I have a set of goals that I have posted for Remembering Sunday, and as soon as those goals are met I'll be starting on the sequel. I've actually started writing it, but I haven't actually taken the time to write it all the way out because of the goals things. Shame, I know.
As for what it took to make my readers cry? One word: Connection.
You have to develop the characters in such a realistic way that they feel connected to them, and then once you do that you've got all that you need to let them feel the emotions. It also helps that if you're feeling a specific emotion, write about it in connection to your story. When I wrote that chapter, I was actually severely upset. I can't remember about what now, but it is kind of like my own therapy. I create a scenario that matches my mood and I just write. It helps me from bottling things up and it helps release the emotions that I'm feeling. If I recall correctly, I was having separation issues with a friend of mine, and so I twisted what was happening to fit the direction of Remembering Sunday. If that makes any sense.
It takes practise, that's for sure. You have to go through and write an emotional scene multiple times to get it right, and it also helps if you're an over emotional person yourself. (like me!) I've been writing for as long as I can remember. (: Good luck! and thanks for reading!
