As I write this, I’m one month away from my due date, the estimated arrival of my husband’s and my first child. At many points in life, we are in a state of looking forward. Anticipation of an event—whether it’s a joyous or devastating one—puts everything in a new perspective. It heightens your awareness, incites excitement or anxiety (or both!), and brings up a lot of emotions.
Whether you’re crafting a fictional story or recounting your own experience, how do you write about a time of anticipation in a realistic, compelling way?
Photo by Merra Marie
The Countdown Begins
1. Set expectations.
The period before an anticipated event often serves as the “rising action” of a story. Amplify the tension by setting up the character’s expectations. What exactly does he or she think is going to happen? These expectations instantly add an extra dose of suspense, so just as the big moment is set to happen, readers are invested and wondering whether things will go according to plan or veer completely off track.
2. Describe the preparations.
This step plays into the common writing advice, “Show; don’t tell.” Describe the actions your character takes to prepare for the upcoming event. The way he or she prepares—or on the other hand, does not prepare—builds the sense of anticipation and reveals character in an authentic way.
3. Depict emotion.
Anticipation generates a range of emotions, many of them conflicting. Portray your character’s emotions through action (as the tip above mentions), dialogue, or descriptions. Think outside of the character himself too; other characters’ actions, the setting, and word choice also contribute to the mood and help communicate how a character feels.
Bonus point: Show what changes.
Technically, once the event occurs, the time of anticipation is over. But to fully convey all the elements of that anticipation, add contrast by sharing what happens during and after the event. Relate the changes that occur, both internal and external, to provide the pay-off—a period of “falling action” and an ultimate conclusion.
What methods do you use to generate a sense of anticipation?
PRACTICE
Write for fifteen minutes about a time of anticipation.
When you’re finished, please share your practice in the comments section. And if you post, please respond to some of the other comments too!
Melissa Tydell is a freelance writer, content consultant, and blogger who enjoys sharing her love of the written word with others. You can connect with Melissa through her website, blog, or Twitter.
Anticipation can mean a few different things, mainly it could be a positive, negative, or unknown thing. So, for example, say your character is excited about an upcoming road trip planned with their closest friends.
Anticipation can mean a few different things, mainly it could be a positive, negative, or unknown thing. So, for example, say your character is excited about an upcoming road trip planned with their closest friends.
What is it? Anticipation is the emotion we experience when we are expecting something to happen (good or bad), where we are left in a state of anxious suspense. Some people may feel excited, and others may just feel nervous. Anticipatory concerns are the thoughts we have while feeling anticipation.
"I eagerly anticipate our conversation/meeting" [1] "I'm really looking forward to our discussion" [1] "I'm enthusiastic about our upcoming conversation/meeting" [2] "I'm eagerly awaiting the opportunity to speak with you" [3]
Emotion can create anticipation because it makes your audience care about your content, your characters, or your message. You can use emotion in different ways, such as using stories, anecdotes, metaphors, or examples that appeal to your audience's emotions.
She had a feeling of great anticipation before her graduation ceremony. He looked forward to the party with anticipation. The actor's fans were trembling with/in anticipation [=excitement] when his limousine drove up.
The lunar high could bring a touch of excitement and anticipation into your life. The intensity of their anticipation trumpeted the excitement of an interruption to their placid world. The posthumous publication of his diaries is awaited with trepidation by some and eager anticipation by those who knew him best.
Yes, you can use "Thanking you in anticipation" in an official letter. However, it is important to use it in the right context. The phrase "Thanking you in anticipation" is typically used when you are asking someone to do something for you, and you are expressing your gratitude in advance for their help.
It can help us to feel more optimistic about the future, which can, in turn, allow us to cope better with stress and anxiety. Anticipation allows us to savor the moment. The excitement leading up to a vacation for example, can be just as enjoyable as the event itself.
Most people tend to imagine positive events in their future. When an individual anticipates something good happening, the neurotransmitter dopamine is released, resulting in positive feelings and decreased painful ones, along with increased arousal and excitement that can also feel good.
Foresight and anticipation are valuable skills that can help you prepare for the future, avoid potential pitfalls, and seize opportunities. They involve thinking ahead, imagining scenarios, and planning actions based on your goals and expectations.
The meta-plot begins with the anticipation stage, in which the hero is called to the adventure to come. This is followed by a dream stage, in which the adventure begins, the hero has some success, and has an illusion of invincibility.
Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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