Use the Senses

The senses are important to envelop the reader in the book. Tell them what things feel like, not emotionally, although that is important too, but to touch. Are the walls smooth or rough, is it stone or wood. The reader will know what it feels like to run their hand over an oak wood table. What does it smell like around, you know when its winter, the air is crisp and cold, but its fresh. Unlike summer when it's humid, its a whole different way of communicating that to a reader who isn't inside your head at the time. Clothes are the best because they all feel different, you can really get across someone's personality by the clothes they wear, for example, I like soft clothing that is a little bigger than what I am because I like to be comfortable. I like to be cosy and warm. I prefer winter because it's cold and I like the cold crisp air because I can wear a hat or a headband to cover my ears.

Tell the reader what it sounds like outside, instead of saying it was morning, say the birds were singing their chorus to the rising sun. They will hear the birds, they will feel the chilly air warming as the sun rises p over the horizon. What about the ground, does it make a noise when your characters walk because it's been frosty, or is the mud squelching underfoot because its just bee raining.

All of these things are important for the readers.

#Writing #senses