This article began with a question from a reader named Jason, an Iraq War veteran who is now working on his writing, and specifically on his descriptions. We created a blog post eliciting advice from other readers, and almost all of it had to do with learning to observe the world. This in itself says a lot about the art of writing descriptions.
For instance, Marilyn wrote: "I keep reminding myself of Sherlock Holmes's complaint to Dr. Watson. 'You see, but you don't observe.' Observing is a conscious act, a job, a course of study." Very true. So how do you embark on that course of study?
Reader Tom recommended coffee shops: "Sometimes I sit with my laptop, pick a few people out, and watch how they act, talk, read, drink."
Ryan offered a piece of advice I'd never heard before, but that struck me as sound: "If I am looking to put in details about how someone acts, I find it helpful to watch children. For example, what does someone do when they need to use a restroom? Well, children will often start by asking to go, then they will lock their knees together, cross their feet, lock their jaw in place, hold their breath or breathe funny, bend their knees and stick their butt out, hold themselves, and so on. For an adult, I just have to include one or two of these actions for the desired effect."
Other writers take art or photography classes to improve their descriptions. Writing can be very cerebral, and these visual arts force you to get out of your head and spend time really looking at something. If you're having trouble describing action, consider taking an acting class.
However, classes aren't necessary unless you'll also enjoy them for their own sake. Many writers find that simply making it a habit when out in public to observe people and settings does the trick. In The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron instructs artists to take weeks off from reading to force them to look around more. If you're having trouble describing things when you sit down to write, any or all of these practices will help you fill up on images to bring home to the page.
Return to the list of description tips.
