In writing, the power of a well-devised description is invaluable. Descriptive language acts as a paintbrush for your writing, adding visualization and imagery. It can bring simple exposition and plot points to life and add a visual component to your story. Whether you’re writing a novel, a short story, or even a blog post, mastering the art of description can elevate your writing and help you stand out.

For example, imagine reading a story where everything is described as  “nice.”  The characters are “fine,” the food is “good,” and the house is “big.” Now, imagine a story where the characters are “ecstatic,” the food is “mouthwatering” and the room is “grand, with large columns lining the bright white exterior.” The difference is crucial for cultivating the optimal reader experience. Well-crafted, vivid descriptions draw readers in, making them feel as though they are part of the novel, interacting with the characters, and experiencing your words.

Descriptive writing is an essential tool that brings stories to life. It can build atmosphere, set the mood, and influence the reader’s perception of characters and plot points. Here are a few tips to help hone the art of description:

First, employing the concept of “show, don’t tell” adds a description that allows your readers to infer certain events or character actions, further immersing them into your novel.

Second, you can use language that engages the five human senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste. Referring back to the previous food example from above, you might effectively describe a “good” cake by saying its: “vanilla flavor was complimented by its dark chocolatey frosting adorning its top and decorated by fresh, sweet-smelling strawberries cut into the shape of roses.” This elevated language forms a tangible image of the cake for your readers.

You should also focus on being specific when writing descriptions. Instead of calling something or someone “beautiful,” you’ll want to use descriptive words to explain what features make it beautiful. For example, instead of calling a view “pretty,” you should list the physical aspects that make it pretty, such as “the fractured sunlight danced upon the mountaintops, sprawling out into the horizon.” Now, the reader can also “see” the same view your character is seeing.

Finally, you should be aware of how often you use descriptive language. While it’s crucial to use in your writing, if your novel is oversaturated with in-depth descriptions, it could become tedious and distract from your plot and character actions. Focus on applying descriptive language when a description of the scene enhances the current scene, or if the scene is particularly important and you want the reader to linger on its image.

Overall, carefully chosen descriptions can evoke emotions, paint a picture for your readers, and bring your writing to life.