We typically associate wonder with science fiction, fantasy, or magical realism. Yet moments of wonder-an experience of amazement and awe that stills the mind and leaves us speechless-are all around us. Writers in any genre can captivate readers by using specific techniques to highlight the everyday wonder in daily life.
Wonder is a distinctly nonverbal experience, which differentiates it from curiosity (and the verb to wonder). Curiosity engages the thinking mind; the experience of wonder briefly stops thought.
Skilled writers can take everyday objects and processes and turn them into wondrous experiences for the reader.
As you read the examples below, notice how each author uses not only a given technique, but also their specificity of word choice and use of sensory engagement to evoke a sense of wonder. The more specific you are in drawing the reader in through sensory and somatic details, the more universally these moments will resonate.
ZOOMING IN AND BULLET TIME
In order to function in our world, we take many complex processes for granted-unfettered access to utilities, the functioning of our bodies, that hummingbirds and bees will continue to spread pollen. Each of these processes, though, is the inevitable result of dozens to hundreds of earlier moments.
Writers can evoke wonder by zooming in and slowing down time ("bullet time") or zooming in to show details invisible to the human eye.
A masterclass of this approach is Ruth Ozeki's A Tale for the Time Being, which entwines two narratives, one set in Japan and one on a small island off the coast of British Columbia. The latter gives rise to many moments of wonder like this one:
This story is from the September - October 2024 edition of Writer’s Digest.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September - October 2024 edition of Writer’s Digest.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Writing for a Warming World - Imagining the overwhelming, the ubiquitous, the world-shattering.
Climate change is one of those topics that can throw novelists—and everyone else—into a fearful and cowering silence. When the earth is losing its familiar shapes and consolations, changing drastically and in unpredictable ways beneath our feet, how can we summon our creative resources to engage in the imaginative world-building required to write a novel that takes on these threats in compelling ways? And how to avoid writing fiction that addresses irreversible climate change without letting our prose get too preachy, overly prescriptive, saturated with despair?
Kids' Author Meg Medina Inspires Readers
WD chats with the National Ambassador of Young People’s Literature.
The Horrors of Grief
Whether hot off the presses or on the shelves for years, a good book is worth talking about.
The Mystery of Growing Up
New York Times-bestselling author Jasmine Warga tackles a new genre with her signature blend of empathy for her readers, agency for her characters, and the belief that art is the great connector.
Education
Even if it's not your thing, you're probably familiar with the term dark academia.
A Do-Over Romance
Karin Patton, the first-place winner of the 24th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Awards, shares a funny story about secondchance love and a brief Q&A.
Everyday Wonder
How to mine awe from the mundane
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
Unveil the hidden beauty in the facts and transform your nonfiction with the power of wonder.
Childhood: Our Touchstone for Wonder
How to get in touch with Little You and create big new work for today.
Agent Roundup
22 agents share details, about what kind of writing will pique their interest and offer tips for querying writers...
