Exploring Writing - Gary Robert Muschla 2011

Exercise 1.2 What Are the Details?
Seeing Life Through the Eyes of a Writer
Part 1. Finding and Developing Ideas for Writing

Most writers view the world with a sharp eye. They see, they think, and they ask themselves, “What if ...” To see the world through the eyes of a writer, you should be both an observer and an interpreter of life. Be curious and open to new ideas. Try to step outside yourself and look at things from the view point of others.

Here is an example. Your school is likely to be a familiar place to you. Imagine how it would appear to a new student from another state. What would be the most striking feature about your school? Would the new student feel lost? Out of place? Afraid or anxious? Why might a new student feel this way? Imagine how your school would seem to a new student from another country who does not speak English. Considering situations from another’s point of view can help you understand them better. It also can lead to new ideas.

Along with viewing things from different perspectives, always look for details. Use your senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. By paying close attention to your surroundings you can sharpen your powers of observation.

Imagine you are standing in your yard or a park. What do you see? Trees? What kinds of trees? Big? Small? Evergreen or deciduous? What about animals? Do you see any birds? What kinds? Maybe you see a gray squirrel scampering along a branch. What do you hear? The rustle of leaves? The songs of birds? The barking of a dog in the distance? What does the air smell like? Clean? Fresh? Full of the scent of flowers? If the day is windy, how does the wind feel against your face? Against your body? Is it so strong that it pushes you backward? Is the wind cold? Warm? Humid? What about touch? Maybe the ground is soggy beneath your feet because of last night’s heavy rain. What about taste? Maybe you are chewing spearmint-flavored gum that makes your mouth feel fresh. Try to experience the world through your senses. This adds to the images that make up ideas.

Exercise 1.2 What Are the Details?

Choose a corner or a part of a room. While sitting, list as many details as you can about this part of the room. Use as many of your senses as possible, though especially sight and hearing. After you are done, write down some of the details you found. Sharp, clear details make ideas come alive.

Seeing through the eyes of a writer broadens the world. It helps you become aware of not just the most important features of things but the smallest details as well. This is a valuable skill for writers.