We often talk about the different aspects that go into writing, whether it is settings, character development, plots, conflicts or any other topic that comes up. When the group first began, they asked me for assignments. These were little scenes I'd create on a specific area. Completing them is strictly voluntary. The others tell me it's helpful to continue their own projects after they have done the assignment.
Here's the latest one. Try it if you'd like.
Most of us are blessed with five
senses. Six if you count the sense of humor. Seven if you count common sense.
Eight if you … never mind. When working on a story, you want to incorporate all
of the senses in such a way that it draws your audience in. You don’t want to bludgeon them but ease it
in whenever you can. Like this:
The
lemon infused olive oil began to sizzle in the skillet. In the background he
could hear the strains of a piano, guitar and saxophone, a soft jazz tune that
was helping to set the mood. From the cutting board he gathered a double
handful of sliced mushrooms, peppers and onions. If he had been a dancer, some
would have described Drake’s move as a pirouette. Hips swaying, he spun from
the counter and dropped the veggies into the pan with a flourish. His right hand
snapped out and brought the press from its hook. Quickly he packed the chamber with three
large cloves of garlic. The sinewy
muscles in his forearm bulged as he squeezed the handles together, adding the juice
to the pan.
Bending
close, he inhaled deeply: heavenly. The
colorful mixture seemed to talk to him, whispering with delight as the flavors
mingled. Drake gave the pan a vigorous shake. It was time. The bowl of raw
shrimp summoned him. Slowly he poured
the contents into the pan, spreading them out, watching them jump. A moment
later they began changing colors. He shook it again.
Behind
him there was the pop and sigh as the cork was pulled free from the bottle. A
glance over his shoulder confirmed his suspicion. Emma poured a generous glass
of dark red wine and gave him a sultry smile, her luxurious tresses cascading
beyond her shoulders. When he realized she wore nothing but the smile, Drake scorched
his hand on the skillet.
Could you hear the way the food was
reacting to the heat? How about the sound of the cork sliding out of the wine
bottle, the food sizzling or the music playing?
Did you smell the food cooking, or the wine being poured? Can you visualize the peppers and mushrooms
in the pan, sliding about as Drake gave it a shake? Or his reaction to her presence? Did you jump
when he burned his hand? Or at the image of Emma? Can you taste the wine or the
dinner? Does anything in that passage
bring a rush of memories?
That’s what you want to do. Draw
memories to the readers mind, helping them visualize your scene. It doesn’t have to be in the kitchen. Here’s
a list of possible starters for practice.
Include as many senses as you can.
·
You could use a favorite restaurant.
·
A fishing spot, where the sun is reflecting off
the water, like a spray of diamonds.
·
The damp, muddy ground in late March, where the
final remnants of the winter snow have left your background resembling a swamp
where dinosaurs once played.
·
A coal black night in the dead of winter, where
a freshly fallen snow coats everything with a dazzling white paint.
·
A ride on the South Shore train, crammed with
commuters on their way too or from work or play.
·
An early morning spring shower that leaves the
pavement littered with a colony of earthworms.
·
A crowded movie theater where two shy, late
arriving strangers end up in adjoining seats.
And then…
Here's the link to an older post that you might enjoy.
