I hate writing descriptions. I'm not even a big fan of reading descriptions. I'm very much a dialogue-centered reader and writer. Sorry, Tolkien fans: I don't care that much about trees.
But descriptions are crucial. They breathe life into your story, creating vivid images in the reader's mind. Physical descriptions can carry symbolism, while emotional descriptions reveal the inner workings of your characters in a way that dialogue simply can't.
Still. Writing them is so damn difficult.
If you feel the same, enjoy these description-centered, dialogue-free writing exercises, created to help sharpen your skills. These prompts are all based on opposite pairs because I think it's a little easier to describe something when you have something to compare/contrast it to. They're also mostly focused on setting but remember: character descriptions, emotional descriptions, and so on are all equally important.
Switching Perspectives
Imagine you're in a forest, and you receive a text message from an unknown number saying that you're being targeted by a killer who is coming after you right now. Write a short descriptive passage focusing on how the forest looks after receiving this news.
Now imagine you're in that same forest, only this time, you're the person doing the hunting. Write another passage. How does the description of the forest change?
First Snowfall
Write a scene about the first snowfall of the year in your city. (If you don't get snow, use your imagination.) How does it change the landscape? The feel of the air? The sounds?
Night and Day
Simple: Look at the room you're in now. Describe how it looks and sounds in broad daylight. Then describe its nighttime atmosphere. What are the differences? How does the mood change?
The Power of Perception
Picture the most attractive person you've ever met. Imagine they've just complimented you, and describe them, from the sound of their voice to the color of their eyes. Now imagine they've just been incredibly rude to you, and describe them again. How does your perception of this person change the way you describe them?
Hopefully, these prompts will help you strengthen your descriptive writing skills. If they don't, you get your money back, guaranteed!
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