#32 Visualize

As a writer.. do you tend to visualize each scene as you're writing it?

The way that your character speaks; the way their lips curl when saying the words...
The expression that's on their face...
How they move...
The area they are at the time-- what's there? Is it a desolate area? Is the weather cold? Hot? Is it a busy area with noise from multitudes of people?
The way their houses look...

I think visualizing your story and how you want it to be is such a great tool and is SO effective when describing things, and implementing that 'Show don't tell' rule!

Because if you can't imagine what's going on in your story, how do you think any other reader that embarks on your story will? And even if they do imagine it, will they be able to grasp the reason to what is happening in your particular scene? Unless you are the kind of writer that likes for your readers to have their own revelations, instead of seeing exactly what you want them to see (We have that capability as writers!)

But yes. I love to visualize. It gets me motivated. It gets me excited. At some points I can't wait to see what happens next--yet I am the one that's creating the story! Sounds crazy, huh? Well it happens! And it's a good feeling when that happens.. because you are your own critic; but if you find yourself getting caught up in your own creation-- chances are your readers will too!

Try this scene to visualize:

A couple are arguing in their bedroom; they have been together for just over a year. They are a young couple. mid 20's. The woman is a little taller than the man; the woman is the one who is upset. She is shouting. Tears are flowing from her face. She is wondering why he's changed-- why he doesn't come home for days-- why in bed he seems distant. The man isn't as emotional, and he interrupts each time the woman tries to make a statement. The argument gets too much-- and he slaps her.

You can gather what's probably going on here.. but more importantly, can you SEE it? Can you see the anger in the woman's face? The tears? Can you feel the tension between them? Can you see how their bodies are? Can you see the bedroom?

I believe we all do this as writers.. but it's best to sometimes take a scene out of your story and visualize it.. see if you can see it all-- and then describe it.

Trust me. It's so effective and so fun to do.