Happy January, Guidesters! Let’s dive into a topic that truly elevates writing. I present to you . . . The Five Senses! (I realized the post was super long, so I split it into different parts. This part features sight and sound.)
Uhh . . . why the five senses? Well, remember my last writing tips post about showing instead of telling? Right, using sensory details can help you not only to use more showing but also make your writing deeper and more vivid. With movies, we can see scenes, hear sounds, and observe how characters react. But with writing, instead of fancy props, sound effects and close-up shots, all we have are words. That’s why, to make the most impact, we need to use words that help readers feel something—words that paint a picture, draw them in and immerse them in the story world.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Sight
This sense is a common one to use in writing. We often mention a ‘beautiful blue sky’ or a ‘cute puppy’ or an ‘old building.’ Many times, when we write, we rely on describing events through the eyes. But to build on this sense, we can use specific details to create unique visual images.
Here’s an example from the book, “I’m Ok” by Patti Kim.
The woman’s face is so close to me that I can tell her eyebrows aren’t real. Doodling in some eyes, fins, and tails would turn the pair into two fish facing off.
Oooh, what an imagery! Imagine if Patti Kim had just said, “The woman’s eyebrows looked fake.” Huh. It’s still interesting, but not as impactful as the example above. The hyper-specific details (like the eyebrows looking like fish facing off) create a strong, unique image about the woman, and draw
Here’s another example (not as dramatic, but still very visual).
The sun sank, casting a soft glow on the city like the splash of orange light spilling from an open microwave. Lights dotted the streets, resembling shimmering glitter left behind on a table.
Notice the similies? Drawing comparisons gives a fresh take on the sunset and forms a beautiful picture. (Maybe we’ll cover figurative language in the next series.)
Anyway, to sum this segment up, when writing visual description, think outside the box. How can you make a clear, fresh picture in your readers’ minds? Practicing (like with the prompts I’ve given at the end) will help you get even better at using the sense of sight.
Sound
Sound is another interesting sense. While possibly not used as much as sight, sounds are still very important to set the mood in writing. They make scenes fuller and give a clear setting. For example, if you’re listening to an audio drama and hear slurps, clinking utensils, sizzling, and soft chatter, you’ll likely guess that the setting is a family kitchen or restaurant.
Again, here’s where unique details come in handy. Take this example:
The music echoes through the concert hall, and I let my eyes flutter closed, soaking the sounds in. Spritely violin notes flicker above rippling waves of low-toned cello. I imagine a deep fog over a lazy lake.
Okay, while this example mixes both sight and sound, it’s describing music in a unique, sensory way. And, it gives the writing a positive, dreamy mood.
Here are a few more examples of how sound sets a scene:
Motorcycles buzzed through the sparse small-town traffic. The ringing thuds of basketballs, and the chatter of children mixed with the chirps of birds.
Notice all those words that refer to hearing? It helps you to really zone in, and immerse yourself in the setting.
When using sound, try to use sensory verbs (like thud, buzz, whisper) and zone in on the tiny details that fill a setting.
Well, that concludes sight and sound. Look out for the next post on smell!
10 thoughts on “The Five Senses! (Sight and Sound) – Writing Tips Series”
great post @BookwormJo!
anyone else having trouble with the guide story portal thing? it won’t let me submit the story
Does it only work for people in the USA or something?
I’m from Australia
Thanks, skaterme! Yikes, sorry to hear that. What happens when you try to submit?
Hmm, maybe for the time being, you could post your story on the Discussion Forum, and I, or one of the other Guidesters could post it in the portal for you?
that’s a nice idea Jo, but the discussion forum starts at like 6am my time on Sunday so I don’t really think I could wake up that early… Any other ideas?
Oh, are you thinking about Guide chat?
The discussion forum is different; it’s open 24/7 but posts don’t show up until they’ve been approved by a moderator. . . here’s the link: https://www.guidemagazine.org/community/recent/
I hope it works for you!
sometimes when I do it it wont do it but its because I forgot to put some info the info I forgot to put is in red PS what’s Australia like???
Hi Amy! Oz is a very multicultural country, where we all respect wherever you come from!
Also, we are big on road trips, sports mad, and love going walkabout!
We’ve got a great country, lots of nature and animals.
Where are you from??
What’s it like there??
hi skaterme I am in Washington, Spokane, USA It’s cold and there is snow everywhere right now where I live so yeah does it snow in Australia?
This is really great!
P.S. lol the chick is somehow floating on the water 😆
yeah on his feet !!!!standing on water that’s new!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
True, lol!