Noticing Things

I bet you all thought I was done posting about color. "I mean, seriously, Storyfingers?" But nope! Actually, this time, it's more of a tip than an example, but it still includes an exercise. Some of you will take this seriously. (Thanks, guys!!) And some of you won't. (Fine then, be that way. Just kidding.) But anywho, I was talking about color. Be patient with me, this is a several part series. It requires cooperation.



Step 1. Sit down by a window (or preferably outside) and write down all the colors you see. Don't leave anything out. This really shouldn't take too long...All right, got that done? (Yeah, I'm serious!!!)



Step 2. You're going to rewrite your list. This time, don't just jot down green grass, brown trees, blue sky, white clouds, yellow bird. Cheater! This time, make a point to notice the vast array of colors around you! The grass itself may be a sort of translucent emerald, but that clover leave is a shade darker, and that pine cone is a rich chocolate. Oh, and that prematurely yellow leave is golden with light brown flecks on it. Get what I mean? Ok. Go rewrite that list. *Don't forget to label what's which color!*



Step 3. Pay attention.



Have you noticed how well details color a story? For example. "It was a bright, sunny day." This sentence can be colored ever so much better by merely adding a few details. Case in point. "The sun was shining in just the right sort of way, that it made her want to turn cartwheels in the grass." (Absolutely no idea who she is, just seemed to fit.) Go back to my previous post and read some of the story samples; pay attention to how the details make the story more captivating. Or, check out Friend Blogger's blog and read her post about using $2 bills. Notice the descriptive details she uses.


Step 4. I'm not in the least bit joking. Go see how much fun it is to write a descriptive paragraph, using the new details you never even knew were available. If you want to see this in action (or should I say, in print) here are some good books you should definitely read.

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montegomery

The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King