Are You Ready to Unleash Your Storytelling Potential? Lesson 8 Writing Descriptive Scenes: Bringing Your World and Characters to Life

Unleashing the Power of Description: How to Create Immersive and Engaging Stories

If you want to become a master of descriptive writing, it’s time to unlock the power of description and take your storytelling to the next level. By practicing exercises that develop your descriptive abilities, you can create stories that capture the reader’s imagination and transport them to another world. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, start honing your descriptive skills today and see how it can transform your writing. With dedication and practice, you can master the art of descriptive writing and create stories that truly resonate with your readers.

Descriptive writing is an indispensable tool for writers who want to create immersive and compelling stories that captivate their readers. As D.H. Lawrence stated, “Myth is an attempt to narrate a whole human experience, of which the purpose is too deep, going too deep in the blood and soul, for mental explanation or description.” This means that myth, and by extension, any powerful experience, requires descriptive writing that can transport the reader into a different world, evoking deep emotional responses.

The great filmmaker and writer Sergei Eisenstein also recognized the power of descriptive writing, noting that “even in a less exaggerated description, any verbal account of a person is bound to find itself employing an assortment of waterfalls, lightning rods, landscapes, birds, etc.” These descriptive elements are crucial for creating vivid visual representations in the reader’s mind, bringing the story to life.

Carl Hiaasen emphasises the importance of sustaining the reader’s interest throughout the story, stating, “Lots of people can write a good first page but to sustain it, that’s my litmus test. If I flip to the middle of the book and there’s a piece of dialogue that’s just outstanding, or a description, then I’ll flip back to the first page and start it.” In other words, outstanding descriptive writing is not only essential for creating a captivating opening but also for keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Hilary Mantel recognises the importance of using different narrative techniques to construct a compelling story. She notes, “For myself, the only way I know how to make a book is to construct it like a collage: a bit of dialogue here, a scrap of narrative, an isolated description of a common object, an elaborate running metaphor which threads between the sequences and holds different narrative lines together.” Descriptive writing plays a critical role in this process, as it allows writers to create a variety of narrative elements, including dialogue, metaphorical descriptions, and more, that work together to tell a larger story.

To develop your own descriptive writing skills, there are a variety of exercises you can undertake. Here are ten original exercises to help you hone your craft:

1. Take a walk in nature and observe your surroundings. Write a detailed description of the sights, sounds, and smells you encounter.
2. Choose a simple object, such as a pen or a mug, and describe it in detail. Try to use as many sensory details as possible to bring the object to life.
3. Write a scene in which a character is experiencing intense emotions, such as love, anger, or grief. Use descriptive language to convey these emotions to the reader.
4. Describe a person you know well, focusing on their physical appearance, personality traits, and habits. Use sensory details to create a vivid portrait of the person.
5. Write a short story set in a specific time and place, such as a small town in the 1950s or a bustling city in the present day. Use descriptive language to create a sense of atmosphere and setting.
6. Choose a famous painting or photograph and describe it in detail. Use sensory language to bring the image to life.
7. Write a scene set in a busy marketplace, using descriptive language to convey the hustle and bustle of the environment.
8. Describe a childhood memory in detail, focusing on the sensory details that bring the memory to life.
9. Write a scene in which a character is experiencing a sensory overload, such as a loud concert or a crowded subway train.
10. Choose a specific season, such as winter or summer, and describe it in detail. Use sensory language to convey the sights, sounds, and smells associated with the season.

By regularly practicing exercises like these, you can develop your descriptive writing skills and create more vivid and engaging stories. However, it’s important to remember that descriptive writing is not just about creating a realistic setting – it can also reveal character, shape the reader’s emotional response, and advance the plot.

The Magic of Character: Exercises to Improve Your Descriptions

As a writer, you know that characters are the lifeblood of any story. They drive the plot, reveal the theme, and captivate the reader. But how do you create characters that feel authentic and compelling? How do you make readers care about their journey?

Ray Bradbury once said, “Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations.” In other words, the characters are the heart of your story. To create characters that feel real and three-dimensional, you need to get to know them intimately.

Anthony Burgess suggests that a good character should be “ignorant of the future, unsure about the past, and not at all sure what he’s supposed to be doing.” This uncertainty is what makes a character relatable and human. We all struggle with questions about our identity and purpose, and your characters should be no different.

Elijah Bynum advises that you won’t truly understand your character until you “throw them into the story.” It’s only when they’re faced with challenges and obstacles that their true selves are revealed. This can be scary as a writer, but it’s also exciting to see where your characters will take you.

Ethan Canin takes it a step further, suggesting that you should “become” your character. Put yourself in their shoes and try to see the world through their eyes. This empathy will help you create characters that feel fully realised and complex.

Reid Carolin stresses the importance of being present when writing your characters. Don’t overthink it or worry about perfection. Just let the words flow and trust that you can edit later. There’s a magic that happens when you’re in the zone with your characters.

Raymond Chandler believes that the most enduring characters are “ordinary guys with some extraordinary qualities.” Your characters don’t have to be superheroes or larger than life to be interesting. Sometimes the most compelling characters are those we can see ourselves in.

Ann Charters reminds us that while plot keeps us engaged, it’s the characters that stay with us long after the story ends. Focus on creating characters that resonate with readers and leave a lasting impression.

Ava DuVernay uses an “emotional map” to create her characters. This involves understanding where they are, where they’re going, and where they’ve been. This level of detail will help you create characters that feel grounded and real.

William Faulkner describes the process of character creation as “trotting along behind him trying to put down what he says and does.” This process of discovery can be messy and unpredictable, but it’s also the most exciting part of writing.

Naomi Foner believes that as you get to know your characters, they’ll “tell you where they’re going.” This can mean deviating from your original plan or taking the story in unexpected directions. Trust your characters to guide you.

Bob Gale sums it up nicely when he says, “The three things that matter most in a story are characters, characters, and characters.” Without compelling characters, even the most elaborate plot will fall flat.

John Gardner believes that plot exists so the character can discover who they really are. As you develop your characters, think about what choices they’ll have to make and how those choices will shape their journey.

With these quotes in mind, let’s dive into some exercises to help you improve your character descriptions.

In order to create a believable and engaging character, it’s important to give them flaws and imperfections. Perfect characters are boring and unrealistic – readers want to see a character struggle, fail, and overcome their obstacles. Consider giving your character a weakness or a negative trait that they need to work through, whether it’s a bad temper, an addiction, or a tendency to be overly judgmental.

Another key element of character description is their relationships with others. Think about the people in your character’s life and how they interact with them. Are they close with their family or estranged? Do they have a love interest, and if so, what attracts them to that person? How do they treat their friends, and what kind of dynamics exist within those relationships? These kinds of details can add depth and richness to your character and make them feel like real people.

Exercise 1: Character Sketch

Create a character sketch for a fictional person. Start by writing a physical description, including details such as height, weight, hair colour, and clothing. Then, move onto personality traits, such as their likes, dislikes, fears, and motivations. Finally, give the character a backstory, including their family background, childhood experiences, and any significant life events that have shaped them.

Exercise 2: Character Journaling

Write a series of journal entries from your character’s perspective. Imagine you are the character and write about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You can choose to write about a specific event or a period of time in the character’s life. This exercise will help you get inside your character’s head and develop their voice.

Exercise 3: Character Interviews

Create a list of questions to ask your character. Think about questions that will help you understand their personality, motivations, and backstory. For example, you could ask about their childhood, their dreams and aspirations, or their relationships with others. Answer the questions as if you were the character and use their unique voice and perspective.

Exercise 4: Character Development through Dialogue

Write a dialogue between your character and another character in your story. The conversation should reveal something about your character, such as their personality, values, or motivations. Use the dialogue to show how your character interacts with others and how they communicate.

Exercise 5: Character Arcs

Create a character arc for your protagonist. Start by identifying their initial state and their goal. Then, think about the challenges they will face and how they will change over the course of the story. Finally, write a scene that shows the character’s transformation.

Exercise 6: Character Descriptions

Describe your character from the perspective of another character. For example, you could write a description of your character from the point of view of their best friend or worst enemy. Use this exercise to explore how your character is perceived by others and how they interact with different types of people.

Exercise 7: Character Analysis

Analyse a character from a novel or movie that you admire. Break down the character’s personality traits, backstory, and motivations. Use this analysis to identify what makes the character compelling and how you can apply these techniques to your own writing.

Exercise 8: Character Mapping

Create a mind map of your character’s relationships. Identify the key people in your character’s life, such as family members, friends, or romantic partners. Then, map out the connections between these characters and how they influence your protagonist’s story.

Exercise 9: Character Psychology

Research psychological theories related to personality, motivation, and behaviour. Use this research to develop a deeper understanding of your character’s psyche. For example, you could explore the Big Five personality traits or Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and apply these theories to your character development.

Exercise 10: Character Visualisation

Visualise your character in a specific environment or situation. Imagine the character in a specific setting, such as a park, a busy city street, or a dark alley. Then, think about how they would react to different situations in that environment. This exercise will help you understand how your character’s personality and backstory influence their behaviour and actions.

Unlock the Power of Description and Bring Your Characters to Life

Creating compelling characters is the cornerstone of any good story, and descriptive writing is an essential tool for bringing those characters to life. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, developing your skills in character description can take your writing to the next level. By harnessing the power of language and immersing your readers in a sensory experience, you can create characters that feel real, relatable, and unforgettable. In this blog post, we’ve explored the importance of character description, shared expert advice from renowned writers, and provided a range of exercises to help you develop your skills. So, let’s dive in and start creating characters that jump off the page!

1. Keep practicing: Like any skill, writing takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts at descriptive writing fall short of your expectations. Keep pushing yourself to write, experiment with different techniques, and be open to feedback from others.
2. Read widely: One of the best ways to develop your descriptive writing skills is to read widely. Pay attention to how other authors use description to create vivid and engaging stories. Study the techniques they use, and consider how you can apply them to your own writing.
3. Experiment with different approaches: There’s no one “right” way to write descriptions. Some writers prefer to use more minimalist language, while others enjoy indulging in long, elaborate descriptions. Try experimenting with different approaches to find the style that works best for you.
4. Embrace the power of revision: The first draft of your writing is just the beginning. Take the time to revise and refine your descriptions until they truly capture the essence of your story. Be willing to cut out any extraneous details and focus on the most important elements.
5. Keep pushing yourself: Descriptive writing is a challenging skill to master, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Keep pushing yourself to write better, more engaging descriptions, and you’ll be amazed at the results. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, there’s always room for improvement. So keep pushing yourself, and see where your writing can take you.

If you would like to see how this works in the real world then why not check out my best-selling VIRO series on Amazon. The books tell the story of Jake, a boy with special needs looking for his missing mother. Jake wakes one morning to find his life is broken. His mum has gone missing. The world has fallen apart. Determined to find her, Jake is forced to comes to terms with what has happened to the world. Confronted by the horror, he initially struggles to make sense of everything. Helped by the new friends he makes, Ellis, kind and resourceful, and the twins, Amber and Abe, Jake starts to develop his independence. Forced to confront the apparent difference defined by his special needs, Jake realises that this difference doesn’t matter any more. This gives him the strength to keep going. As they fight for survival, the four kids meet a wide range of other people also battling to stay alive and with each encounter Jake and his new friends learn a little bit more about themselves and each other. Ultimately, Jake’s story is one of hope and determination in the face of complete and utter devastation.

Here are some real-world reviews for the VIRO series:

‘This review is for the series. Capturing the voice of a young character with special needs (I spent 25 years as a special education teacher/administrator), Taylor’s story of a group of young people coping with a world disintegrating in front of them; with the loss of structure and trust, and with betrayal by the adults who should be protecting them is both uplifting and horrifying. Do not be fooled by the simple language of the narrator: there are hard questions asked and realistic, unsentimental consequences to the apocalypse confronting the children, and an ending that you are unlikely to forget easily.’

‘Barnaby Taylor has a daring and rich imagination that transports you to new adventures in a re-imagined world, that are vividly written with a fresh and vibrant use of language. […] Barnaby can really write an action packed scene with fear inspiring characters such as the Tall Man. Baxter the dog who accompanies the children gives the story the delightful twist of feeling like an apocalyptic Famous Five. Genius.’

‘The writing style is beautifully compelling, and after the first couple of pages I couldn’t put it down. The author very skilfully creates a world and characters through deceptively simple prose that draws the reader right in. It is a fascinating blend of one-after-the-other edge-of-the seat scares, alongside a haunting narrative about what it is to be human.’

‘Barnaby is an exciting and passionate writer. There’s real depth of meaning behind his books. You emotionally engage with and care about the book’s characters. Barnaby’s books also have a strong visual sensibility. His stories particularly Viros I and II would translate superbly to television and cinema. I am a huge fan of all things zombie orientated and to see the zombie genre reinterpreted from the perspective of children is thrilling. I look forward to more books from Barnaby. He’s one to watch out for. Children, adults and I suspect the film and TV industry people will love this book. I highly recommend it.’

‘I absolutely loved this book. Powerful and poignant, ‘Viro’ packs a punch. Sad and haunting, ‘Viro’ is a new take on the zombie genre. The characters are dynamic and interesting, finding strength despite their horrifying circumstances. Jake is a character that will stick with you long after the final page. The action sequences are thrilling. I was on the edge of my seat!’

Dear Writing Friends,

As a writer, it can sometimes be difficult to find the support and encouragement we need to keep going. That’s why it’s so important to connect with others who share our passion and can offer valuable feedback and advice. Leaving a comment is a great way to start a conversation and connect with other writers who are on a similar journey.

By sharing our experiences, challenges, and successes, we can learn from each other and grow as writers. We can offer encouragement and support when someone is struggling, and celebrate each other’s achievements when they reach a milestone.

Furthermore, starting a conversation can help to hold us accountable to our writing goals. When we share our progress with others, we are more likely to stay committed to our writing and make meaningful progress towards our goals.

Finally, leaving a comment and starting a conversation is an excellent way to build community and find the support and encouragement we need to keep writing. So why not take a moment to share your thoughts and connect with other writers today?

Also, as a thank you for reading this post I have created a free book for you to download. How to Journal is a handy guide to journaling and I hope it helps you get started. You can find your free book at the top of the page.

Good luck with your writing,

Barnaby