Title: Writing
from the Senses
Author: Laura
Deutsch
Published: May
2014
Publisher:
Shambhala Publications
ISBN
978-1-61180-044-9
Reviewed by Simi Silva originally for Goodreads
As soon
as I saw the title ‘Writing from the Senses’ and read its description, I had to
get my hands on this book. I couldn’t wait to delve in and find out the secret
to writing a better novel. My glossy review copy with the inviting autumn lake
scene on the cover arrived in the mail within two days, and I immediately tore
open the package and started right in. Thankfully there wasn’t anything else
vying for my attention at the time. I planned on reading it once through and
then go back and make notes and do the exercises so that I could properly see
the progress I could make on my novel which was sitting dejected in the corner
collecting a film of dust. The idea tap on how to improve and finish it had run
dry.
Honestly, I only made it through the first run-through before the motivation to
get working on the manuscript was running high. Every chapter gave me so many
ideas that I really wanted to write them all down, and I should have but dang, I
wanted to keep reading and savoring every morsel of every page, every paragraph,
sentence and word the author had put before me. Yet without even doing the
exercises at the end of each chapter, my creativity had been ignited and I was
more than ready to revitalize my writing! (Side note: I will definitely go back
and reread it, make many notes in the margins, and do the exercises.)
I
started with one scene in the middle of the manuscript and before I knew it
things were being described so vividly that it not only transformed the scene,
but the storyline itself began to blossom, taking on a life of its own. Scene by
scene I started changing things around, adding more depth to them and the
characters within. My fingers were flying across the keyboard trying to keep up
with my brain. Now instead of telling what was happening, I was showing the
reader through descriptions via every one of our glorious senses. And I
wondered, why didn’t I see any of this before?
Maybe
because as storytellers we’re programmed to tell the story. But by learning to
write from the senses we allow the reader and ourselves in the process to enter
into the characters’ head and feel like we are actually there with
them.
When we are in
tune to our senses we live more deeply, more productively. New memories are
created and old ones relived. The suggestion is to keep a small notebook with
you at all times and write these sensory experiences down as they happen or at
least shortly afterwards. Capture the moment. For instance, what images,
feelings or memories come to mind when I say - freshly baked bread with dollops
of creamy butter melting into every crevice, warm sunlight shining through the
mist onto the dew-kissed grass on a cool spring morning, the sweet fragrant
scent and silky hair of a newborn baby, the sharp pain and instant rising heat
from a wasp’s sting, or the delightful crunching sound of a car slowly driving
over gravel? Internalize and make it personal. Now write about it.
This
just touches the surface of what ‘Writing from the Senses’ is all about. Travel
to the exotic places the author has traveled to and relate to the same emotions
which she and some of her students have through their amazing pieces of writing,
along with trying out the 59 exercises that are certain to ignite and revitalize
your writing.
If you
want to know the secret of how to take your writing to the next level, this is
the book for you. Having it as a valuable reference guide with all the exercises
and writing prompts in and of itself is a must for professional writers, those
on their way to becoming professional writers, and those who just write for the
sheer pleasure of writing.
Also, if you are
in Mill Valley, California, sign up for one or more of Ms. Deutsch’s classes. Be
sure to check out her website – http://www.lauradeutsch.com
Simran Silva is the author of Tangible Dreams is available on Amazon.
“Sometimes, words alone aren’t enough to express how you feel…but set those words to melody, and you have music that says it all. If you’re in love, watch and share this with your special someone.” ~ Navin Kundra
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