Use Your Senses
A flower is just a flower until you describe its very essence.
Picture this: A field of flowers.
Nondescript. Scentless. Colorless. Flowers. Have you lost interest yet? I know I have.
Utilizing the 5 senses is imperative when you write.
You don’t have to use all 5 senses at once, but describing something in detail gives it life beyond the page. You don’t just want to tell your reader about the flowery field: you want to transport them to that pleasantly pungent field of peonies.
In some ways, too much detail can overwhelm your reader. But leaving out impactful details can be even worse.
Too much:
Martha picked up the wilted rose, it’s red, velvety, darkened petals withered beyond recognition. She touched it to her face and smelled nothing but decay, eyeing the depth of it’s crimson ruin. The scarlet bed of flowers was almost too much to bear as she thought of her lost love...
(We get it. The roses are red. You smell them dying. You’re laying it on THICK.)
Too little:
Martha looked out the window and saw her roses. She thought they looked dead but couldn’t tell.
(Okay, Martha...)
Just right:
Martha waltzed through the garden, stopping by the rose bush her grandmother planted years ago. The slight scent of earth and decay filled her nostrils as she was transported to long summer days in country fields and the sound of laughter wafting through the breeze. Sweet memories that stung when she returned to the reality in front of her.
(Martha, you little minx, you’ve captivated me!)
Ways to use the senses in your writing:
Touch - were the flowers silky or rubbery?
Smell - did they smell earthy or sweet?
Taste - maybe your character is a naturalist who likes to cook with flowers. But if they aren’t, don’t force this sense into your story.
Sight - were the flowers dark purple tear drops or a butter yellow spray of petals?
Sound - consider the *snap* of a stalk when you pick it or the rustle of the leaves in the wind.
Remember when you are writing: WWGLATTBD? What Would Goldie Locks and the Three Bears Do? They’d write about a bowl of porridge that would knock your socks off. That’s what you should do for your readers, too.
Catherine Buercklin
I'm an Arkansas native who gleans inspiration from the beauty of the state. As a modern poet and editor, I enjoy collaborating with other writers and artists. I also love the quiet moments when I am able to breathe life into my craft.