What is Emote This?
The Challenge Every Writer Faces
You know your character is devastated by loss, but your readers just aren’t feeling it. You write “she was heartbroken,” but somehow the emotion doesn’t translate from your mind to theirs. The craft books tell you to “show don’t tell,” but they don’t explain the psychology behind what makes emotions truly resonate on the page.
That’s where I come in.
My Approach
I’m Benjamin X. Wretlind, and I help writers develop emotional intelligence to create stories that truly connect. Instead of just writing about emotions, I teach you how to write emotionally—using research-backed techniques that tap into how readers actually experience and process feelings.
My background spans two decades in the U.S. Air Force, corporate training, process improvement, and leadership development. But what makes my coaching unique is the combination of practical writing experience (I’m the author of the Transit series) with serious psychological credentials.
What I Bring to Your Writing:
- MSCEIT Certification – The gold standard for measuring and developing emotional intelligence
- PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, researching how professional writers describe emotions throughout their writing process
- Published Author with hands-on experience navigating the emotional challenges of creative work
- Years of Manuscript Consultation – I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t in emotional storytelling
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters for Writers
Most writers intellectualize emotions rather than embody them. They write characters who experience feelings, but they don’t create the emotional experience for readers. The difference between a story that’s “well-written” and one that’s “unforgettable” often comes down to emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and skillfully work with emotions.
Through my research and coaching, I’ve discovered that the writers who create the deepest connections with readers aren’t necessarily the most technically skilled. They’re the ones who understand the psychology of emotion and know how to translate that understanding into compelling narrative.
What We’ll Work On Together
Whether you’re struggling with flat characters, scenes that lack emotional impact, or just want to deepen your connection with readers, I provide personalized coaching that addresses your specific projects and challenges. We’ll explore not just what your characters feel, but how to make readers feel alongside them.
My coaching combines practical writing techniques with psychological insights, giving you tools that go far beyond generic craft advice. Because when you understand the emotional intelligence behind great storytelling, everything changes.
Ready to Transform Your Writing?
If you’re tired of writing about emotions instead of writing emotionally, let’s talk. I’d love to learn about your current projects and explore how emotional intelligence coaching can help you create the connections you’re seeking.