Okay, I am more than hip deep in a novel that has to be done in a month, so this week is another writing exercise.

Sensory data is vital in creating a living space in your readers' minds. Not just key points relevent to the plot, but also background details that mark every experience we have. With that in mind, here is an exercise to help you focus on the background for just a little while. I've given you four settings below, but you can chose any scene you like, really, as long as you address all five senses with preferably three examples for eah one.

This exercise originally appeared in my book The Literary Handyman: Tips on Writing From Someone Who's Been There, and has also been featured at many a mini Workshop.

Enjoy!
Danielle Ackley-McPhail
The Literary Handyman
___________________________________

Writing Exercise – Writing to the Senses – for each of the following listings write down three descriptions that applies to each of the five senses (not all the senses will apply).

 Example: A Fishing Wharf

Sight:

1. a long expanse of weathered pier,

2. sun sparkling off the water,

3. a lone pole propped against the rail

Smell:

1. the tang of brine on the wind,

2. the tarry aroma of the sun-heated planks,

3. the scent of roasting peanuts from a nearby vendor

Sound:

1. the strident cry of the gulls,

2. the gentle slap of water against the pilings,

3. the hissing zip of a cast fishing line

Taste:

1. a hint of salt as the surf sends a mist into my face,

2. the beefy taste of hot dog I bought on the boardwalk,

3. the flavor of fish

Touch:

1. the wet slap of a caught fish,

2. rough wood beneath my fingers,

3. the breeze tugging on my hair

A City Street Corner

Sight:

1.

2.

3.

Smell:

1.

2.

3.

Sound:

1.

2.

3.

Taste:

1.

2.

3.

Touch

1.

2.

3.

A Room in an Abandoned Building

Sight:

1.

2.

3.

Smell:

1.

2.

3.

Sound:

1.

2.

3.

Taste:

1.

2.

3.

Touch

1.

2.

3.

A Battlefield

Sight:

1.

2.

3.

Smell:

1.

2.

3.

Sound:

1.

2.

3.

Taste:

1.

2.

3.

Touch

1.

2.

3.