How to Write Description

Writing description is an essential part of writing a story or novel. But if you're like me, perhaps you're struggling to come up with the words to use to describe your scene or character. I admit I get writer's block when it comes to this style of writing.

Use a picture. The picture can come from any source, be anything. Pictures are great visual references to use.

Below is an example:

The road to the job site was soft gravel; when it rained it became a dark thick muddy mess. Large yellow ore trucks were a common sight; their purpose to haul away ore. Black pipes sprinkled the dirty landscape carrying water away from the job site. Black mesh covered the dirt hills to make sure loose stones and mud did not wash the road away. It was not a pretty place to work.

Finding the right words to describe a setting is a personal challenge for me. To write the above paragraph took me ten minutes and many revisions. But by using a picture, I can write a setting much easier.

Method Two:

When you’re struggling to come up with a description for people, events, or places, base them on real life.

Often I have problems describing characters, and can’t really find a picture to do him or her justice. If I pick a person I know or see the words come easier.

He was probably just shy of five foot six inches. His eyes were a dark chestnut and almond in shape. He had a wide nose and large lips. His skin was a dark cream colour. His hair was cut short, no longer than an inch, and was jet black. He preferred golf shirts and khakis over a t-shirt and jeans. But it was his laugh and his smile that warmed people to him, not the way he looked. The sound was enough for anyone within the vicinity to know that he was a gentle soul.

The above paragraph was inspired by a person I know and their characteristics. I find by picking someone you know it’s easier to find the words to describe.

These are just two trusted methods that I use to help get the words flowing when it comes to writing description.

If you're looking for more help, a great book to read is Description & Setting: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Believable World of People, Places, and Events (Write Great Fiction).

Good luck!