Image by me'nthedogs via Flickr
Those of you who’ve followed this series for a while know that I have a fixation on sensory description. I’m not sure how many Wordsmith Wednesday posts have addressed this subject, but it’s right up there on top.
Whatever genre you write, sensory description will enrich your narrative. This simple technique allows the reader to engage, to become a part of the scene.
Today, I’d like to focus on just one sense…that of hearing. At a recent church service, a newly ordained lay deacon preached one of his first sermons. He spoke of a couple of men walking down the street when one of them said, “Isn’t that sound of the crickets beautiful.” The other replied, “What sound?” The deacon went on to tell of the first man dropping a quarter on the sidewalk and everyone in the vicinity stopped and looked for the money. He concluded by saying, “You only hear what you listen for.”
I’d like to suggest that, as writers, it will serve us well to form the intention to listen to the sounds that surround us in any given setting. Take time to jot down what you hear in your writing journal, then glean some of the richness of your experience to add depth and character to your writing.
For today’s discussion, look for an opportunity to listen carefully to the sounds around you, then write a short description, whether prose or poetry, to share with us through a post on your blog.
Use Mr. Linky to share your name and URL then take a few moments to read other submissions. You may get inspiration for your own writing.
Jamie Dedes
/ October 15, 2011I like the idea of taking one sense at a time and focusing on it. Thanks for the suggestion, Victoria.
Jamie Dedes
/ October 15, 2011So, when I read this, for some reason I suddenly saw the beginingg of a novel I started awhile back as a piece in itself. Hence the short story: “The City of Ultimately Bliss.” So I cut it donw and I put an ending on what I’d written … and thanks for your supportive comment. I thought I was done, but the novel idea still lingers and given your comment and Charles, I may very well persue it. Maybe that will be my NaNo project. So many thanks for the kick in the patootie!
liv2write2day
/ October 16, 2011I’m so happy to kick you in the patootie, toots! It should be a wonderful write. :0)
suzicate
/ October 13, 2011Just wanted you to know you did inspire me to write about an auditory memory, though it is not a poem. http://suzicate.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/everything-i-heard-about-poker-firsthand/
Phil
/ October 13, 2011This writing prompt reminds me to finish an overdue draft sitting in my to-do box about this very topic. I really enjoy the fact you are sensory aware. All too often we overlook the fact we have these other senses and let our primary ones take over and plod along through life in auto-pilot. Thank you for dusting off some cobwebs in my imagination.
Ravenblack
/ October 13, 2011I’m sharing one I wrote a couple of weeks ago if that’s alright.
Aurora
/ October 13, 2011Thanks for the inspiration! Done.May not tie in… exactly… but it’s what burst forth… lol
Life: Between the lines
/ October 13, 2011Thanks for the inspiration and the visit to my blog!
zongrik
/ October 13, 2011So we start with Anna’s poem, and someone gets touched too much, so we end up like my poem, expecting, then we get born like Morning’s which leads to breast feedings, and breast cancer check ups at some point, which is what Aurora’s touch’s upon.
Morning
/ October 12, 2011wow, you learned how to do linkz in your blog, amazing.
have fun!
zongrik
/ October 12, 2011What does it feel like to be pregnant? This poem attempts to impart these senses.
Anna Montgomery
/ October 12, 2011Thank you Victoria for this inspiring prompt. I had a poem that wasn’t yet where I wanted it and didn’t know how to improve it. Once I read your article I immediately went to work and thought I never would have known how to fix this on my own. Again, I appreciate your excellent assistance.