Touch--An Important Sensory Detail

We've talked about sensory details a number of times. Using sensory details makes a good story even better. They bring life to a story and allow the reader to relate to the characters and situation.

We use sight, sound and smell often when writing a story, but the sense of touch can be very useful, as well.

Think about the way your fingers relay messages to your brain when you touch something. Immediately, you know if what you touched is soft, hard, smooth or greasy. Some things we touch bring satisfying reactions while others are startling.

Try this exercise on using this important sensory detail. Write a sentence showing a reaction to each of the items below:

1.  kitten
2.  doorknob
3.  grass
4.  baby's blanket
5.  a tub of water
6.  grease
7.  tree trunk

Now, reverse the exercise by using these reactions to touch in a sentence. Show, don't tell

1.  soft
2.  hard
3.  smooth
4.  rough
5.  sticky
6.  greasy
7.  hot