Using Your Senses this Summer

It’s summertime, so let’s settle down, relax, and pay attention to the world around us.

You might sprawl out on the grass in a park or on a lawn, or you might sink into a comfy couch in your house.

Relaxed? Now use your senses. We often start with what we see. However, what about our senses of smell and taste and hearing and touch? When we describe something in writing, we need to be aware of these other senses we can use to be more vividly descriptive.

Think of an apple. Is it red or green, shiny or dull, mottled or freckled? Is it a smooth ball, or is it misshapen and lopsided? Take a bite. Does it make a loud crunch? Is the taste and texture sweet or bitter or crunchy or mushy? Is it bland or delicious? Does it smell faintly fruity? What else can you think of when you eat an apple? You could write a whole paragraph about an apple.

Studying something and describing it can be a fun activity. Try it. Think of a single flower or a swimming pool or an old oak tree or the crowded beach or the ice cream cone you’re about to devour. Use your senses. If you need to write a long description, then you need to brainstorm about it and come up with adjectives and phrases to use.

How about a door?

You might say, “Describe a door? That’s boring.”

And I would ask some questions: “Is it wooden? Is it painted? What color? Does it have panels or cracks or wood grain or is it a solid slab? Do the hinges ever squeak? Does it open smoothly? Is there a lock? What kind of handle does it have? Is it a knob or handle? Is it brass or silver or wood or black? Show me the door.”

Those questions can lead to including a few sensory descriptions along with some specific details that will create a strong description. Please don’t think you need to taste the door (gross!) and I would not expect it to have a distinct scent to smell, but our other senses can be engaged by a simple door.

Make sure you use your five senses when you write in mind. Have an awesome summer!