Using Interiority to Seduce Readers and Deepen Character Connection with Heather Davis
Heather Davis introduces a Write Anyway Summit class on using interiority to “seduce” readers by creating an authentic connection to a protagonist. She defines interiority as the point-of-view character’s inner processing—thoughts, emotions, memories, opinions, judgments, questions, and predictions—filtered through an inherently subjective, somewhat unreliable perspective that can also convey backstory, relationships, and world-building while avoiding info dumps. Using examples (including Suzanne Collins), she contrasts surface-only action with interiority that deepens tension and empathy, and debunks myths that interiority is “telling,” unnecessary, requires a blank-canvas protagonist, or always slows pacing. She teaches two methods (limited direct thought in italics and primarily embedded interiority), four layers of inner processing from primal reactions to philosophizing, best practices for specificity and emotional word choice, and a rule for placement: pair external events with internal reactions. She closes by inviting writers to join her Many Worlds Drafting Club group coaching program.
00:00 Welcome and Setup
02:37 Why Interiority Seduces
04:39 Defining Interiority
06:33 What to Reveal Inside
10:36 Filter Everything Through POV
15:22 Before and After Example
19:31 Debunking Interiority Myths
24:19 Direct vs Embedded Thoughts
30:08 Four Layers of Interiority
37:55 Best Practices Checklist
38:57 Word Choice With Emotion
40:58 Concrete Specific Details
43:26 Embedding Rhythm and Spice
46:03 Where to Add Interiority
48:46 Suzanne Collins Scene Breakdown
53:21 Program Invitation and Farewell