> Of course, you should write how characters feel only
by their actions and
> talkings, not by getting into their brains . .
.
>
> These days, so-called "hardboiled" gumshoes talk too
much, brood too much,
> express their feelings too much, and justify or
rationalize their actions
> too much--to pad books? I know they have feelings but
please don't say it,
> just act it out and let readers think how they
feel.
Amen, Jiro. That's exactly how I feel about handling
characters, especially in
hard-boiled stories. I try in my own writing to let the
reader connect with
how the character feels through dialogue and action -- it's
much more effective
that way. It evokes a much more powerful response in the
reader if the reader
can sense, let's say, the character's anger rather have the
author spell it out
through interior monologue. Of course, interior monologue
does have it's uses
in fiction; the skill is in knowing where and when to use it.
Easier said then
done, as I well know.
Best wishes -- Dan
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