Make Some Noise

I listened in to part of a lecture Friday with Author Cat Rambo. I don't know anything about her but her latest book is already up for some awards, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/you-sexy-thing-cat-rambo/1136889505. The lecture was pretty interesting as she listed tips for writing immersive worlds. I love hearing other writers explain their processes. I usually find at least one little nugget of something I have in common with them which makes me feel more legit.

She was explaining the importance of what I refer to as the protagonist's perimeter. What is going on in their bubble? The sounds, sights, smells, tastes, and touches. A writing coach explained that process to me and it made sense. Building the right perimeter pulls the reader into the story. If they can experience the story too, you've hooked them.

I loved one of Cat's exercise suggestions to develop writing the senses. She said go to the grocery story and buy foods that are new to you. Write down what you smell, how they feel, how they taste, look, and sound as you tear them or eat them. A writing exercise where I get to eat? I'm in.

It's the same premise of what they taught us at the T.V. station, "Take me somewhere and show me something." Never forget, the reader wants to walk a journey with your characters so make sure you take them somewhere interesting.