Feed Your Senses

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We've been told to use all our senses in our writing, but what about while we're writing? Many writers use tools for inspiration. Take a look at the five senses below and see what you already use, and what you might consider trying in the future.

1. Sight. I do searches for just the right face for each of my major characters and make a power point presentation for the manuscript. It can make them feel more real. The same can be done for settings, either with pictures or maps.
2. Sound. I have playlists for each manuscript I write. Songs that either make me think of the story or a particular character. Some of my playlists are long, and some have only a couple of songs. See the photo credit above for another great blog on this.
3. Touch. We write for long periods of time (when we have our way), so it's important to be comfortable. Make sure you have a good area to work in with a comfortable and supportive seat, the keyboard at the right height and the room at the right temperature. Sometimes the tactile change of switching to longhand in a notebook or going outside to sit in the breeze can make the difference when you're stuck in a rut.
4. Taste. When I settle in to write in the morning, I have to have a nice cup of coffee with me. Sometimes I get so pulled into the manuscript that I forget I have it next to me and have to reheat it. But that's okay because there's something about having it there to sip on. If I'm having rough times, I go to my good friend chocolate for help. :D And in the evening on occasion I love to sit with a nice glass of red wine. 
5. Smell. My blogging buddy Meredith did a great post the other day on this. Check it out! She points out that certain scents inspire memories and feelings. 

What do you think? Which ones do you use and which would you or wouldn't you try?

Common Senses

Very punny, no? :D

We all know that writing with all our senses is very important. No matter what your genre is. It's easier when we're writing about something familiar though. Right? If you live near the ocean for example, you probably know about that saltwater smell, the wind blowing off the water, the feel of the sand between your toes.

But what if you're writing about a desert planet in another star system? Or the jungles of a whole other world? How do you know what it feels, smells, sounds like? Because let's face it, you have to be specific. You have to know your world - even if it's one that exists only in your head.

But everyone can benefit from this exercise. Suppose you live by the ocean, but you're writing about the desert? And you just can't afford a trip to Arizona for research? So stretch your writing muscles, and give this a shot:

You're writing a story about the lost city of Atlantis. And NO I don't care if you never write fantasy - I said stretch here people!! Ahem. Now what is Atlantis like? Who lives there? Pretend you are one of the citizens and answer the following questions:

1. What does it look like? Is there plant life? What building materials do your people use? What's the lighting like?

2. What does it sound like? Is everything altered because it's underwater? Or is it somewhere else, and there is no sound? Is it quiet, or noisy? If it's noisy, what's making it that way?

3. What does it feel like? What's the ground made of? Clothes? Again - is there water all around or air?

4. What does it smell like? Is the air stale? What kind of food is plentiful? How do those plants smell if that's what's there?

5. What does it taste like? Is it underwater and you taste the salt? What's your favorite or least favorite food?

Okay now here comes the trickiest part. Ready? Now decide what your mood is, and go back and answer these questions. How do the answers reflect your character's perspective? Ahhh, now we've got something more than just description. We have something that weaves together to create an unforgettable scene.

It's like magic. A great tool for all writers no matter the genre. So don't forget to use your senses.

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