Descriptive+Writing+Exercise

Setting a Scene:
1) Choose a place you know. Write a description. 2) Now, visualize the place and note down its visual aspects. Do the same with olfactory, tactile, auditory, proprioceptive, and gustatory.
 * In Class:

3) Imagine a person who is there, at the place you know. Write a few paragraphs that describe the place using the point of view of this person. Use your notes.  You choose how to guide the reader’s focus and create his/her image. Several things  guide that choice.
 * For the Next Class Meeting:

Issues at play in describing
 * The issue of credibility
 * Character development
 * Emotional tone
 * As a container for action

Chandler – “Red Wind” “There was a desert wind blowing that night. It was one of those hot dry Santa Anas that come down through the mountain passes and curl your hair and make your nerves jump and your skin itch. On nights like that every booze party ends in a fight. Meek little wives feel the edge of the carving knife and study their husbands’ necks. Anything can happen. You can even get a full glass of beer at a cocktail lounge.”