Descriptions that Dazzle

Great details bring your story to life. Be specific with your descriptions.

Read these examples. Which sentence is better?
A shiny red sports car pulled up to the door. ...or... A cool car pulled up to the door.
The pretty dress hung by the door. ...or... The blue chiffon dress hung by the door.

Now don't just go off describing everything you mention in detail.
Fully describe only scenes or people that are important in the story
(those that affect the main character or the outcome of the story).

Try describing an old box you may have found in your attic.

If you are having trouble.......
Think.....
How big is it?
What is it made of?
What color is it?
Is it smooth or rough?
How old is it?
Whom did it belong to?
What was it used for?

Click here for a sample description after you have written yours.

PAINT A PICTURE EXERCISES
I. Describing words such as good, cool, great, nice, and pretty
do not give the reader a clear picture of what they describe.
Instead, authors use specific words to "paint a picture."

The dusty box sat in the corner. Its wooden sides were splintered along the bottom and a worn coat of faded blue paint was still visible across the top. It was roughly the size and shape of a large suitcase. As I ran my hand along its like, I was surprised at the smooth, cool feel of the wood. I decided that someone long ago must have taken very good care of the box, and perhaps had stored something special inside.