The definition of descriptive creative writing is taking unforgettable pictures forged out of memorable words. But like any good thing, it is easy to overdo it. Getting in your work just enough descriptive writing so that you caress your reader with a magical world, and not too much, so that they don’t get lost in it is an art in itself. In this article we will try to help you find the balance that will perfectly season any composition.
1. Plan ahead
When you are creating the structure for your first draft, it is best to mark the descriptive writing passages you think you will need. Getting a feel for the needs of pictures from the beginning is crucial. Think of it as an article – when you plan the draft, after the headings, you know you will need about one picture to every 500 words. If you stuff your article with pictures, the ideas will get lost, if you place too few pictures, the reader will get tired easily.
After planning the draft, make sure you have the right amount of descriptive writing so that you still guide the readers’ imagination through the book’s universe. But don’t bore them with every tinny tiny detail. You might need more descriptive writing in the beginning and progress to more action as your writing flows. Also, you might need more details when introducing a new character and fewer adjectives as the interaction between the characters progresses.
2. Whatever you do, be you
Reading and getting influenced by other writers is an awesome way to begin your writing. But as you progress, remember that you are the product of unique factors – your upbringing, although similar to many, has uniquely developed you. Also, the blend of information that you read and perceive is unique and the way you create an output bears your print. Don’t dismiss yourself too easy!
This is what makes you different and what adds value to your work. Trying to be like someone else will be the end of your writing. Fully embrace yourself and all your life experiences and use the world that you know, as you see it, to create a memorable universe for your reader.
3. Don’t overdo the descriptive passages
You know you’ve gone a bit overboard when the tea cup has its own paragraph. Finding a balance might be tricky. But think of your descriptive writing as you would think of your day – how would you describe your day? How many details really matter? How much of the initial planning has to actually go into the writing?
Also, don’t be afraid if you dumped a big blob of adjectives on the page. As long as you know it’s too much, you can fix it. The rule for descriptive writing is to write like there’s no one watching and edit like you’re the star of a reality show. Be fearless when it comes to both steps and your work will end up gorgeous.
4. Make it a sensorial party
We tend to forget that there are five senses that can illustrate every aspect of our lives, so don’t get tangled in the visuals. Every time you get into a descriptive phase, think of how you could enrich the sensorial experience with textures, smells and sounds. Getting the entire symphony of senses going will help you transform the world you created into a fair ride for your reader.
After writing your first draft, cut the visual description in half and try to find other aspects that should be mentioned. If you described the beautiful green of the forest, with the myriad of silver dripped dropped spider webs, think about the song of the birds, the cracks of the forest and the feel of the grass on your feet. Then take your reader even further with the smell of mushrooms and freshly rained soil. Absorb the reader with various intricacies of life.
5. Although counterintuitive – verbs are still your best friend
If you tell them, they will remember 20%, if you involve them, they will retain more than 80%. These percentages are true when it comes to learning and remembering any type of information. So use science to make your work memorable. Involve you readers in the story by going over the descriptive passages with questions and verbs that stimulate involvement. Instead of simply describing the beauty of the forest, use a question – can you feel the grass under your feet and the gentle smell of mushrooms rising from the freshly rained soil? This simple interaction will include your readers more, making your work unforgettable.
In the end, keep in mind that the beauty of descriptive creative writing lays in the uniqueness of the presentation. Just like every painter has painted clouds and hills, the painters we love have used their unique vision to enrich their work and our perspective. Every time you plan including a descriptive passage, think of how you can make it yours. Think of the ways that are unique to your reality. Then make sure your work is more than an image; it involves the reader through verbs and questions and includes as many sensorial experiences as possible.
Image credit: Pixabay
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://writingtipsoasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Larisa.png[/author_image] [author_info]Larisa Elena Muntean is an experienced writer and editor specialized in self-publishing and internet presence. Larisa oversaw the publication of more than ten books, is the editor in chief of an environmental protection journal and has collaborated with a variety of blogs and magazines. [/author_info] [/author]