1. Specificity:
* Use strong, specific language: Instead of "bright," say "electric blue" or "the yellow of a sunflower."
* Appeal to all senses: Sight, smell, touch, taste, sound. Think about what each sense would experience in the scene.
* Create a vivid image: Your goal is to make the reader feel like they are experiencing the scene alongside your characters.
2. Relevance:
* Don't just list sensory details. They should serve a purpose, like adding to the atmosphere, highlighting a character's feelings, or advancing the plot.
* Consider the context: What are the most important sensory details to convey in this particular moment?
* Be selective: Choose the most evocative details that will have the biggest impact.
3. Balance:
* Too many details can overwhelm the reader. Find a good balance between description and action/dialogue.
* Too few details can make the writing flat. Aim for a healthy mix of sensory details to create a rich and engaging experience for the reader.
Example:
Instead of:
> The park was beautiful. There were flowers and birds singing.
Try:
> The park buzzed with the sound of children's laughter and the chirping of robins perched on the bright orange branches of a flowering crabapple tree. The scent of freshly cut grass mingled with the sweet perfume of roses blooming in vibrant reds and pinks.
Key takeaway: Focus on using the right sensory details in the right places to create a compelling and memorable experience for your reader. Don't worry about a specific number – focus on quality and purpose.