How to Write Like Emily Henry: A Guide for Aspiring Authors
Discover how to write like Emily Henry with these tips on character development, witty dialogue, and emotionally rich storytelling. Learn how AI can help you master her style and create captivating no
If you're an avid reader like me, you've probably fallen in love with the works of Emily Henry. Her novels are a masterclass in blending relatable characters, witty dialogue, and emotionally rich storytelling. As a huge fan of her books, I've always wanted to capture that same magic in my writing. Thanks to AI, I've been able to analyze and break down her style, and I'm excited to share these insights with you. Here are some key elements to help you write like Emily Henry.
1. Develop Relatable Characters
Emily Henry's characters feel like real people with unique quirks, flaws, and strengths. They are complex and deeply relatable, which draws readers into their stories.
Example: Instead of just describing a character’s appearance, delve into their personality and experiences.
Original: "Jane had brown hair and blue eyes."
Emily Henry-style: "Jane’s brown hair was always a bit tousled, as if she’d just come from a windswept beach. Her blue eyes had a mischievous sparkle, hinting at a sense of humor that could lighten even the heaviest of conversations."
2. Witty and Engaging Dialogue
Henry’s dialogue is sharp, often humorous, and always feels natural. Characters banter back and forth, revealing their personalities and relationships through their conversations.
Example:
Original: "Do you want to go to the party?"
Emily Henry-style: "So, are we crashing that party tonight, or do you have another poorly thought-out plan to avoid social interaction?"
3. Emotionally Rich Storytelling
Her stories explore deep emotional themes and personal growth, delving into the characters’ internal conflicts and emotional journeys.
Example:
Original: "She felt sad after the breakup."
Emily Henry-style: "She wandered through her apartment like a ghost, the silence pressing down on her like a heavy fog. The memories of their laughter now echoed mockingly in the empty spaces, each room a reminder of what she had lost."
4. Vivid Descriptions and Setting
Henry uses vivid descriptions to bring her settings to life, making them almost like characters in the story.
Example:
Original: "They went to the beach."
Emily Henry-style: "They stepped onto the sun-warmed sand, the ocean stretching out before them in a dazzling expanse of blue. The salty breeze tangled in her hair, and she could hear the rhythmic lullaby of the waves crashing against the shore."
5. Internal Monologue and Character Voice
Her characters often have rich internal monologues that give insight into their thoughts and feelings, helping readers connect with them on a deeper level.
Example:
Original: "He wondered if he should tell her the truth."
Emily Henry-style: "He toyed with the idea of telling her the truth, but the words seemed to knot themselves up in his throat. Would she understand, or would this be the thing that finally pushed her away?"
6. Balancing Humor and Heart
Henry’s writing balances humor with heartfelt moments, creating a dynamic and engaging reading experience.
Example:
Original: "They had a serious conversation about their future."
Emily Henry-style: "They tried to have a serious conversation about their future, but it was hard to stay solemn when he kept making ridiculous faces every time she mentioned the word 'commitment.' Yet, beneath the laughter, there was a genuine concern, a fragile hope that they could make it work."
Using AI to Learn Emily Henry's Style
As a writer and huge Emily Henry fan, I wanted to understand what makes her writing so captivating. By leveraging AI, I was able to analyze her books and identify the key elements of her style. This technology has provided invaluable insights, allowing me to deconstruct her approach and apply it to my own writing.
Practice Exercise
To put these tips into practice, try writing a short scene focusing on a character’s internal struggle with witty conversation. Pay attention to the character’s voice, descriptive setting, and balance of humor with emotion.
Example Scene
Character: Emma, a young woman unsure about her new job. Setting: A cozy coffee shop.
Scene: Emma sat in the corner of the coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of old books from the nearby shelves. She stared at her laptop, the email from her new boss glaring back at her like an accusation.
"First day jitters?" Her friend, Max, slid into the seat across from her, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
"More like first day existential crisis," Emma muttered, taking a sip of her latte. "What if I'm terrible at this job? What if they realize they made a huge mistake hiring me?"
Max leaned back, crossing his arms. "Emma, you could be terrible at it, but then again, you could be brilliant. The only way to find out is to show up and give it your best shot. Plus, if you crash and burn, I’ll be here to roast marshmallows over the flames."
Despite herself, Emma laughed. "Thanks, Max. Your pep talks are always so...motivating."
Max shrugged. "It's a gift. Now, stop worrying and start planning how you're going to dazzle them with your charm and wit. And if that fails, just bribe them with coffee."
Emma nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. Maybe, just maybe, she could do this.
By incorporating these elements into your writing, you can capture the essence of Emily Henry's engaging, relatable, and emotionally resonant style. Embrace the future of reading and writing with AI, and who knows? You might just write the next great novel that leaves readers as enchanted as Emily Henry's books leave us.
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