Writing with Empathy

As a writer, your life is a constant source of research. Every day presents a new opportunity to observe people and their reactions – including your own.

When something happens to trigger an emotional response, I try to take the time to record my reactions to what’s going on around me. This past week is a great example. The storm that came through – “ex“tropical cyclone Oswald – flooded the lower level of our home, and the wild weather saw us seek refuge with friends overnight. 

The whole process has been invaluable from a writer’s perspective. I can take what I went through…

– from the initial stoicism (we’ll put some sandbags out – it’ll be fine)

– through the mild concern when the water found its way in, regardless (hm, wasn’t expecting that…)

– to the rising panic and fear that it was far from over  (what do you mean, it’ll be worse tomorrow???!)

– and the abandonment of our home to ride it out in a safer place (grab the dogs; it’s time to go)

– until our return (holy hell, where did all that mud come from and why does it smell so bad?!)

… and use it for future reference. With some creative adjustment, it could be an alien invasion instead of a nasty old cyclone. (Sorry, ex-cyclone.) The process is the same: fight, fear, flight, aftermath. It is the bread and butter of action stories the world over.

The trick is to observe, and write everything down – what you feel, what you see, what you hear, smell and taste (salt water on the rain, in this case!) – before, during and after.
Write it, keep it, and read it, occasionally. It is no good having research if you don’t use it, right?

Oh, and we’re fine, thanks. So are the dogs. A little dusty, but fine.
Spare a thought for those who did not get off so lightly.