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Challenge Time: Add the Five Senses

When it comes to reading, so many times do I read books or stories where there is little to no inclusions of the senses in the writing. I am unable to make a real connection with the character if I don't know what they're sensing all around them using their five senses, but with the senses I connect with the character and grow attached to them quicker and easier, because I know what they're going through.

Create a short sentence that has absolutely no senses involved. An example of a senseless sentence is this: I stood still before him.

Now try to add in a little sight: Watching him through slitted eyes, I keep still as I stand. This helps your reader to understand exactly what the character is experiencing, and lets the reader experience it along with them. Our next sense will be the sense of touch, go ahead, add that in to create something like this: Breezes ruffle through my hair, sending chills down my back as I stand before him, my eyes slitted as I watch him.

As I add in these sentences, my story starts to grow, creating a sort of three dimensional image into the mind of the reader. This will continue to expand as you include more and more senses, creating a better and sharper picture for the reader.

Now, I will add in the final three senses in the next three paragraphs.

Adding hearing: Wind whistles through the air, tugging at my hair and sending shivers down my spine. Keeping my weight on my heels, I stare through slitted eyes at the man standing before me.

Adding smell: Wind whistles through the air, filled with the scent of decay as it tugs hard at my hair, the chill sending shivers down my spine. Standing my ground, and keeping my weight evenly spread, I stare through slitted eyes at the man standing before me.

Finally, adding taste: Whistling loudly the wind flies around me, throwing salty spray from the ocean in my mouth and face. Drops of water slide down my skin, causing my clothes to stick to my skin as I attempt stand my ground. Squinting my eyes against the spray, I stare at the man before me, daring him to try to escape.

Slowly, as you add in each sense, the story grows more and more interesting, and it expands, letting the reader experience what is happening along with your character, and creating a deep connection between the two. This is why so many people prefer to read stories that have senses, because you feel like you are in the story, and not just a spectator.

In another post, I will help you add in movements that will show what the character is thinking and their personalities without having to spill their thoughts.

Hope this helps in your writing, have a British day -Kac

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