Writing With the Senses

Hello!

Today's topic is one we need to think about as we're working on our masterpieces. We all know how to write so our readers can picture what's happening. But, how about the other four senses? Writing with the senses, sensory writing, can enrich manuscripts allowing readers to fully experience our books.

Sight

This is the easiest of all the senses and one we use instinctually. We write so our readers can visualize our characters and their surroundings. There are so many ways to accomplish this depending on your own writing style and voice.

Sound

I do believe most of us think about sound when we write. A beautiful example comes from Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Not only can I hear this, but I can feel it.

"Open windows welcomed birdsong into the studio. The avian notes mixed with something orchestral playing on a small stereo nearby."

Smell

This sense is one that can be forgotten while we're writing. But think about how certain smells can trigger old memories. It's an important one!

"Together, the father and daughter breathed in the smell of the sea and filled their hearts and minds with dreams and stories of other places." 

Lost Evangeline by Kate DiCamillo

Touch

Touch also adds to our stories. It's good for readers to be able to feel what our characters are experiencing. For this example, I couldn't help but go back in time to a hilarious children's book, Superfudge by Judy Blume.

"Tootsie was so much smaller than I'd expected, but she was tough. I found that out when Fudge tried to pull off her toes. 'I just wanted to see what would happen,' he explained when Tootsie screamed."

Taste

This sense is a fun one. From the grimace of a person who just tasted something disgusting to the joy of a person inhaling their favorite, decadent dessert. How does each one taste? You can use some creativity and humor here like in the example below from The Little Chefs - Three Stories by Rosemary Wells.

"But by mistake Oscar had used salt instead of sugar in this recipe. The cake icing tasted like week-old fish sticks."

Find Your Inspiration

Need some inspiration? Pick up a favorite book and reread parts of it. Writing with all five sense can build a three-dimensional world. By writing with the senses, it invites readers to not only enjoy your book but to have an emotional reaction as well. When that happens, oh, happy day! It doesn't get any better than that.

Till next week . . .