Very Vivid Details, Write To Make Pupils Dilate

Think about the last book you stayed up late to read or that you ditched plans to finish? What was it about this book that drew you in, that made it irresistible? One thing is certain, it said something relateable and it did this with detail that was impossible to misunderstand.

Your writing, whether you are a self proclaimed journaler or winner of the Pullitzer, connects to readers through detail. It connects to the human mind by lighting up recognition. Perhaps your reader understands what it means to kiss dry cracked lips or to feel uncomfortably slobbered on.

Perhaps the smell of Dutch Apple Pie feels like home to your readers and they can smell the cinnamon and vanilla when you mention it baking in an oven in your story.

Perhaps the cry of a newborn robbing parents blind of their rest makes their forehead crease in concern, in shared…