Sensible Sensory

When you read over your newly crafted scene, you’re first reaction is generally positive, isn’t it? Writing is no simple feat, after all. Even on the first draft you have accomplished something amazing. You have translated a thought that once lived in your head and molded it into a scene on paper that others can read. That’s huge! Unfortunately, that’s where it gets tricky.

As you read over the scene, no matter how much work it might need, you have a picture perfect reference in your mind. A vision of the scene that needs no editing. Surely you will spot a grammar error or two or where a sentence needs to be changed. But you may skip over what vital pieces are missing from the description. The senses.

Sensory writing is a sensible approach. The senses you detail facilitate the reader’s understanding of your narrative. Typically the sights are unavoidable to include, otherwise you would have a blank page. What is often left out are the smells, tastes, sounds and tangible / intangible feelings of the main character. The reason is because as the writer, you already have a hold on those details. The simple truth is, you forget that the reader doesn’t know those facts. To change this pattern of unintentional negligence: count to six.

One- Sight starts it off with a bit of fun

Two- Sound tells us how the wind blew

Three- Smell can be brie or even the sea

Four- Taste lingers just a tad more

Five- Touch helps the words thrive

Six- Thought is the final fix.

During life off the page, you may ignore your senses, but that doesn’t mean you’re not absorbing all that valuable information to comprehend the world. When reading over your next scene, fresh from your dreams, be sure to count the six sensory aspects. Do your best to involve sensory writing in every scene, this on its own will make your writing come alive.

A word of caution: Don’t force a sense that doesn’t fit! But don’t forget one that requires a bit.