Is There Any Method to Help with Writing Descriptions?

“Is there any method to help with writing descriptions?” Instead of writing static imagery, fill your songs with action words that will bring your scenes to life.

Phrases like the moon shone brightly or the oaks stood tall just sit there on the page.

• It’s not so bad with an isolated phrase.
• However, if you have a verse (or paragraph) full of static images they can become tedious.
• Why? Because it’s more difficult for your mind to redraw the picture in your head if the image doesn’t change.

Try this exercise:

• Imagine a ball and bat sitting on a baseball diamond.
• Now imagine a young batter hitting the baseball out of the ballpark.
• Incorporating action words that have movement or change will help you write descriptions that engage your audience.

How do you do this? By making your descriptions a part of the unfolding action.

• Instead of just describing objects and people separate from the action, blend your imagery with the development of the story.
• For instance, instead of the calm river you could write the river flowed under the starry sky.
• That way, you could have the river’s moving current while still including good descriptive imagery.

Likewise, using action words can breathe life into your characters.

• Instead of writing she had lovely, flowing hair.
• You could say her radiant hair danced in the breeze as she ran through the forest.
• The second description makes the character more dynamic.

Also, you can use action words to show emotional elements.

• Instead of writing she’s sad.
• You could say a tear rolled down her cheek as she lifted a hand to wipe her eyes.
• This shows the emotion through action-oriented imagery instead of just telling about it.