How much of How much do you want to know in a story as you read it?

[Tatsuo]

By details, I mean inner emotions and thoughts of the mc.

Example, Do you want the story to tell what the mc is going to do next or plans to do next?

How much is enough for you?

 

[Jessie_Emilyn]

I think that very much depends on the story, sometimes you want to know as much as possible and sometimes you don't really care. A good story should likely add a fair bit without comprimising the pacing. I don't want a big impactful moment to completely stall out as we go on a multiple chapter exploration of the feelings of the MC unless it adds a hell of a lot of value and is what I am reading the story for.

Basically don't let it get in the way of the story, it should feel organic without being overbearing. If the story is about a very intelligent character plotting and scheming then I expect more thoughts and even fragmented thoughts as they work on a solution and discard aspects in a chaotic frenzy of ideas. If it is just a muscle brain I expect a lot less or even just the instincts to be shown by actions not thoughts and feelings.

 

[miyoga]

It's not just about the story, but your perspective on it. If you're writing from the first person, then put in as much as you can because you're the MC. If you're writing 3rd? Well, is it 3rd limited or fully omniscient? Do the emotions and thoughts have any impact on the story itself that the narrator can expand on?

Mechanics aside, what's the theme of your story? Is it slice of life where you need those details to move the story? Is it action adventure where the choices can and should be colored by thoughts and feelings and the consequences will be felt later on? What about a cultivation story where the only thing that actually matters is getting stronger and everything else goes in the garbage?

Point is that the amount of information given depends on so many different variables that it's hard to give a direct answer to the question. The only answer that I can accurately give is to look at it from the reader's perspective. If you do that and you're left thinking "As the author I understand, but as a reader I have no idea what's going on", then you need to analyze whether that's because there's not enough information or if there's so much that you can't keep it straight.

 

[Tatsuo]

It's not just about the story, but your perspective on it. If you're writing from the first person, then put in as much as you can because you're the MC. If you're writing 3rd? Well, is it 3rd limited or fully omniscient? Do the emotions and thoughts have any impact on the story itself that the narrator can expand on?

Mechanics aside, what's the theme of your story? Is it slice of life where you need those details to move the story? Is it action adventure where the choices can and should be colored by thoughts and feelings and the consequences will be felt later on? What about a cultivation story where the only thing that actually matters is getting stronger and everything else goes in the garbage?

Point is that the amount of information given depends on so many different variables that it's hard to give a direct answer to the question. The only answer that I can accurately give is to look at it from the reader's perspective. If you do that and you're left thinking "As the author I understand, but as a reader I have no idea what's going on", then you need to analyze whether that's because there's not enough information or if there's so much that you can't keep it straight.

I see
Much appreciated

 

[Fang_Yuan]

By details, I mean inner emotions and thoughts of the mc.

Example, Do you want the story to tell what the mc is going to do next or plans to do next?

How much is enough for you?

I'm reading it for the story so I'd love to see what happen next...

 

[Tatsuo]

I'm reading it for the story so I'd love to see what happen next...

Would it be okay for you if the story showed the inner monologue of a character to hint you of their next move, feelings and sensations rather than telling most of the time?

 

[CharlesEBrown]

By details, I mean inner emotions and thoughts of the mc.

Example, Do you want the story to tell what the mc is going to do next or plans to do next?

How much is enough for you?

Depends on the style and type of story - and whether it is first person, third person omniscient, third person limited or some other view point.
Sometimes it is nice to see the inner monologue and plotting, sometimes it just slows things down. And some authors can make it interesting, regardless. while some others ... well... can't.

 

[Fang_Yuan]

Would it be okay for you if the story showed the inner monologue of a character to hint you of their next move, feelings and sensations rather than telling most of the time?

It's all up to you.... If it feels right.. Be your own reader. If you read your story and it feels wrong, then change it until your satisfied. Do whatever you think is right.