Words,
grammar, and syntax are writers’ technical tools, as canvases, brushes and
paint are for painters. What turns language into art is the unique ability of
the writer to tell a story. This ability is related inspiration, and inspiration
comes from observation. Painters observe objects, shapes, and colors while
writers observe human behavior: what motivates people, what hurts them, what
heals them, and so on. Having some
knowledge of psychology can help writers understand human behavior better.
While
a lot of the story wisdom comes to most writers intuitively, knowing some
psychological terms and observations can contribute to the clarity of the story
and the characters’ motives. Take for example a conflict, which is the
foundation of every story. In a love story the conflict is very basic:
1.
Two people meet
2. There is mutual attraction
3. They can't be together
2. There is mutual attraction
3. They can't be together
When filling out these details the writer is hoping to
create a love story that is mesmerizing, exciting, and memorable. How do you do that? Let’s study what psychology knows about
human desire.
In
his book The Erotic Mind sex therapist Jack Morin examines the erotic equation:
ATTRACTION + OBSTACLES = EXCITEMENT
According
to Morin’s research, the combination of Attraction and Obstacles creates
unforgettable erotic turn-ons that create Excitement.
He
lists 4 cornerstones of eroticism that create excitement. These cornerstones could
be easily adapted in love storytelling:
1.
Longing & Anticipation
When
the love of the protagonists is known and mostly accepted, but there are
circumstances that separate them – like geographical distance or needing to
fulfill some terms.
Story
examples: Persuasion, Cupid and Psyche, Orpheus and Eurydice
2. Violating Prohibitions
Just
like the old adage “Stolen waters are sweeter,” forbidden love stories can be
very appealing to an audience. A couple can’t fulfill their love due to
political rivalry, religious differences, or conflict of interests.
Story
examples: Romeo and Juliet, The Thorn Birds, Everytime We Say Goodbye, Black Book
3. Searching for Power
The
desire to control can be a very strong aphrodisiac, especially when the love
subject does not easily succumb to power. Such stories keep the audience
constantly wondering whether the desire will be fulfilled and how.
Story Examples: 50 Shades of Gray, The Taming of the Shrew
4. Overcoming Ambivalence
When
the heart says yes but logic says no. There are many reasons why people might
fight their emotions despite mutual attraction. They might think the other
person wouldn’t fit in their lifestyle, or they want to protect the person they
love.
Story
Examples: Pride and Prejudice, Sabrina, Age of Adaline
According
to Morin people who experienced one or two of these cornerstones in their love
affair reported a strong erotic satisfaction from it. From the story examples I
mentioned above it’s obvious that using these erotic cornerstones in
storytelling has the power to create strong and unforgettable plots. This is only one small example of how
psychological knowledge can be used in storytelling. The more psychology you know, the better writer you can become.
