: Re: How to show a crying/sad scene without using sentimentalism? Previously, I had no difficulty in showing a scene like that, and as for me, to show a crying scene I'd write something like "then

There are three questions you can ask yourself when writing a scene where you intend to convey emotion:

1) How often have I seen this phrase used?
If it's something you've seen a lot of, it's probably a cliche and is likely to be read as overly sentimental. If too cliched, it can even distract the reader from what you are trying to convey. (If I NEVER read about how 'a single tear rolled down her face' again....)

2) Could this description be used to convey a different emotion or different context?
Your character just 'sniffed and wiped her eyes, while trying to smile.' Is she reminicing about an old flame? Watching Beaches on her DVD while telling a friend how much she loves this movie? Did she just win an academy award and is thanking all the people who supported her? Or is she glad that someone just gave her more medication for hayfever?

And in my opinion, the most important:
3) Is it 'pretty'?
Sentimentality is pretty; strong emotions rarely are. Imagine the difference between the female lead crying in a movie, as compared to someone crying in real life. When someone cries, their face gets red and blotchy, their eyes bloodshot, and their eyelids puffy, none of which are attractive. They get a lump in their throat; their voice cracks when they try to speak. They scrub or blow their nose so they don't end up with snot running down their face. Their breath stutters when they try to take a deep breath.
While an adult's reaction is likely to be more subdued in most cases (1), it can be helpful to use a search engine to look up images of babies and children crying (or whichever emotion you are trying to convey). It may also help to consider how an adult is subduing a strong display of emotion, rather than trying to 'emotionalize' a subdued display.

(1) Does not include events such as Superbowl or World Series victories by the adult's favorite team.

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: Re: How to show a crying/sad scene without using sentimentalism? Previously, I had no difficulty in showing a scene like that, and as for me, to show a crying scene I'd write something like "then

More posts by @Smith147

: What's the exact format of letters/text messages inside novels? The following is from The Fault in Our Stars: If I'm not mistaken, this is the formatting: The font should be half the size

: How to make a list enjoyable to read? I think I'm a Modern Man by George Carlin, is a good example. And, after analyzing it, I've come up with some techniques. Varying sentence length

: Including (public domain?) lyrics of a song in my screenplay? In my screenplay, the lyrics of "Shenandoah", a traditional American folk song, are heard once. May I publish a few lines with the

: Is a male character crying realistic or excessive? I would like feedback on if this portrayal of male emotion is unrealistic. I have been told (beta readers) that men don't cry in real life

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