Three ways to tighten descriptions and engage readers

Image source: Pexels.com

Writing prose, whether fiction or nonfiction, may seem easy at first. But for those who consider themselves writers, putting thoughts down on paper can be daunting especially when considering readers. Outstanding writing goes beyond good command of the language. It's more about holding people's attention. Here are three ways writers can masterfully convey details in their narrative. Steve Sorensen.

Go beyond the sights and sounds. The basic level of description tackles what one sees and hears. To create a scene that will draw in readers, it might be more effective to describe a scene with smell, taste, and touch. Appealing to these senses will make a scene striking to the reader's mind. It brings them to a particular moment, making them feel as if they're involved in the plot. Steve Sorensen.

Image source: Pexels.com

Involve emotions. But be wise with it. Sometimes an emotionally charged paragraph might not be necessary to move a story forward. Showing emotions will make the narrator or a character relatable. It will also justify the next actions or motivations. Whether or not they notice it, emotions affect the reader’s reception of the story. Steve Sorensen.

Cut to the chase. Most authors think that pruning words is not their job. While it might benefit the storyteller to let all thoughts and ideas out on the page, brevity will sustain the reader's attention. Reading the words out loud will help the author select the perfect fit for the story. For those who love the written word, there's nothing like finding the right word that encapsulates their idea. Steve Sorensen.