Observe Well to Write Well

So much of what writers create is based on their observations of the natural world. What does a tree look like when thrashing in the wind? How do people turn up their noses when encountering something unpleasant? Does a dog smile when he's happy? Does the rain have a musical rhythm? These are the kinds of details that will enrich your writing and make it sing on the page. To write well, you must be an observer of your world. Details should matter to you and nothing should be too insignificant to warrant your attention because these minutiae may someday be the exact bits of information you need to make your story or essay or poem click. Be a glutton with details. Write them in a notebook if it helps, but always be on the lookout for interesting observations and collect them for future use. This kind of information is what writers bring to readers to help them see their common world in uncommon ways. Unusual and colorful details are what your readers will remember long after they've read your work. Observe first and write later is good advice for writers. Observe always is the best advice. Hone your observation skills and watch your writing grow!