When you engage readers through vivid descriptions and detailed observations you can significantly enhance their reading experience. Discover techniques for transporting readers to the scene, drawing from personal anecdotes and practical tips for writers.

Observe and describe people

• Make observation a habit: Develop the crucial daily habit of observing and describing people. Whether you are walking down the street, sitting in church, or standing in line at the grocery store, pay attention to the people around you. Let those impressions come to your mind and take notes.
• Capture impressions like an artist: Much like an artist capturing a scene with paint, writers should capture their impressions of people. These observations can later be used to create vivid, relatable characters in your writing. Describe individuals not just physically, but in action. Include snippets of dialogue, note fragrances, and capture the emotions their presence evokes.

Practical examples

Here are some practical examples of detailed observations:

• In a diner: “A young woman with multiple tattoos and black and candy apple red hair in two ponytails carefully brushed her three-year-old’s waist-length blonde hair down the back of the child’s daffodil sundress.”
• In a park: “A runner with a thin jelly bean-shaped head conquered the jogging path, nearly knocking over a trespassing cyclist. ‘Go pedal somewhere else,’ he hollered.”

These descriptions provide a rich, sensory experience for the reader, making the scene more vivid and engaging.

Utilizing vivid sensory descriptions

• Describe scenery and objects: Good writers make detailed observations of their surroundings. Descriptions of clouds from an airplane window, for instance, can be incredibly evocative. Comparing clouds to cotton balls or describing a slick surface can create strong visual images in the reader’s mind.
• Personal anecdotes: Incorporating personal anecdotes can also add depth to your writing. For example, describing a full moon as a “white neon moon” against a “black inky sky” not only sets the scene but also conveys the writer’s emotional state at the time.
• Sensory details in anecdotes: Using vivid sensory descriptions in anecdotes can draw readers into the heart of your narrative. Describing the fragrance of flowers or the sound of dialogue can make the reader feel as if they are part of the scene.

Enhancing dialogue with action beats

• Observing mannerisms: Pay attention to the mannerisms of people as they talk. Noting if someone’s eyes are darting about or if they are toying with their necklace can provide subtle clues about their emotional state.
• Action beats in dialogue: Incorporating action beats in dialogue can replace the often overused “said” and add depth to the interaction. For instance, instead of writing “She was a great helper, he said,” you could write “She was a great helper. He took a moment to appreciate her, visible in his eyes.

By making observation a daily habit, capturing detailed impressions, and using vivid sensory descriptions, writers can transport their readers to the scene. Personal anecdotes and action beats further enhance the narrative, making it more engaging and relatable. Embrace these techniques to enrich your writing and create a memorable experience for your readers.

**This is based on the workshop “Take me there: Using sensory depth to captivate your readers” presented by Joyce Ellis. You can watch the full workshop on-demand for free.**

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