Burnout & Silas
Burnout
You ever notice how every time I try to nail a hook, my brain goes into overanalysis mode and I end up stuck? How do you keep your characters moving without drowning in their emotions?
Silas
I get that. It’s like trying to write a bridge with your hands wrapped in glass. One trick I use is to carve out a very small, clear point for each scene before you even think about what the character feels. Pick the goal, the obstacle, the result – that’s the skeleton. Then you can slip in the feelings around it, not inside it. It keeps the narrative from getting tangled in the emotional weeds. And remember, you’re not the character’s inner monologue; you’re the narrator, the one who decides what matters most in the story. Just let the plot do the heavy lifting and let the emotions be the paint on the canvas.
Burnout
That’s a solid hack. I still get stuck on the “what if” brain‑storming before I even get to the skeleton, but you’re right—keep the goal locked in, let the feel‑good stuff just drip in. Keeps the plot from getting a migraine. Thanks for the tip.
Silas
Glad it helps. Think of “what if” as the background scenery; the goal is the road. You can sketch the road first, then add the trees and sky later. Good luck on the next draft.
Burnout
Sounds like a map. Just make sure you don’t end up drawing a dead end road. Good luck, and try not to get lost in the scenery.
Silas
I’ll keep the compass in sight. Thanks for the reminder.