Monday, September 1, 2008

Deja what?

This week we’ve decided to discuss Déjà vu on the blog. For some reason, I can’t seem to come up with anything to say about it. I’ve had the experience before, but I can’t seem to think of one instance at this time to tell you about. So, now I’m trying to think about what I should say…thinking…thinking…and still thinking. To be honest, I have no idea what to talk about today, so instead of blabbering on about nothing, I think I will share a new game I’ve begun playing to help me out with my writing. I call it, Show Me the Senses.

There is a great site that I belong to that has helped me tremendously with my writing. Romance Divas. I love, love, love this place. In fact, I spend an enormous amount of time there. Shhh! Don’t tell anybody. ;-) Anyway, I’ve posted this game on the message boards there and I love to read what other people have come up with.

Anyway, here is how the game works. You pick something and then describe all the things it brings to mind for each of the 5 senses. Here’s an example for you. I just did this one this weekend.

Swinging in the late afternoon/evening 

Sight- the sun breaking through the clouds, the suns rays glinting off the water in the lake across the road, the clouds drifting slowly across the light blue sky, the bright colors of the playground equipment, the faded wood of the park benches, bright green of new grass, darker green of older grass, grey-blue water, the many geometric shapes I learned in grade school (how the swing set makes a triangle, the monkey bars a perfect rectangle, the oval links of the chain)

Sound- the creak of the chain as I swing, children laughing at the neighboring pavilion/playground, the whoosh of the wind past my ear as I swing, my own laughter ringing in my ears (something I hear so rarely), the sound of a happy family 

Taste- the sweet and spicy taste of barbeque sauce, the smoky taste as food cooks on the grill, cool sweet taste of soda, smooth crisp taste of bottled water

Touch- the warm breeze blowing against my face, my hair caressing my cheeks as the wind pushes it back and forth as I swing, the warmth of the sun on my face as I close my eyes and look upward, my skin tightening as my grin widens, the softer feel of plastic? covered chains on some swings, the cool metal holding onto the uncovered chains, cool water condensed on the outside of a water bottle, the cold feel of reaching into the cooler to pull out a drink

Scent- the smell of cooking meat on the grill, fresh clean outside air

Ok, that’s how it’s done. It has really helped me to focus on the showing in my writing. You can play along with me. Post yours in the comments section. I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with. And feel free to choose a different topic if you want. Let’s see how creative we can be. Let me know if you like my game or if it’s helped you too. That’s the point, to help each other improve in our writing. Good luck!

3 deadly screams:

Gracen Miller said...

Hi, Sierra! *wave*

This was an awesome blog! The 5 senses is an awesome technique! I'll have to use it because I sometimes have trouble detailing the scene or how exactly the character is supposed to be acting. This technique will be great to use. I'll tell you how well it works for me soon.

Sierra Wolfe said...

Thanks for the comment Gracen. I hope it is of some help to you. It has really helped me improve. I'll send you some writing where I used it and you can tell me if it's an improvement or not ;)

Adriana said...

So evocative - made me just want to sit and envision the entire experience, terrific exercise!

Adriana