Elements of Awe and Wonder

Wonder n. 1. One that arouses awe, astonishment, surprise, or admiration; a marvel

Awe n. 1. A mixed emotion of reverence, respect, dread, and wonder inspired by authority, genius, great beauty, sublimity, or might.

So let’s get this straight, in order to create awe and wonder in literature, I need to include astonishment, surprise, admiration, marvel, reverence, respect, and dread? And I need to do it with a sense of authority, genius, great beauty, sublimity, and might?

Tall order. Let’s break down the elements of awe and wonder.

Awe can be carefully woven into your story with strategic use of theme. Whether your characters are struggling with a relationship with God, dealing with adversity, finding love in unlikely circumstances, or falling into the waiting arms of friends and family, allowing them to learn and grow as real people do will bring about that sense of awe that’s necessary for a successful novel.

Wonder is what brings readers to the point of awe. Think of it as a gatekeeper. It pushes them forward to the edge of their seats. Once there, they are captive. You can take them in any direction you want to go. Will you show them dread or great beauty? Respect or reverence? The choice is yours.

But while you’re creating a sense of awe and wonder in your fictional stories, let’s not forget stand in awe and wonder of the Great Creator. Psalm 34:3 says, “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!”