Have you ever heard of the concept of interiority? Interiority is the inside life of the POV character — their thoughts, reflections, and feelings that don’t always make it into dialogue or action. It is the ability to look directly into a character’s head and heart. Through interiority we learn several things: What they’re really feeling? Why they make the choices they do... How their private thoughts differ from their outward actions. The fun of interiority is that it gives the reader access to what no one else in the story can see. It creates empathy, tension, and depth. Remember: interiority isn’t only inner monologue. It can also show up in the body — sweaty palms, a racing heartbeat, or the way a character feels the weight of silence. Try to respond to at least one more prompt about a person by the close of the weekend. And don’t just tell what your character does. Let us in on what they think and feel in the moment. That’s where the excitement and magic lives. HAVE FUN WITH THIS ONE...

I’ve mastered this trick—make a joke, laugh a little too loud, shift in my chair like I’m just restless. Folks see composure. They don’t see the fight happening behind my ribs. Truth is, I wanted to let go. I wanted to let the tears come and not care who saw. But something in me still believes that once I start, I might not be able to stop. So I swallowed hard, smiled like I meant it, and told myself the same tired lie: Not here man. Not now.

I can feel the tension rising in my body. Eyes are full of tears and my face is wash of pink splotches from my temperature rising. Before I know my voice is raised and I am whirling about as my girlfriend grabs me. She is trying to calm me down but I am literally shaking and wailing in a circle. My friend calls my name but I am too far gone. My arms feel like bolts of thunder are flying around them and my cries are like lightning. I can’t believe my life has disintegrated to this flood of emotion and barrage of raining energy.

I’m tapping the fingers on one hand as I grip my coffee with the other. My eyes are intensely looking out the window as I take deep breaths trying to sum up some patience as I wait for my sister who is always late. Eventually Julia breezes in the coffee shop on the phone and eyes darting to find me. Her face has a serious look and her mouth is tight so this is not a casual conversation. I hear her say thank you Dr and she hangs up and tears well up. I throw up my hands in a questioning manner but she can’t speak and takes a seat. I give her a napkin and say nothing but my breathing quickens. With downcast eyes she begins to wring her hands and finally says Mama is sick and may have Alzheimers. Now my eyes are full of tears and we clasp hands saying nothing just synching our breathing.

As we grow in our writing capabilities, we must also learn the writer’s vocabulary. Here are 5 terms every writer should know: 1. Montage 2. Protagonist 3. Conflict 4. Tone 5. Imagery Learning these terms (and practicing them in your writing) helps you think and talk like a writer.