September 1st is here, and this month I want to step away from the maps and the magic systems of Lunaria to talk about something much more fragile: the emotional weight of The Night Chronicles.

Why Emotions are the True Plot
We often talk about pacing, stakes, and twists as the engines of a story, but I have found that the true engine is the vulnerability of the characters. When I am sitting at my desk—even if the power is out or I’m working by candlelight—I’m not just writing down what characters do. I’m trying to write down what they feel when the walls are closing in.

My Process for Emotional Resonance
Writing scenes that make a reader’s heart race (or break) requires a specific approach. Here is how I tackle the heavy lifting:

The "Stillness" Technique: Before a character faces a massive emotional revelation, I try to slow the scene down. I focus on the small, nitty-gritty sensory details—the way a pen feels in a hand, the silence in a room—to make the internal explosion feel more jarring.

The Cost of the Magic: Because I spend so much time in my Story Bible defining the rules of magic in Lunaria, I use those rules to create emotional stakes. If a character uses their power, I ask myself: What part of their soul does it cost them?

Trusting the Characters: Sometimes, the most emotional scenes aren't the ones I planned. If I am writing a character profile and realize they are hiding a grief I didn't expect, I stop and let them be sad. I’ve learned that the scenes I am most afraid to write are usually the ones the readers need to read the most.

A Question for You
When you are reading dark fiction, what makes an emotional scene stick with you? Is it the grand, dramatic declarations of pain, or is it the quiet, unspoken moments where a character has to face their truth alone?

Let’s chat in the comments—I’m always looking for ways to deepen the journey for Liz and the rest of the cast.

Stay dark,

June Sky