Author: Susan Uhlig

We all know we need to establish scenes with specific details. And we probably all know to use multiple sensory details. But author Mitali Perkins during a talk at the Big Sur Children’s Workshop, suggested some preparation before we write that I found particularly helpful.

She said, “Use details about place to reveal more about people and plot.” So not just random details. But deliberate details.

Mitali also said, “Choose a place that reflects and echoes the plot or emotion.” I’ll admit I tend just to put characters where I think they would be during their day—THIS is obviously going to take more work!

Then she gave us a writing practice using our own works-in-progress.

Step 1: Place

Imagine a particular place in your story with all five senses.

For example, an upset kid might dash outside and hear a police siren, a leaf blower. Might see and smell unpleasant things, etc. (Might experience the situation in the above photo.)

Step 2: People

Who is in this scene? How are they positioned in that place when the scene starts?

Step 3: Plot
Write down the emotion (depressed, scared, furious, delighted, etc.) your main character is feeling.

So, I wrote down place, people, plot. (My main character is worried.)

I listed the senses I planned to use:

• Visual  – Fault on a screen
• Smell – Burnt toast
• Sound – An annoying creak of her chair
• Touch – A hangnail

While writing my section of scene—we only had ten minutes—I found how much those planned senses amped up my writing. Knowing what senses I’d use, made the writing flow. Thank you, Mitali.

Check out the books by this talented writer!