If I don't cry while writing a key emotional scene, my gut feeling is it's failed.
This quote highlights the deep connection between emotions and authentic storytelling. It suggests that truly impactful scenes should evoke a genuine emotional response, not only from the audience but from the writer themselves. When a writer is moved or affected by their work, it often indicates that they've tapped into real feelings, making the scene more powerful. Conversely, a lack of emotional engagement might point to the scene's lack of depth or sincerity. Such insights remind creators to listen to their intuition and prioritize emotional truth, ensuring their work resonates on a human level.