Writing World

drpaladin · February 6

In dangerous environments, it's folly to be hesitant.

Bill W · February 6

"Hesitant" (adjective) originated in the mid-17th century (circa 1640s) from the Latin haesitantem (nominative haesitans), which is the present participle of haesitare, meaning "to stick fast", "falter", or "hesitate". It describes a tendency to pause or act with uncertainty, directly derived from the act of sticking or holding back. The literal meaning of "sticking" (like in mud) evolved into the figurative meaning of being mentally stuck, or undecided.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the adjective hesitant in English is from 1647 in the writing of John Trapp, a Church of England clergyman and theological writer. Related terms are: Hesitancy (noun) is recorded earlier, with usage dating back to 1617. Hesitate (verb) is recorded from 1623. Hesitating (adjective) is recorded from 1622. Hesitantly (adverb) is recorded from 1660.

Hesitant" in the context of writing stories generally refers to two distinct concepts: a character’s hesitation within the story (as a literary device) and the writer’s own hesitation (doubt, fear, or a "messy" approach to drafting). Both play crucial roles in creating engaging realistic narratives.

Importance of Character Hesitation (Internal Conflict):
Showing a character hesitating is a powerful tool to build tension and deepen characterization.
Signifies Internal Conflict: A character who hesitates is usually weighing consequences, risks, or moral dilemmas.
Builds Tension: Instead of a quick, robotic action, having a character pause, look away, or fidget allows the reader to experience the gravity of a decision.
Reveals Truth: It allows you to show what a character is truly thinking or feeling, often revealing more than their spoken words.
Enhances Realism: Real people do not act instantly; conversations and actions are full of pauses, filler words, and nervous energy.

Importance of Writer Hesitation (The "Messy" Process):
Writer's hesitation often stems from fear of failure or perfectionism, but embracing this "messy" approach is essential for a productive creative process.
Encourages Exploration: Allowing yourself to be unsure or hesitant encourages a "messy first draft," which allows for exploring unexpected, creative connections.
Reduces Creative Pressure: By accepting that the first draft will be imperfect, you can bypass the paralyzing need for perfection, making writing more enjoyable and less of a chore.
Captures Raw Emotion: Quick, unrefined writing often captures raw, authentic emotions before overthinking dilutes them.
Overcomes Writer's Block: Acknowledging the hesitation and writing anyway (even if it's bad) keeps momentum going, allowing you to reach the end of the story, where the real revision begins.

Tips for Utilizing Hesitation in Writing:
For Character Action: Instead of just saying "she hesitated," describe the physical, observable signs: shaking hands, a quick glance, or a long silence.
For Dialogue: Use ellipses to show that a character's speech is trailing off or pausing, rather than using abrupt, clean breaks.
For the Writer: When you feel stuck or hesitant, "dive in" and write the scene, knowing you can refine it later.

While some hesitation is natural, excessive hesitation can cause procrastination, so the goal is to use it as a tool rather than allowing it to stop you from writing.

Edited February 6 by Bill W