Writing what you see is very common. It’s an easy way to illustrate a scene visually if you describe what the character is seeing, but settings and scenes go way beyond just seeing. You can’t forget about the other sense as you write. What did your character hear? What did they feel or smell?
1. What did you say?
Hearing is also an important and interesting tool to help bring your story to life. In dialogue you can help the reader understand the tone of what was said, not just what they said.
- “What?” He said in a quiet, incredulous whisper.
- “What?” She bellowed in between deep, loud breaths.
Hearing can also be a great descriptor for characters interacting with their environment. Did the door squeak? Did the trees creak and sway? Using sounds can help the reader get a feel for how the character interacts with the setting.
- The floorboards groaned loudly as the large man stomped his way through the derelict house.
- A soft moan in the distance put her on edge.
2. How did that feel?
Touch, sight, and sound are probably the three most common senses used in writing. Feeling is especially useful when used to describe how a character personally interacts with the items and people around them.
- Her hand was cool to the touch. That’s when I knew...
- The hot metal handle burned her hand as she tried to turn the doorknob.
3. What was that smell?
Smell can be another great descriptor of setting or characters. Using smell can take a character places. Smell is often linked with memory and a great gateway between the setting and a character’s past.
- The man’s breath smelled of burn garbage.
- The scent of fresh baked cookies wafted through the house, making her mouth water.
4. How did that taste?
Taste is also an interesting tool. It can be used to describe food, of course, but it can also describe gritty interactions.
- My mouth filled with a metallic taste...
- The pie was surprisingly sweet. It reminded her of home.
Writing with the senses
No matter the scene, it is important to write with all five senses. Connecting with more than one sense is how readers can better understand or feel what is going on in the scene.
Keep writing!