DESCRIPTION'S GONNA GETCHA IF YOU DON'T WATCH OUT!

A Book Review by Jan Greenberg (g.j.)

I have just read "Word Painting, A Guide To Writing More Descriptively," by Rebecca McClanahan.

In a chapter called "THE REWARDS OF DESCRIPTION," Ms. McClanahan says, "Descriptive passages create the illusion of reality, inviting the reader to move in, unpack his bags, and settle in for a spell."

That one phrase talked directly to me. I just knew if I read the
book I'd learn a lot about the right and wrong of descriptive
storytelling.

Ms. McClanahan uses many examples of descriptive writing, both good
and not so good, written by children and by adults. She gives accurate
descriptions of words we all agonize over; words like metaphor and
simile, active and passive writing.

The book is filled with exercises to help the writer best describe
what he or she is trying to get across. Two of my favorites are the
following.

Ms. McClanahan suggests a sight game; setting a timer for ten
minutes, pulling out a household item small enough to fit in your hand,
such as a pot, a comb, a piece of fruit. Focus all of your attention on
this item until the timer goes off. Pick it up, hold it, smell it, feel
it, cradle it. When the timer goes off write down your impressions of
the item.

Another exercise suggests keeping a daily sensory diary for a
month, using a different day of the week for each of the five senses.
Write down whatever words you can think of that would best describe this
sense, and at the end of the month make a list of words you feel you can
use from each day's listing. Write a sentence, and when you're
satisfied write a paragraph, and before you know it you'll have a story.

Ms. McClanahan indicates how important the proper naming and
description of your characters can be to the story. I always thought
that if I picked a name I liked for my character that would work. Now I
find out that a Henry may not do what a Michael would. There are so
many vital portions to this book that I can't name them all. I can only
suggest you read the book. There's an excellent index at the back
which I plan to refer to continuously in my writings.

I would recommend Word Painting for anyone who, like me, feels your
descriptions leave a lot to be desired. Or for anyone who just wants to
read a good book on writing. It will make an excellent addition to your
library of books on writing.

Thanks, g.j.! Good description adds a lot to even the best action scene!

--Mary Rosenblum, LR Web Editor