Springing Characters to life
The transformation from winter to spring sparked an awareness of new beginnings, and God’s gift of the five senses.
His Gifts of the Five Senses in Writing
In writing, the burst of new color and smells inspired me to think about the five senses—how I can better integrate them into my stories.
Recently, I’ve been reading a book Description & Setting by Ron Rozelle, and from the chapter he devoted to sensory description. I’m eager to put some of what I’ve learned into practice. Using sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste in writing enhances the story’s experience, giving a better perspective of who the character is, and where they are at. This means I’ll have to put more creative thought into my story and integrate more sensory descriptors.
Springtime has given me a smorgasbord of ideas to draw from. When I step outside, what do I smell, hear, feel, touch and see? The intention to improve in writing has led me to think more deeply of the senses and how I experience them. I hope to translate that into my stories. Did my protagonist enter a room and inhale the sweet scent of lilac; cuttings her mother had recently placed in a vase? Maybe my protagonist was gardening, and a bee buzzed near her cheek. What did she sense? And what did she do?
His Gifts of the Five Senses in My Quiet Time
In my devotional time, when I think of the five senses; the soft touch of the willow, the scent of tilled soil after a rain, and the burst of pink cherry blossoms, I thank God for creating them. And for making all things new. Psalm 66:1a, 5 “Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of His name… Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men.”
Springtime has inspired me to think more about the senses and to try harder to write them into the story. It has also led me to appreciate God and His creation more, and that he gave us these wonderful gifts.
I’m going to praise him today and take in the beauty of his creation in my writing and in my quiet time.
Blessings,
Johanna