{"id":5579,"date":"2025-03-24T23:18:05","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T23:18:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/?p=5579"},"modified":"2025-03-26T16:25:58","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T16:25:58","slug":"how-to-write-thoughts-in-a-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/how-to-write-thoughts-in-a-story\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write Thoughts in a Story: Tips and Techniques"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id5579_9c7e77-11 .kb-table-of-content-wrap{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id5579_9c7e77-11 .kb-table-of-contents-title-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id5579_9c7e77-11 .kb-table-of-contents-title{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id5579_9c7e77-11 .kb-table-of-content-wrap .kb-table-of-content-list{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border is-style-default\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"5583\" src=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/12-RESIZED-WOMAN-OUTSIDE-BY-THE-TREE-1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\" a black woman is sitting on a picnic blanket with her laptop open in a park. Her skateboard is leaning against the tree behind her. She is thinking about how to write thoughts in a story.\n\" class=\"wp-image-5583\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:0px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/12-RESIZED-WOMAN-OUTSIDE-BY-THE-TREE-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/12-RESIZED-WOMAN-OUTSIDE-BY-THE-TREE-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/12-RESIZED-WOMAN-OUTSIDE-BY-THE-TREE-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/12-RESIZED-WOMAN-OUTSIDE-BY-THE-TREE-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/12-RESIZED-WOMAN-OUTSIDE-BY-THE-TREE-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, I will be talking about character thoughts and how you can use them to make your writing even more captivating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it\u2019s first or third-person point of view, to convey my characters\u2019 inner thoughts, I find my stories become more immersive and allow my readers to get the best of both worlds of action and reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are wondering how to write thoughts in a story, I will give you some tips and techniques to make your narrative more effective and appealing to readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Write Thoughts in a Story: What are Character Thoughts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Within my stories, my characters\u2019 thoughts play a key role in the narration. I use thoughts in various works, with first and third-person point-of-view stories, to better connect my readers with a character and see the story through their eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through <em>internalization<\/em> (aka a character\u2019s thoughts), my readers are automatically thrust into their perspective regardless of my story\u2019s point of view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Likewise, there are two main ways to write thoughts in a story: direct and indirect internalization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Direct Internalization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Direct internalization is the obvious use of italics to signify when a character\u2019s thoughts are not part of the main narration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&nbsp;\u201cShe fell onto the muddy grass. <em>Great, now my shoes are ruined. I despise waiting in the rain<\/em>, the woman thought.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading5579_41bd6b-83, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading5579_41bd6b-83[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading5579_41bd6b-83\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading5579_41bd6b-83 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading5579_41bd6b-83[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading5579_41bd6b-83\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading5579_41bd6b-83 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading5579_41bd6b-83[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading5579_41bd6b-83\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading5579_41bd6b-83 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading5579_41bd6b-83\">  Indirect Internalization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>However, italics are not always necessary for internalization, particularly if my story is told in a first-person point of view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Indirect internalization is a method that weaves a character\u2019s thoughts into the narrative without italics by relaying their thoughts for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cShe fell onto the muddy grass. She despised how her shoes were ruined and that she had to continue waiting in the rain.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Write Thoughts in a Story: Using Italics for Direct Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"5585\" src=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/13-RESIZED-BLACK-WOMAN-LOOKING-AT-DESK-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"a black woman with short curly hair and glasses is looking at her computer.  She is thinking about how to write thoughts in a story.\n\" class=\"wp-image-5585\" srcset=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/13-RESIZED-BLACK-WOMAN-LOOKING-AT-DESK-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/13-RESIZED-BLACK-WOMAN-LOOKING-AT-DESK-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/13-RESIZED-BLACK-WOMAN-LOOKING-AT-DESK-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/13-RESIZED-BLACK-WOMAN-LOOKING-AT-DESK-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/13-RESIZED-BLACK-WOMAN-LOOKING-AT-DESK.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Although I am not the biggest fan of using italics to convey character thoughts, using them helps if it aligns with the intention of my story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, in one of my college writing workshops, I wrote a short story written in the third person. I would pop my main character\u2019s thoughts into a scene to emphasize important moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, I made sure to use italics sparingly or it would ruin the purpose of writing in the third person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A few guidelines for using italics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Let italics highlight the important moments of your story.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use italics sparingly to make a bigger impact when you do use them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask yourself, \u201cAre the words I\u2019m italicizing still as interesting, meaningful, or engaging if my character were to say this to another character?\u201d If not, then using italics in those lines might be unnecessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Example of using italics effectively:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&nbsp;\u201cShe was sitting on a park bench and a handsome, curly-haired stranger sat beside her.  <em>Don\u2019t move. Be calm<\/em>, she thought.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If my character spoke these thoughts out loud, this interaction likely would go a different direction since what she says almost sounds like a threat. Even more so if my character has an intimidating demeanor or appearance that makes the stranger nervous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, I don\u2019t just use italics to make my narration look fancy or to state the obvious. Instead, I let my characters come alive and influence my story by what they do and don\u2019t say within the narrative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> Indirect Thoughts Through Actions and Dialogue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"5586\" src=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/14-RESIZED-BLACK-WOMAN-LOOKING-TO-THE-SIDE-HOLDING-PEN-AND-BOOK-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"a black woman is holding a notebook and a pen to her cheek while thinking. She is thinking about how to write thoughts in a story.\" class=\"wp-image-5586\" srcset=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/14-RESIZED-BLACK-WOMAN-LOOKING-TO-THE-SIDE-HOLDING-PEN-AND-BOOK-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/14-RESIZED-BLACK-WOMAN-LOOKING-TO-THE-SIDE-HOLDING-PEN-AND-BOOK-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/14-RESIZED-BLACK-WOMAN-LOOKING-TO-THE-SIDE-HOLDING-PEN-AND-BOOK-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/14-RESIZED-BLACK-WOMAN-LOOKING-TO-THE-SIDE-HOLDING-PEN-AND-BOOK-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/14-RESIZED-BLACK-WOMAN-LOOKING-TO-THE-SIDE-HOLDING-PEN-AND-BOOK.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, I don\u2019t need to use italics to convey character thoughts effectively. Instead, that is done through my characters\u2019 actions and dialogue use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, have you ever experienced a moment when you spoke to someone and knew what they were thinking without them deliberately saying it? I know I have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We all become mind readers because of people\u2019s body language and how someone talks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, I once interacted with a maintenance worker while a woman bothered him about an issue that needed fixing. However, he didn\u2019t need to say much for me to know he was aggravated. He went over to the front door and locked it with a scowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, as he locked it, he said, \u201cI\u2019m going to lock the door,\u201d which I might have considered his words unnecessary if they were found in a storybook. After all, why would I need to be told he was locking it if I already knew what he was doing? But in this context, it was appropriate since he didn\u2019t live there, so he wanted to be sure I wasn&#8217;t confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I write my stories, I keep this kind of subtext in mind. Where, when, why, and how a character says something is just as important as *what* they say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Balancing Thoughts with Narrative Flow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"5587\" src=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/15-RESIZED-WOMAN-HOLDING-BOOK-AND-CAT-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\" a smiling woman with long curly hair is holding a blue book and reading to the white and gray cat on her lap.\n\" class=\"wp-image-5587\" srcset=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/15-RESIZED-WOMAN-HOLDING-BOOK-AND-CAT-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/15-RESIZED-WOMAN-HOLDING-BOOK-AND-CAT-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/15-RESIZED-WOMAN-HOLDING-BOOK-AND-CAT-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/15-RESIZED-WOMAN-HOLDING-BOOK-AND-CAT-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/15-RESIZED-WOMAN-HOLDING-BOOK-AND-CAT.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another element I remember to do when writing my stories is seamlessly integrating character thoughts with narrative flow. Essentially, it&#8217;s how I maintain a consistent narrative voice throughout my stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding who my character is first is necessary to write effective thoughts, dialogue, and action that enhance my story. If my character\u2019s thoughts do not align with how they would realistically act, my story will feel off-balance or forced in those moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, I focus on the purpose of my story and character. If my characters&#8217; thoughts differ from how they act,  ask myself, why? What&#8217;s stopping them from saying it out loud or telling another character what they think?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Internal thoughts are not mine or your story\u2019s moments of stagnation. They are part of the plot in the same way regular dialogue is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> How to Write Thoughts in a Story: Multiple Characters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"5588\" src=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/16-RESIZED-GROUP-OF-BLACK-WOMEN-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"three black women are walking down a snowy sidewalk in business attire and having a cheerful conversation.\n\" class=\"wp-image-5588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/16-RESIZED-GROUP-OF-BLACK-WOMEN-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/16-RESIZED-GROUP-OF-BLACK-WOMEN-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/16-RESIZED-GROUP-OF-BLACK-WOMEN-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/16-RESIZED-GROUP-OF-BLACK-WOMEN-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/16-RESIZED-GROUP-OF-BLACK-WOMEN.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Writing the thoughts of multiple characters doesn\u2019t need to be difficult if you know your characters well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if two characters are conversing but neither likes the other, I highlight their distinct personalities as each reflects on their feelings of disdain for the other.  I use their thoughts similarly to how I would use their dialogue\u2014by showcasing each character\u2019s flaws, strengths, personality, and narrative purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I remember when I was a child I would occasionally argue with my friends. Sometimes there was a lot of passive aggression between us and I could pretty much tell when they were angry. Even though I couldn\u2019t read their exact thoughts, I knew we both sounded just like any child throwing a fit would\u2014simple-minded, bitter, and ranting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We always made up afterward though, so no worries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Limit Confusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Likewise, have you ever read a letter, manifesto, or journal entry written by someone else?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These examples are ways I might limit confusion when conveying the internal thoughts of more than one character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of stories that like to head-hop between characters to convey each viewpoint, readers can often get confused in the shuffle. To combat this, I think of how my characters might uncover someone\u2019s inner thoughts without speaking to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if I read a sticky note that someone jotted their internal thoughts down on, I see what they are thinking. Think of it like a scavenger hunt through a character\u2019s mental world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> How to Write Thoughts in a Story: Emphasizing Emotional Depth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"5589\" src=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/17-RESIZED-HAND-WRITING-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"someone\u2019s hand is writing down their thoughts in a black notebook using a silver pen.\n\" class=\"wp-image-5589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/17-RESIZED-HAND-WRITING-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/17-RESIZED-HAND-WRITING-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/17-RESIZED-HAND-WRITING-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/17-RESIZED-HAND-WRITING-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/17-RESIZED-HAND-WRITING.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding depth and complexity to my story through character thoughts is crucial to crafting better stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many struggles and emotional turmoil that I, you, and others experience do not present themselves on the surface of that individual. This is where character thoughts not only become both enhancing and essential.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thoughts are more than just me providing context to the plot or scenes of dialogue. They also contribute to my characters\u2019 growth that readers recognize and can empathize with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using thoughts allows my readers to be pulled in by a character\u2019s internal conflicts and desires that not even the other characters get to witness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to captivate readers, let them feel and know what your characters feel and know, inside and out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Write Thoughts in a Story: Practice Thought Writing Techniques<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Conversely, don\u2019t feel that you have to limit yourself to one style or technique of thought integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some writers use inner thoughts to help readers understand a character better, but others may also like to write internalization that makes one rethink the story\u2019s purpose entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, I once wrote a short story in college, and my professor pointed out that I could\u2019ve added more character thoughts to a particular dialogue scene. This scene was a lighthearted exchange between two sisters after an argument: intended to be a comedic moment of rekindling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, after revising it to include more of their internal thoughts, I realized internalization not only made the scene more dynamic but opened up additional reader interpretation of it, which is a plus for any story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few exercises you can use to write effective character thoughts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Remove quotation marks from a character\u2019s dialogue so that their external thoughts become inner thoughts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add subtext to character thoughts to keep readers engaged and make it realistic (just because it\u2019s their mind doesn\u2019t mean a character will fully comprehend their thoughts or inner ramblings).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be deliberate about what point of view you use in your story (i.e. first-person, third-person omniscient, or third-person limited). If you don\u2019t have a firm grasp on this basic aspect, experimenting with different methods of writing character thoughts becomes even more difficult.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"5590\" src=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/18-RESIZED-MIDDLE-AGED-BLACK-WOMAN-IN-FRONT-OF-LAPTOP-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"a smiling black woman is looking out the window as she types on her laptop. She is wearing glasses and a striped black and white shirt.\n\" class=\"wp-image-5590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/18-RESIZED-MIDDLE-AGED-BLACK-WOMAN-IN-FRONT-OF-LAPTOP-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/18-RESIZED-MIDDLE-AGED-BLACK-WOMAN-IN-FRONT-OF-LAPTOP-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/18-RESIZED-MIDDLE-AGED-BLACK-WOMAN-IN-FRONT-OF-LAPTOP-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/18-RESIZED-MIDDLE-AGED-BLACK-WOMAN-IN-FRONT-OF-LAPTOP-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/18-RESIZED-MIDDLE-AGED-BLACK-WOMAN-IN-FRONT-OF-LAPTOP.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, writing character thoughts requires you to balance narration with internalization, but you are not restricted to just one method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using direct internalization involves using italics to show readers what your character thinks. Whereas, indirect internalization lets the main narrator convey those thoughts without using italics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strategies such as using internal thoughts for certain scenes instead of dialogue, and being deliberate about what point of view I write with, also affect how my readers interact with and interpret my stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, keeping these tips and techniques in mind should not overshadow the importance of practice and observation in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Writing Character Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to write character thoughts that compel people to your story and its characters, focus on real people\u2019s behavior and individual circumstances that guide and motivate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Internalization should be your writing superpower and you might become a mind reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you stuck with how to translate your thoughts into a story?  Book a Tarafied Talk-it-Out Session, <a href=\"https:\/\/calendly.com\/tarahayesbooks\/chill-chat\">HERE. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1742855384246\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What are thoughts in the context of a story?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It is the unspoken dialogue\u2014the part of a text that reveals what\u2019s going on in the head of your character(s) without them openly saying it.<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1742855415996\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How is writing thoughts different from writing dialogue?<\/strong><br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">With dialogue, the characters are directly speaking to each other, or simply speaking out loud.<br\/>With thoughts, the characters are only speaking inside their heads.<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1742855444231\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do I need to use italics when writing thoughts in a story?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You can, but it\u2019s not obligatory.<br\/>Feel free to write the thoughts of your characters using indirect methods, such as having the narrator speak for your character (when using third-person POV).<br\/>As for a first-person POV story, you\u2019re already inside their head, so italics aren\u2019t needed there either.<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1742855473760\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How to write thoughts in a story for multiple characters?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If writing in first-person, you can switch between character perspectives and utilize the techniques mentioned. However, make sure you don\u2019t confuse your reading by head-hopping too much. Complexity is good, but so is clarity.\u00a0\u00a0<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1742855496561\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How can I write emotionally compelling character thoughts?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Know your character and all their nuances. Make their thoughts consistent with who they are, what motivates them, and what they currently comprehend and understand about themselves.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this article, I will be talking about character thoughts and how you can use them&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5581,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5579","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-writing-tips"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - 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Tara\u2019s journey with anxiety has cultivated a deep connection to the wellness space, inspiring her to dedicate her expertise to helping female wellness professionals, such as coaches, therapists, and holistic practitioners, publish a profit-driving book in 12 weeks.","url":"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/author\/tarahayesbooks\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/how-to-write-thoughts-in-a-story\/#faq-question-1742855384246","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/how-to-write-thoughts-in-a-story\/#faq-question-1742855384246","name":"What are thoughts in the context of a story?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It is the unspoken dialogue\u2014the part of a text that reveals what\u2019s going on in the head of your character(s) without them openly saying it.<br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/how-to-write-thoughts-in-a-story\/#faq-question-1742855415996","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/how-to-write-thoughts-in-a-story\/#faq-question-1742855415996","name":"How is writing thoughts different from writing dialogue?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"With dialogue, the characters are directly speaking to each other, or simply speaking out loud.<br\/>With thoughts, the characters are only speaking inside their heads.<br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/how-to-write-thoughts-in-a-story\/#faq-question-1742855444231","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/how-to-write-thoughts-in-a-story\/#faq-question-1742855444231","name":"Do I need to use italics when writing thoughts in a story?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You can, but it\u2019s not obligatory.<br\/>Feel free to write the thoughts of your characters using indirect methods, such as having the narrator speak for your character (when using third-person POV).<br\/>As for a first-person POV story, you\u2019re already inside their head, so italics aren\u2019t needed there either.<br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/how-to-write-thoughts-in-a-story\/#faq-question-1742855473760","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/panictopicnic.com\/blog\/how-to-write-thoughts-in-a-story\/#faq-question-1742855473760","name":"How to write thoughts in a story for multiple characters?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"If writing in first-person, you can switch between character perspectives and utilize the techniques mentioned. 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