Series 1/6: Editing using Walter Murch's Rule of Six (Emotion)

Do you remember this scene from Pan’s Labyrinth?

A group of college buddies and I, which consisted of hopeful film students, rented a theater on campus to watch it together.?

Some of us had seen the movie and some of us hadn’t. I hadn’t.?

When Ofelia eats the fruit, I remember we collectively groaned and did one of these:

Then we were angry Ofelia got her little fairy friends killed.?

Then we were worried because she ran out of time and the door closed.?

Then we were anxious because the chalk broke.?

And then we were TERRIFIED.?

By the time the scene ended, all of us were yelling at the screen, hands up, biting our nails, and jumping in our seats.?

The stories you tell in your copy are not going to always be this exciting or suspenseful, but the emotion thrives in the moments.

Take an event you want to share that’s relevant to your audience and true to your experience.?

Revisit how you felt throughout the moment and write it down, then add why you felt that way.?

Examples:?

1. I remember when the pregnancy test said “pregnant.” My suspicions were confirmed, but I was still surprised. I was overjoyed with what it meant for my family, but also, my mind was racing a mile a minute with what had to change. And when I looked in the mirror, I was smiling ear-to-ear with wide glossy eyes.?
2. I had this tension in my neck and shoulders for weeks, but I couldn’t pinpoint its origin or cause. However, the day I accepted the job offer, that soreness subsided overnight. I had no idea 4 months of jobless stress had resided in my neck.?
3. I raced to the bar at Treasure Island, not to order alcohol, but to desperately thwart a fainting spell. By the time I reached the bartender and asked for water, it was too late. My legs weighed a ton, my vision dissolved to blackness, and sounds were muffled like I was just beneath the surface of water. I guess I was just beneath the surface of consciousness because I quickly came to and said, “Don’t call an ambulance!”?

These were all real moments and as you see, I don’t lead a particularly action-packed or fantastical life.?

But, I do have these relatable moments that mean something to me and might mean something to my audience.?

The same goes for you!?

I hope you find this helpful in your writing when you’re editing for emotion or want to enhance your audience's emotional connection and feelings.?

This is part 1 of 6 on my expansion of Walter Murch’s Rule of Six, to help you edit your own copy. If you want a recap of all six rules, watch this video here .

Have a great day! Bye ????