Staring or studying art is a smart practice for writers.
Why?
It can really enhance our description.
How?
Take this Lannuier card table from the year 1817.
Study the table - notice the texture. Does it feel smooth under your hand? Hard? Run your mind's hand over the intricate detail of the angel, the legs, the ornamentation. What color would you say it is?
How do you think it smells? Like furniture polish? Like wood? Like old wood?
Does that table conjure up any memories? Did your grandparents own one? What would you place on the table? Would you crochet a doily for the top? Would flowers go well on top? What about another ornament?
What character would own that table? What would that character say if you left a glass of water on it without a coaster?
Write down your thoughts, feelings and insights about the object.
By taking time out of your day to study objects, to use your imagination, and to write it down, your creativity and ability to describe will increase.
Do this everyday and see what happens.
This is good advice. This is why I love visiting actual homes that have been turned into museums.
ReplyDeleteI also go to antique stores so I can handle the merchandise too.
Yes, good advice. That's why I'll watch science fiction movies and look at artwork - to really see the object so I'll know how to describe it in my books.
ReplyDeleteGood advice. I need to look more closely at things.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! I would have never thought about this! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Clarissa,
ReplyDeleteI am the KING of details. I always research everything to DEATH so I am able to create believable and rich atmospheres.
That table is gorgeous. I would love to own a house where that table could be right at home.
ReplyDeletethat's a good tip, Clarissa!
ReplyDeleteThis is why Google Images is my best friend when it comes to writing. I'm constantly pulling up images of things in scenes, trying to capture the exact right feel.
ReplyDeleteI love google images too!
DeleteYou pose some good questions. Many authors use Pinterest just to find images like that to add depth to their stories.
ReplyDeleteThought provoking! I love it. :)
ReplyDeleteNow that is one smashing table!! Thanks for a great way to engage all of one's senses to enhance writerly description! Yay! Take care
ReplyDeletex
Oh, no! My comment follows one by Anony Mouse.
ReplyDeleteI'm a toucher. And I love Pinterest and Google Images to find unique everything.
Wonderful post!
A lovely table and a good activity to go along with it. I would cringe if someone put their drink on this table without setting it on top of a coaster first. That's the kind of table this is!
ReplyDeleteThat would be a great exercise. Thanks for the ideas!
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea for anyone who aspires to write.
ReplyDeleteJust dropping by as I am also a minion of L. Diane Wolfe's
JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
Clarissa - What a great idea! Art is inspiring and taking the time to really see a picture and let it come alive can affect the way we write. Thanks for the suggestion.
ReplyDeleteWonderful writing advice!!!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great exercise, Clarissa! I used to do this when I'd be outside at places I felt like I'd want to use in future stories. Using the five senses, trying to find unique descriptions... Great stuff! :o) <3
ReplyDeleteYou make such an awesome point, Clarissa!
ReplyDeleteGood description, used appropriately, can really add to a story.
ReplyDeleteTerrific tip, Clarissa. When I was a kid, my dad would always remind us of this when we were outdoors. It's sad what you miss when you're not in the moment, and it's amazing what you see when you take the time to really look and pay attention. Great practice for writers, absolutely!
ReplyDeleteThat's actually a brilliant idea for a writing exercise. :-D
ReplyDeleteMakes me want to get a guide book.