Thursday, September 28, 2006

An overview of emotion

This blog has now been running for over two years, and if you were to go back and read it through from the beginning you would find that there is one topic which is mentioned over and over again. That topic is emotion.

Somewhere around 1958, I met a man on a train who was a schoolmaster by profession but who was also a published writer. We got to talking about writing. I mentioned that I had ambitions in that line myself (I was very young and foolish), and he advised me to read a book called Narrative Technique, by Thomas H. Uzzell. (The book was first published in 1923 and is long since out of print, but it's still worth buying if you can find an old copy.)

In due course I did read Uzzell's book, and Uzzell revealed to me that the whole point of fiction is that it generates emotion in the reader: that is why readers value it. My major conclusion at that point in my development was therefore that, if I wished to succeed as a 'creative writer', I had better (a) learn as much as I could about emotion, and (b) learn as much as I could about how to create emotion in readers or drama audiences.

The result is that, for nearly fifty years, I have been reading anything I could lay my hands on which dealt with human emotion and writing techniques. And gradually, my reading and learning have begun to organise themselves into several different areas:

1. The scientific study of emotion itself.

2. The problems of fictional narrative technique: i.e. how to make the reader feel an emotion.

3. The impact of emotion on writers: notably, the negative effects of rejection; and

4. The role of emotion in general physical and mental health.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you will have noticed that, whenever possible, I review books which cover these topics; and, as indicated at the head of this post, I have already dealt with the four topics at some length, in several stand-alone essays. The purpose of today's post is therefore to point you towards some of the material related to emotion which already exists on this blog, and to give you information about other sources of information which you might wish to pursue.

A central plank in the edifice which we are to construct today is Chapter 5 of my non-fiction book The Truth about Writing. And if you want a fairly quick and simple guide to everything that I've learnt about emotion and writing in the last fifty years, then you should read that chapter.

For months, if not years, I have been muttering about making available a free PDF copy of The Truth about Writing, and now, at last, I've done it. Click here for details. Chapter 5 begins on page 133.

In the meantime, here is a 5-minute guide to relevant posts on this blog and to outside sources of useful information.

1. The scientific study of emotion

Fortunately (or unfortunately), it has not proved too difficult or demanding for me to keep up with scientific research in the area of human emotion, because, for all practical purposes, there isn't any.

See my discussion of such data as are available beginning on page 143 of Truth. There I discuss Dylan Evans's book, Emotion: the Science of Sentiment. This is quite a short book, and it summarises what scientists have discovered about emotion in the last hundred years or so. (Precious little, it turns out.)

You will find that I also mention Candace Pert's book, The Molecules of Emotion, in which a genuine practitioner of 'hard' science (measuring things) tells us what she has discovered.

Another relevant book is Dylan Evans's Placebo, discussed here on 13 July 2004, in the course of a general discussion of the need for writers to produce emotion in an audience.

Why this paucity of scientific research, you may wonder. The answer is that emotion is hard to put under the microscope, hard to measure, and hard, even, to define. Since scientists build their reputations by doing experiments which produce hard data, which can then be replicated by other scientists, they soon realise that there is no professional future in the study of emotions, and they back off. The volume of research in this area, compared with almost anything else you care to mention, is tiny.

2. Fictional narrative technique

There is no better source of information on how to create emotion in the reader than Uzzell's Narrative Technique (mentioned above), if you can find it. Also good is his 1959 book, The Technique of the Novel. But you will find a handy summary of Uzzell's theories, plus my own take on how to put them into effect, in Chapter 5 of my book Truth, beginning on page 156.

There are, of course, numerous other books on writing techniques and I must have read at least a couple of hundred of them myself. But very few remain on my bookshelves. One that does is Albert Zuckerman's Writing the Blockbuster Novel; it's a much more subtle and thoughtful book than it sounds.

3. The impact of emotion on writers

My third area of interest is the impact of emotions on writers.

As the years passed, I gradually came round to the view that writing is a pretty dangerous business. And The Truth about Writing was mainly written to warn writers -- particularly young and naive writers -- about what they are letting themselves in for.

The first paragraph of the book reads as follows: 'Writing is an activity which can seriously damage your health. It can consume huge amounts of time and energy, and it can lead to frustration, rage, and bitterness. The overall purpose of this book is therefore to protect and preserve the sanity of anyone who is unfortunate enough to be afflicted with the ambition to write.'

And I was not kidding. If you want to understand how dangerous to your health writing can be, read my review of Sapolsky's Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers. And for a couple of cases where the pressures of the writing world proved fatal, read Ross and Tom 1, and the follow-up, Ross and Tom 2.

4. The role of emotion in general physical and mental health

Finally, the impact of emotion on physical and mental health in the population at large.

To get a feeling for that, you will need to dip into some of the books already mentioned: Dylan Evans on Emotion and Placebo; Candace Pert on The Molecules of Emotion; and Sapolsky, Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers.

But the best account (in my view) of how powerful emotions impact upon the mental and physical health of all individuals is, of course, Dr Sarno's book The Divided Mind, which I reviewed on 5 September.

Later note: If you are interested in learning more about Dr Sarno, there is now a wiki-type site which contains a great deal of useful information. In particular, it contains many first-hand reports by former pain sufferers who explain how Dr Sarno's ideas, and his practical suggestions for treatment, have helped them to feel better. I warmly recommend it. The web address is tmswiki.org.

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

I read avidly and for some time in my younger egocentric years thought I wanted to be a writer but basically all I did was talk about it. I didn't have the grit or really the talent to succeed so I stuck to reading.
The power of some novels has over the years had an enormous emotional impact on me and the books have stayed with me long after I've closed the last page. Kaled Hosseini's book The Kite Runner, A Jarful of Angels by Babs Horton and Arundati Roys God of small things were three such books that I've read recently. They were able to reach the child in me and the result was so powerful; I wept like a fool at times, laughed like a seven year old at others. Yet I have read 'real life' stories about kids in distress and been left cold. Do you think that writers like Hosseini etc are aware of their impact and do they consciously use 'Devices' to get a reaction. Or is it just good writing written from the heart? Getting in touch with your own emotions through reading feels therapeutic to me and I always feel better mentally. I hope writing the books gives authors the same lift.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the PDF, which I now have safely on my computer. Interestingly, your Chapter 5 successfully evoked considerable emotion--I assuredly look forward to re-reading it more carefully.

I recently referred a writer to your "Slush Pile" essay, and received the interesting response, "I'm too busy writing to read something by someone I don't know."

Now there's a thought--and a bit frightening. I wish I were so lucky. Thank you again for making this available to us as well.

Anonymous said...

I am sometimes told that, as a writer, I need to develop a thick skin (in relation to harsh criticism, rejection, manuscripts that have to be abandoned and all the other things you have mentioned as being the writer's lot). But as a writer I also have to be thin-skinned too - overly sensitive as I see it - in order to successfully convey emotion.

Is this the divided mind, I wonder - perhaps the more divided the better.

Anonymous said...

Very insightful.
Are you going to write a round-up on "randomness" soon? I'd love to read that.

Art Durkee said...

There's a book several years ago that is all about research into emotion. It's fairly rigorous, but remains somewhat controversial.

Dr. Manfred Clynes, "Sentics: The touch of the emotions."

http://senticcycles.org/

I first encountered this work when it was referenced in George Leonard's book "The Silent Pulse," which remains one of the best books on states of mind I've ever read.

Anonymous said...

Just a couple of comments on emotion.

First, is there such a thing as a 'mind' and if there is where is it? I think the answer is: it's many in parts of the brain, hence part of the body. The mind/body split might have been useful before we began to understand the chemical and electrical processes of the brain but I think neuro-psychology is chipping away at it.

Next, your example of the Holmes joke is a good one and illustrates the different levels of emotion. As far as I know all animals feel fear through our reptillian brain; some feel happiness (dogs clearly can be happy or sad), but only humans experience 'intellectual' emotions like humour or pathos and then not equally.

Thanks for the book.

home for sale costa rica said...

hi people
wow i didn't notice it...

i think this spot is so interesting!

Juan Blanco said...

Uzzell may actually have written a very famous "best-seller" ; in fact, he is mentioned repeatedly in official AA documents as an "editor" of the final draft of the so-called "Big Book."

AA receipts also record payments to him; he is not known to have ever been a member of the Fellowship, however. By hearsay, in the 1970's Uzzell's son claimed (his father bragged) he'd actually ghost-written 'Alcoholics Anonymous' (1939). This authorship remains a mystery, unbeknownst to the faithful.

Forensic literary analysis of 'Narrative Technique' and 'Alcoholics Anonymous' (and perhaps the three articles purportedly 'written by' by Dr. Wm. D. Silkworth in 'The Medical Record' 1937-9) might prove the same authorship.

Related Sidenote:
Is it known if Uzzell or his wife was a member of the Holmes Brothers' Church of Divine / Religious Science, by any chance?

Jerry Smith said...

Hello I am very glad that I find your blog. As I read your blog it is very creative and full of knowledge. By reading your blog, bloggers like me learn many innovative things to write in thier own blog. As i write blog in which we provide information related to Antivirus and also provide services of Antivirus. For any type of query or any update you can use use Norton.com/nu16 or you can contact to our experts.

Jerry Smith said...

All the blog which is provided by you is having valuable and useful content. Many bloggers learn many things from you and enhance their writting skills. As I also write blogs and in that blogs we provide information related to Gmail and also provide services to resolve problems of Gmail. If you have any query or need any help you can contact Gmail Password Reset Number.

McAfee Pro said...


We are working as public beneficiaries as we share analyzed and evaluated solutions with people who are looking for a good solution on McAfee login. If you are also looking for such assistance. You can either go to our website or contact us via call.
visit here: https://mcafeepro.com/

Anonymous said...

If you get a problem or error, get live support with easy access to McAfee antivirus login to solve all issues.Visit our official website for more details:

https://mcafeepro.com/

Xperria said...

Customer care directory : xperria.com has contact numbers of millions of customer care services which functions across the world. xperria.com is basically a toll-free phone number directory that aims to connect you with the customer care service you are looking for. This not only helps you in getting instant assistance and solution but also saves your precious time.visit here https://xperria.com

Jessy Jason said...

We are a team of highly experienced and well trained, those who provide a solution related to windstream email such as windstream email login, windstream net email login, windstream login and much more. For more info contact our support team to get instant assistance.

tohulu said...



I think I have never seen such blogs ever before that has complete things with all details which I want. So kindly update this ever for us.
www.prime.com/mytv
www.primevideos.com/mytv
www.hulu.com/activate
www.primevideos.com/mytv

mcafee.com/activate said...

Emotions are attached to every moment of our life whether it would be in the present, past, or future.

office.com/setup said...

EMOTION basically It is a strong feeling deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others. Emotions can be of many types it can be a conscious mental reaction (such as anger or fear) or love or hatred it can be anything which we strongly feel for anything or anyone.
office.com/setup

Martin Warker said...

Utilizing the provided controller, press the HOME or MENU button.
Choose Video, Application, My Apps or Apps, contingent upon your model.
Choose the Prime Video application.
Choose Sign In and Start Watching and note the enlistment code that shows up on the system.
Utilizing the web, go to the Amazon™ sign-in page

amazon.com/mytv
www.amazon.com/mytv enter code sign in
www.amazon.com/mytv
www.primevideo.com/mytv
amazon prime login
www.primevideo.com/mytv register code

office.com/setup said...

some people write their emotions on the books. and share their emotions with the world.
office.com/setup

baroncorrz said...

If you have purchased a new Epson printer then you might come across some technical issues like Epson printer troubleshooting. In the beginning, you might not be able to configure the printer. There are other things too that might cause a hurdle in the functioning. However, there is nothing to worry about as we are here to assist you to face the troubles.
If you are unable to print in black or color, not able to connect it to the system or having some difficulty with the drivers; all you need to do is reach out to us and we will address the issue in no time.

printersupportnumber said...

Nice Post....
How do I install HP Solution Center?
You can easily install the HP Solution Center by visiting the official website of HP Support or by going through the HP printer install wizard for Windows. It will scan your system for devices, software and drivers.

jimmy andrew said...

We are one of the third-party trusted Tech-Support service providers working continuously day tonight at an independent US-based 123.hp.com/setup Company. We are aiming for the problem-solving domain and would love to look forward to helping hand. We are extremely talented and extra-ordinary as well in a way to serve quality solutions for any printer problems to needy customers. With our simple tricks and techniques, users are able to solve any major or minor printing problems. We are having hands of experience in technical field and hence this is the reason why we are always ready to tackle your problematic hurdles. With our experience and skills, problems are easily be eradicated from the root in just the blink of an eye.

primevideocommytv said...

To watch online prime recordings on gadgets like laptops, PCs, cell phones, and keen television. You need to enter the 6 digit amazon enactment code at www.amazon.com/mytv or Primevideo.com/mytv to watch the superb video for nothing. Watch amazon prime scenes on your gadget to sign in or make another amazon account utilizing email and secret phrase.
Read more…

Timothy Dozier said...

Informative article, thanks for sharing your thoughts on emotions. Without understanding the nature of emotions, it is impossible to understand either the nature of the soul or the nature of the intellect. From a general biological point of view, emotions are a form of reflection by a living organism of objective reality in the form of its subjective experience. Various stimuli, acting on the body, cause not only machine-like responses in the form of movements or autonomic reactions (increased or decreased heart rate, changes in the frequency and depth of breathing, etc.), but also related subjective experiences, called emotions: joy, anger, pain, fear, pleasure. By the way, you can find many videos on YouTube in which the authors talk about emotions. I found about a dozen and almost all of them had at least 10 thousand views! I am sure this is because the authors of such videos used the services of https://soclikes.com/ in order to wind up their number.

office.com/setup said...

you have written this blog very beautifully about the emotions. we all show keep our emotions controlled all the time. this helps people in difficulty.

office.com/setup said...

Grumpy old bookman gets a Five star for this one.

Smartnstudy said...

Grab the best discount on aditya jain sfm, Smartnstudy is one of the best online platforms that offer all faculties pendrive and google drive classes at lowest price, call us- 97688 94000.

Maverick Richardson said...

Do you think to create tiktok blog too. I read on this site https://www.tme.net/blog/promoting-content-tiktok/ that it is quite easy to get followers for tiktok right now

Unknown said...

"chinelo slide da melissa
nike les halles
outlet nike floresta
sandália rasteira bottero
tende doccia milano amazon
tenis all star feminino branco couro
venda de cortina
nike air force modelo agotado
camisa ponte preta aranha
nike color block hoodie
sandalias courofeito a mao
damen lack schnürer
nike dual fusion tr iii
nike sb air max bruin vapor
nike t shirt tumblr
cappello fisi kappa tazza
adidas stabil x junior
brassiere garcon
nike sb zoom mogan mid 2 6.0
combinar vestido lentejuelas
jersey rombos hm
adidas boost 350 black
smartphone kleine abmessungen amazon
shirt mit schnürung am ausschnitt
schubkarre gestell amazon
skechers shoes for men online
leggings mit spitzenabschluss
spielzeug nach altersgruppen amazon
s oliver catie bell bottom
kugelbahn ab 12 monate amazon
beutel zipper amazon
hosen bei peek cloppenburg
nike jogginghose dunkelgrau damen
nike anzug nba rot
rückgaberecht adidas
nike air max blancas mujer baratas"

Lisa said...

123.hp.com/setup
www Mywifiext net
123.hp.com
123.hp.com/setup
123.hp.com/setup
norton.com/setup
amazon.com/mytv
mcafee.com/activate
office.com/setup
amazon.com/code
mywifiext.net
Mywifiext local
Mywifiext local
Mywifiext.net
Mywifiext.local
Mywifiext net
Mywifiext local
www Mywifiext net
Mywifiext.local
www Mywifiext net
Mywifiext local
mywifiext.local
Mywifiext.local
www Mywifiext net
Mywifiext.net
www Mywifiext net
Mywifiext local
www Mywifiext net
www Mywifiext net
Mywifiext.local
www Mywifiext net
Mywifiext.local
www Mywifiext net
Mywifiext local
Mywifiext.local
netgear wn3000rp setup
www Mywifiext net
www Mywifiext net
123.hp.com/setup
Mywifiext local
www Mywifiext net

Mark Watson said...

Once you are done with the Netgear router, you need to launch the web browser on the PC. Then you need to visit routerlogin.com. If that does not work, then you can try the 192.168.1.1 for netgear r6020 setup. You are then prompted to enter a username and password. Later enter the default login credentials. You have to then click log in.

EZWorks said...

Animated video is a flexible and dynamic medium that can take your tale to the next level.A 2D animation company provides an interesting and entertaining alternative to written material, avoids the limitations of live-action video, and transforms static graphics into a thoroughly entertaining "guided tour" of the topic. So unleash the potential of animated video to improve your visual content, by contacting the audio visual experts at EZ!

Unknown said...


A new purchased Canon printer needs to be set up. First, ensure you’ve installed the latest drivers and software from a valid siteThe wireless and wired models require drivers and software; therefore, each has to undergo one important installation process.
https //ij.start.cannon,
http //ij.start.canon


john nicholas said...




Epson printers are one of the most advanced printers available today. However, many Epson printer drivers are experiencing problems with their printer when they try to print anything with their Epson printer For all such issues, you need not worry and keep your hopes on us. We will let you go through the troubleshooting methods of different Epson Printer issues. Epson printer troubleshooting will you for this issues.






Xnxx said...

Your very own commitment for getting the message throughout came to be rather powerful and have consistently enabled employees just like me to arrive at their desired goals.
FUBO.tv/Connect
FUBO tv Connect

UCanJi said...

Ucanji - one of the leading skill development platforms, is on the hunt of making skill learning accessible to people even to the remotest areas of the country. This platform offers a wide range of dance workout forms. So, people can choose a dance form according to their whims and fancies.
dance workout

Unknown said...

Clean Room Manufacturer in India | Modular Clean Room rice
Engko.in with the best quality production of Clean Room in Delhi. Get the best price from best Clean Room Manufacturer in Delhi. Insulated and leak proof modular rooms.

UCanJi said...

Learn one of the main genres of Indian classical dance with online kathak classes which is a beautiful amalgamation of music. Kathak dance tutorial involves learning intricate footwork accented by 'ghungroo' worn around the ankles and elaborated body gestures to communicate the story.

online kathak classes

roulettesitetop said...

Great blog I must say. The thing I like most about your blog is the catchy words that you choose. Thanks for the article.
룰렛사이트탑

Xnxx said...

H&R Block desktop software versions are available as download or CD installation versions. They allow you to work on your return anytime, anywhere without the Internet. You can prepare your return without internet connection. Which gives you a lot of freedom.
H&R Block Tax Refund Software
Activate.hrblock.com/crj

activate setup said...


ij canon scan utility
is an application that allows users to scan documents, photos, and more quickly.

Users can complete from scanning to storage at once by clicking on the corresponding icon in the canon.com/ijsetup main screen.

H&R Block said...

Your activation code is needed for your installation and gives you access to five free federal e-files.Once you have your H&R Block Activation Code, you’ll need to enter it into the software to activate and use your free federal e-files.

Activate.hrblock.com/crj
Register H R Block Activation Code

Anonymous said...

Fubo tv blogging
Fubo.tv/connect
Fubo tv connect

kendrajohn said...


You get stressed when you are unable to log in to your AT&T email account for some reason, don't waste your precious time, to fix ATT mail Login issues, you can come to us for immediate solutions. You can get in touch with our technical professionals immediately. We will always be ready to assist you in any way possible.

sleep training for newborns said...

Are you thinking about sleep training for newborns? Here, we teach your baby to fall asleep without help from you. Wake your baby up early on day one, and get into the routine of rising at the same time daily.

alexmorgan said...

Students who study online, cheer! We can assist you if you're having trouble with your course or degree and need aid with weekly assignments and assessments. We Take Classes is the country's most popular online tutoring program. We match difficult online students with skilled teachers and take care of all of their schoolwork. We will do each and every task! Maybe you're having trouble writing an essay or don't have enough time to study for a huge test; whatever the case may be, we can help. Every semester, We Take Classes assists thousands of online students. Simply call and request, "take my online course for me"? and we always help them with giving them 25 to 30 % discount too.

domnic torato said...

Are you one of those users who are looking forward to knowing each and every required step to understand How Do I Transfer Money From Apple Pay To Cash App. If you would like to find out the direct channel to send money from your Apple Pay account to your Cash App account, there is no such option available. Besides, there is an availability of an indirect way in form of using a common bank account.

TheBEGlobal said...

Thanks for sharing. BEglobal is a famous Web development company in Dubai. We provide premium quality websites that are created, designed, and specifically tailored to meet the requirements of our customers.

tripnomadic said...

Thanks for sharing. Texas is bursting at the seams with opportunities for fun and adventure. You can explore the Things to do in Texas before planning to visit in Texas.

BEdigitech said...

Bedigitech is a dynamic digital marketing company that offers a wide range of services to help businesses thrive in the digital landscape. With expertise in SEO, social media marketing, content creation, and more, they craft tailored strategies to drive online visibility, attract targeted audiences, and generate impactful results for their clients.