Emotional Beats: Ways to Portray Interest

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Emotional Beats, emotions, feelings, interest, Writing

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In September, I mentioned the launch of Emotional Beats: How to Easily Convert your Writing into Palpable Feelings. As promised, I will be posting the book on my blog. So, here is the next installment, listing beats you can use to convey:

Interest

Commonly used in a romantic setting, these are some nice ways to show interest between characters.

Eyes

• She anchored her attention on…
• For a moment, his eyes hung on the [object].
• He shifted his gaze to the [object].
• His eyes retraced their path to…
• Her eyes darted toward…
• His dark-eyed gaze tugged at her heart.

Hands & Feet

• She spread her arms wide.
• He held out his arms.
• She raised a hand in greeting.
• He snapped to attention.
• He leaned forward, his fingers laced before him on the tabletop.
• He gestured a little too excitedly and nearly toppled off the couch.
• Her index finger made tight circles in the air while she considered his words.
• He pulled himself to his feet.
• He jumped to his feet.
• He waved.
• She held up her hands.
• She gesticulated.
• He waved his hands.
• She clapped her hands.
• He snapped his fingers.
• She held up a finger: Wait!
• She gestured with a thumb.
• He jerked his thumb toward [object].
• She held out her hand.
• He extended a hand.
• She spaced her index finger and thumb a quarter of an inch apart to show him how much she liked him.

Head

• He cocked his head.
• She bobbed her head in agreement.
• He responded with a wink and nod of acknowledgment.
• She raised her chin.
• He lifted his chin.
• She nodded.
• He bobbed his head.
• She tilted her head.
• She inclined her head.
• He jerked her head in the direction of…
• He responded with a curt nod.
• She tucked a long, loose strand of black hair behind her ear.

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Next week: relaxation. View all posts on the subject, or buy the book on Amazon – free on KU!