Emotion: Zest

When you want to write the emotion zest, it's important to "show" the emotion your character is experiencing through their physical reactions and dialogue, rather than "tell" it. In this article we provide you with inspiration so you can avoid showing not telling and immerse your readers in your story.

Zest is an emotion that is often described as a feeling of enthusiasm, excitement, and energy. It is a positive emotion that is associated with a sense of vitality and a strong desire to engage in life. People who experience zest often feel a sense of joy and passion for the things they are doing, and they are motivated to take action and pursue their goals with enthusiasm. Zest is often described as a key component of a fulfilling and satisfying life.

Different Types of Zest

Here are some different types of zest:

• Enthusiastic
• Passionate
• Energetic
• Excited
• Vibrant
• Filled with zeal
• Eager
• Animated
• Lively

Situations Associated with Zest

Here are some situations where a character might experience the emotion of zest:

• Starting a new project or hobby that they're passionate about.
• Achieving a long-term goal or finally seeing progress in something they've been working hard on.
• Being inspired by someone or something, such as a mentor or a beautiful piece of art.
• Overcoming a challenge or obstacle that they didn't think was possible to conquer.
• Trying something new or taking a risk that pays off in a positive way.
• Being surrounded by a positive and enthusiastic group of people who share similar interests.
• Feeling a sense of purpose or meaning in their work or personal life.
• Discovering a new interest or passion that they never knew they had before.
• Experiencing a rush of excitement or energy that comes from doing something they love.

Physical Reactions to Zest

Here are some physical reactions a character experiencing zest might have:

• An enthusiastic and energetic demeanor
• A wide, bright smile and sparkling eyes
• An upright posture and a spring in the step
• Animated and lively body language
• Quick and decisive movements
• A tendency to talk quickly and excitedly
• A desire to try new experiences and take risks
• Increased creativity and a sense of playfulness
• A positive attitude and a feeling of optimism

Thoughts Associated with Zest

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing zest might have:

• This is amazing, I can't believe how much I'm enjoying this!
• I feel so energized and alive right now.
• I want to do more of this, it brings me so much joy.
• I'm grateful for this experience, it's exactly what I needed.
• I can't wait to see where this takes me.
• This is the kind of feeling I want to hold on to forever.
• I feel like I'm finally living my life to the fullest.
• I'm inspired to try new things and take risks.
• This is the kind of passion I've been missing in my life.

Atmosphere of Zest

Here are some ways that you might reflect the emotion of zest in the atmosphere of your scene:

• Use bright colors and vivid descriptions to create an energetic and lively atmosphere.
• Set the scene in a bustling and lively location, such as a busy marketplace or a crowded concert.
• Incorporate upbeat music or sounds to add to the energetic vibe of the scene.
• Have the characters engage in high-energy activities like dancing, running, or playing sports.
• Use sensory details like the smell of freshly baked goods or the taste of a spicy dish to evoke a sense of excitement and enthusiasm.
• Have the characters speak in an enthusiastic and passionate tone, using exclamations and hyperbole to convey their excitement.
• Use dynamic camera angles and quick cuts in visual media to create a sense of movement and energy.

Verbs Associated with Zest

Here are some verbs commonly associated with the emotion of zest:

• Exhilarate
• Energize
• Enliven
• Invigorate
• Stimulate
• Inspire
• Thrill
• Excite
• Galvanize
• Fire up
• Rouse
• Spark
• Charge up
• Amp up

Emotions Before Zest

Here are some emotions that may come before a character experiences zest:

• Anticipation
• Excitement
• Enthusiasm
• Eagerness
• Joy
• Happiness
• Optimism
• Curiosity
• Hopefulness

Emotions After Zest

Here are some emotions that may come after a character experiences zest:

• Satisfaction
• Accomplishment
• Pride
• Confidence
• Optimism
• Excitement
• Enthusiasm
• Joy
• Euphoria

Telling Zest Examples to Avoid

Here are some examples of telling the emotion zest in a sentence. You should avoid things like this:

• She felt a sense of zest as she tackled her new project.
• He had a zest for life that was contagious.
• The excitement in the air was filled with zest.
• She approached every task with zest and enthusiasm.

Practical Examples of Showing Zest

Here are some examples of showing zest in a sentence:

• The character’s voice was filled with excitement as they shared their latest adventure.

Exercises for Showing Zest

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing zest:

• Start by thinking about what activities or hobbies your character enjoys. What brings them joy and excitement?
• Write a scene where your character is engaging in their favorite activity. Show their enthusiasm and energy through their actions, dialogue, and inner thoughts.
• Explore the sensory details associated with the activity your character enjoys. What colors, sounds, smells, and textures make it exciting for them? Use these details to bring the scene to life.
• Write a scene where your character takes on a new challenge or adventure. Show their eagerness and willingness to take risks.
• Think about how your character interacts with others when they are feeling zestful. Do they inspire others with their enthusiasm or do they come across as overwhelming? Write a scene where your character's zest affects those around them.
• Use metaphors and similes to describe your character's zestful energy. For example, "She was like a sparkler, lighting up everything around her with her energy and excitement."

Want more help with showing emotion instead of telling? You find more help in our full emotions list.