0-100 Real Quick Tips For Writing: Describing Surroundings

Sounds easy but it’s not as easy as it seems (for some of us) the best and quickest way to figure out how to describe surroundings in a story is pick 2 or 3 of the 5 senses and write them in.

SIGHT

So this is probably the easiest one to use but try not to overuse it:

-: She looked to her left and saw a cloud of smoke. “That doesn’t look good.” :-

Versus

-: she looked to her left, a thick black plume of smoke towered menacingly above her. “That doesn’t look good.” :-

Describing what you see gives the reader a more detailed view of the story and helps them place some emotion towards the characters and the situations they are in.

SMELL

Obviously you can only really use this one if the scenario involves scent. Good scenarios to pick are when you’re describing the scent of a particularly attractive character (the love interest perhaps) or for foods or dark, scary settings – dungeon, caves, sewers etc…

-: it was cold, dark and smelly. Nevertheless they continued on down the uneven stairs. :-

Versus

-: it was cold and dark. [character’s] nose wrinkled as the pungent aroma of mold, moss and stagnant air hit her nostrils. Nevertheless they continued on down the uneven stairs.:-

It actually gives you a visual of the character’s face and her reaction to the smell.

SOUND (HEARING)

Another good one to use to help build some emotion. Especially when describing voices!

-: “[Character!]” his voice rang out through the empty hall. :-

Versus

-: “[Character!]” his rich, baritone voice carried loudly through the empty hall. :-

Did the sound of his voice change as you read that first example to the second example?

Yeah… see… important.

TOUCH

Again, one that can’t be used in every situation but amazingly good when there’s intimate connection between characters OR if the characters is literally touching something (lol get your mind out of the gutter Author-chan!)

-: He slid his hand up the inside of her leg. :-

(Sexy yes?)

Versus

-: He ran his soft fingers agonizingly slowly up the inside of her thigh, her warm delicate skin quivering slightly beneath his touch. :-

(Yeah that sentence got you didn’t it ;))

TASTE

This one can be used surprisingly well in situations that don’t necessarily involve food or people. It can be used metaphorically as well.

-: “just stop!” He spat.:-

Versus

-: “just stop!” He spat, his face contorted like he had bitten into a bitter lemon. :-

Yeah I know you could see those visuals.

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