use to effectively depict surprise in your writing:

Freeze or Startle: Describe how the character might freeze momentarily or startle, indicating their sudden shock or astonishment.

Tensing Muscles: Mention any tensing of muscles, such as clenching fists or tightening shoulders, as a physical response to surprise.

Backing Away: Show the character taking a step back or leaning away slightly, a common reaction to unexpected situations.

Leaning Forward: Alternatively, describe them leaning forward with heightened curiosity or interest in the surprising revelation.

Quick Movements: Note any sudden, jerky movements or gestures, like a hand flying to their mouth or chest, in response to the surprise.

Fidgeting: Mention any fidgeting or restless movements, like tapping fingers or bouncing legs, as a sign of nervous energy.

Dialogue and Voice

Dialogue and voice play a significant role in conveying surprise in your writing. Here are some techniques and elements you can use:

Exclamations: Incorporate exclamatory phrases or interjections such as "Wow!" or "Oh my goodness!" to convey the intensity of the character's surprise.

Short, Stuttered Sentences: Use short, choppy sentences to mimic the character's fragmented thoughts and speech as they process the surprise.

Questioning Tone: Show the character asking questions or seeking clarification, reflecting their confusion or need for more information.

Changes in Pitch: Describe how their voice may rise in pitch or become shaky, indicating their emotional state.

Pauses and Hesitations: Include pauses or hesitations in dialogue to mimic the character's hesitation or disbelief.

Physical Reactions

In addition to facial expressions and body language, characters experiencing surprise may exhibit various physical reactions. Here are some cues you can use to describe their physical responses to surprise:

Heart Racing: Describe how their heart races or pounds in their chest, a common physiological response to sudden shock or excitement.

Adrenaline Rush: Mention the rush of adrenaline they may feel, leading to heightened senses and increased alertness.

Goosebumps or Shivers: Note any goosebumps or shivers that may run down their spine, indicating a strong emotional reaction.

Sweating: Describe how they may break out in a cold sweat or feel warmth spreading across their body due to the adrenaline surge.

Trembling or Shaking: Show them trembling or shaking slightly, a physical manifestation of their emotional state.

Sensory Details

Sensory details play a vital role in creating a vivid and immersive experience for readers. When depicting surprise, consider incorporating the following sensory cues:

Sound: Describe any sounds associated with the surprising event, such as gasps, whispers, or the sudden silence that follows a shocking revelation.

Sight: Paint a visual picture of the scene, including details like the character's widened eyes, their surroundings, and any visual cues that contribute to the atmosphere of surprise.

Touch: Mention any tactile sensations the character experiences, such as a racing heartbeat, goosebumps, or the sensation of trembling hands.

Smell: If relevant, include any smells that add to the scene, such as the scent of fear, excitement, or the environment where the surprise occurs.

Taste: If applicable, describe any taste sensations related to the surprise, such as a dry mouth, a metallic taste of adrenaline, or the taste of surprise turning into relief or disappointment.

Verbs and Adjectives

Choosing the right verbs and adjectives is crucial in effectively conveying the emotion of surprise in your writing. Here are some verbs and adjectives you can use:

Verbs:

Gasped, Exclaimed, Stuttered, Bolted, Recoiled, Gaped, Trembled, Jolted, Twitched, Faltered

Adjectives:

Astonished, Stunned, Amazed, Bewildered, Flabbergasted, Dumbfounded, Taken aback, Incredulous, Startled, Shocked

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

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