Appeal to Senses

When writing description, writers tend to focus primarily on the visual sense. They use descriptive language of shape, size and color that appeals to the eyes. While visual orientation is a natural and primary reference point for us, it is by no means the most powerful. When writing a descriptive scene, consider using the senses of sound, touch, taste and smell. We tend to register these senses on a more subconscious level, and therefore, underutilize them in our writing. But some of our most impressive memories are associated with a smell or a taste or a texture. Stretch your descriptive muscles to put together interesting combinations of the senses that will resonate with readers and bring your descriptions to life, for instance: the rain smells like orchard apples or the spring tastes like lemons. These sense combinations give your writing more depth and make it more thought-provoking. Your readers' experience will be greatly enriched by them and your writing experience will be more interesting for you. Whether you are writing fiction, nonfiction or poetry, appeal to all the senses and your vivid writing will be an experience your readers won't forget.