by MaryAnn Diorio @DrMaryAnnDiorio
Emotion! Emotion! Emotion!
Most of us are familiar with the expression "Location! Location! Location!" when it comes to the value of real estate. Regardless of other important features in determining the worth of a home, location is the key factor.
When it comes to writing fiction, the key factor is "Emotion! Emotion! Emotion!" It is emotion—not plot or characterization or dialogue—that ultimately determines the worth of a story to a reader. This is not to say that plot, characterization, and dialogue are not important. But, ultimately, emotion is what carries the story—and the reader.
