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| Poor kitty! There's only one way to go. (Source) |
I've been thinking about this since I first read it. It's easy to manipulate readers by setting up the emotions we want them to feel. But is it a good idea? I say NO! (How loudly do you want me to yell? ;-) Readers aren't idiots. They can tell when writers take short cuts to emotions and telegraph what they should feel. It makes your stories forgettable and feeble, in my opinion. I don't like being manipulated by writers and usual quit reading because of the manipulation.
My stories center around deep social and family issues. I could easily fall into the manipulating side of writing, but I truly think the characters of my stories can carry the problems they face and share their trials and triumphs without it.
Traci Borum suggests several ways to avoid manipulation :
- Write the story with truth.
- Stay honest in the moment by being in the moment yourself.
- Don't worry about the reader's reaction.
- Be invested in the characters. Care about them and the readers will too.
- Listen to your gut. If it feels like you're trying too hard, dial it back.
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Have you read books that manipulated you?
How did it make you feel?
Do you have any more suggestions for writers?
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Next week: Author Interview! What? You were expecting the mini book review? Well, Thanksgiving made me do it. Really! ;-)
