How to Write with the Senses

You are always writing with sight.  Every time you describe something you are writing with the sense of sight.

Outside the street was empty and it was not until noon that the street filled with a large crowd of bystandaers who were all dressed in green.  

Among the crowd was a twelve-year-old boy who followed the crowd as they meandered down the street all set for the Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

Remember do not say I could see. You have already shown the image and you do not need to say you see something.  Just describe it.

It should be the same with sound. Simply describe the sound.  

The alarm began to beep loudly, jarring me out of sleep.

You do not need to say you hear it.

The hardest part is Smell, Touch and Taste.

The simple rule is never touch a touch.  Never smell a smell. Never taste a taste.

When you are descibing touch describe the physical aspect of interacting  with objects.

Michael ran his hands over the smooth service of the car, and then he stopped and checked the tires by kicking them. 

When you are showing the sense of smell--do not use the word smell. 

Use odor or scent or sniff or inhale or describe the effects.

And when you are describing taste do not say taste. Say flavor. 

Or bitterness. Or sour. Or describe putting food in your mouth.

The most valuable lesson is that writing with the senses is used primarily when you are showing emotions.

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