Just like your plot has layers, consider the emotional layers of your story.
Emotions are like a complex soup, where every sip brings a new experience and you never know what’s bubbling just under the surface. They might be scalding or cold, sweet or spicy, weak or cloying.
Often, they’re multiple feelings at once.
You might be happy for a friend who just got a promotion, but envious because you were passed over for one. Or thrilled for a sister marrying the man of her dreams, but worried because this is marriage number five for him.
“It’s complicated” is a real thing, and characters struggle with those same emotional challenges.
When diving into a scene, think about the various emotions your characters are feeling, and how you can use those layers to deepen the scene and connect with the reader. Ask yourself: