Ah, Patricia — talent is so unimportant to writing. Some of the most successful writers have so little talent. (I put Stephen King into that category. This is not to slight him! He’s a hard worker and very determined.)

You’re welcome!

I think the risk is only in academic writing. Most nonfiction readers prefer more empathetic writing, in my experience.

Thank you for sharing. This was very thoughtful.

I know research shows that fiction READERS become more empathetic. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that the same thing happens to writers, too.

Yes, I liked Gardner’s book, too. You have a helpful and very succinct way of explaining your view of characterization, David. Thanks for sharing.

You make a really good point about the value of EI to sales, Mike. So many people think that being a good salesperson is about being a good “talker.” In fact, as you describe, it’s far more about being a good LISTENER! (And being a good listener is also an important skill for writers.)

This has helped me in my writing in that I realize that I need to help the reader understand what and why my characters think and feel rather than just tell them. While my words and expressions and metaphors can create a feeling (Sympathy), I neet to use the narrative arc to develop the understanding (Empathy) which then creates the resonance between the reader and characters for their actions (Compassion).