A (Simple But Effective) Writing Exercise on Engaging the Senses
Feeling stuck? Feeling like your descriptions aren't sensory enough? Feeling a third thing?
That's how I've been lately. I have this goal to write a short story every month, a goal I've faithfully followed for about two years now. But I haven't been able to start a story this month, let alone finish one.
It's fine. I have half a month left to get it together.
In the meantime, gotta keep those writing skills sharp! I may not be able to think of a story, but I could at least exercise my skills.
As someone who struggles with their descriptions, I found the following exercise to be particularly helpful. I hope you like it, too.
Prompt: Write the same mundane scene (making breakfast, waiting for a bus, etc.) five times, each focusing on a different sense. Then combine the best sensory details into one version.
Below is what I wrote: a toothbrushing scene. If you choose to do this exercise, please share what you write in the comments!
Touch
She swept the toothbrush over her teeth, up and down, left and right, making tiny circles, stripping away the grit and plaque. Sticking out her tongue, she vigorously scrubbed the hard bristles against it. For good measure, she scraped the brush against the roof of her mouth.
Taste
The minty toothpaste tingled her gums as she scrubbed away a day’s worth of grit and plaque. For good measure, she gargled with cool mint mouthwash and swished it around in her mouth, reveling in the weird and slightly painful tingly sensation.
Smell
She brushed her teeth, gratefully inhaling the smell of minty toothpaste as it replaced her foul morning breath.
Hearing
Brusha-brusha-brusha. She brushed her teeth, listening to how the sound of her toothbrush changed depending on her rhythm, placement, and whether her mouth was open or closed.
Sight
She watched herself in the mirror as she brushed her teeth with her cyan toothbrush. Her frizzy brown hair was even frizzier than usual, and the bags under her eyes advertised the fitful rest she’d had.
Put it all together
Brusha-brusha-brusha. She swept the toothbrush over her teeth, up and down, left and right, making tiny circles, stripping away a day’s worth of grit and plaque. The toothpaste tingled her gums, and she inhaled, grateful how effectively the minty flavor had replaced her foul morning breath. She surveyed herself in the mirror, cyan toothbrush sticking out of her mouth. Her frizzy brown hair was even frizzier than usual, and the bags under her eyes advertised the fitful rest she’d had.
I like that final paragraph, with all the senses combined. I don't know if I would ever include such a detailed toothbrushing scene in any of my stories, but this is a great skill to apply to other scenes.
So, if you're struggling with building up a particular scene, maybe look at it one aspect at a time.
Writing without a paywall is important to me, but writing is work. If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I would be honored if you would consider donating.