Passion in Your Writing

Common advice given to writers is, “Write what you know.” I would add, “Write what you’re passionate about.”

You have to be passionate about your writing. Whether it’s a fantasy novel, a children’s magazine article, or memoir there must be the “passion factor.” When you write about something you feel passionate about, it will come through in your word choice, sentence structure, and underlying theme.

thIf you write about something that bores you, how do you think your readers will feel? Boredom guarantees that a reader will put down your work and never return to it.

How do you insert passion into your writing?

Storyline

First, and most obvious, you must actually feel it yourself as you consider your storyline. Does social injustice make your blood boil? Do you get excited when you talk about sailing the world and exploring all the different ports? Are you interested in searching for sunken ships and lost treasures? What is it that makes you feel animated and alive? Write about a topic that excites you and your reader will feel the same.

Word Choice

Use words that convey your excitement. Search for the perfect combination of words that will communicate your passion to your audience. Make your verbs active and lively. Don’t settle for the first words that spring to mind, continue looking for the right words. For example, is the water blue? Or turquoise? Or aquamarine?

Make your imagery come to life by avoiding clichés. Look for new similes and metaphors to ignite your prose. Paint the scenes with descriptive words.

Characters

Your characters must also be full of passion. Flat, one-dimensional characters won’t carry readers. Give your characters depth by exploring who they are and what their innermost desires are. Get to know your characters so well they’re like family. Most importantly, make sure your characters feel like living, breathing people.

Your excitement, or lack thereof, will shine through your writing. Readers want to feel the story; they want to experience it. The more you can inject your passion into the story the more likely you’ll have readers, even fans.