As I have mentioned before, writing is a form of therapy for me.

Writing is such a fantastic outlet for creativity, sharing, and venting.

I think its a good idea for everyone to write down their thoughts at least a few times per week, which is my personal goal.

As I sit down to share about a day’s event or a memory or workout or recipe, I just write.  I try to write as if I’m sitting down at the kitchen table chatting with you.

Over the past few months, I have noticed that some of my favorite blogs were created by published writers. Their posts tend to be incredibly captivating and they engage the reader from the first sentence.  There’s an extra punch of something.

Well, I’ve figured it out.  Very Detailed Descriptions.

With the use of descriptors in our writing, an every day event, like sitting at the park or going to the library, can seem almost magical.

I mentioned to Mountain Man that I would like to become a more engaging writer.  He went to the section of our garage that houses our old college books, and pulled out a copy of Natalie Goldberg’s “Writing Down the Bones” for me to read.

He enrolled in a writing class during his sophomore year of college. The class was instructed to read this book to jumpstart and hone their writing skills.

I’m so glad he recommended this book.  It is easy to read, eye opening, and extremely helpful in describing the path to better writing.

Goldberg details many great suggestions for improving your writing skills. One of my favorites is to go visit any place (coffee shop, park, pool, your front yard etc….), and just write about what you see and hear.

While you’re writing, describe the scene in great detail.  Do not hold back.

Instead of saying “I’m sitting in my chair watching the trees”.  You could say “I’m sitting in my red wooden chair watching the green, yellow, and red leaves on the large trees in the front of my yellow house.”  See the difference?

I did not stop to realize the power of detail in stories, until reading this book.

“Writing Down the Bones” allows you to focus on what really makes writing spectacular.

I can see why Mountain Man kept this book in his collection for so many years.  Its a great reference tool to utilize on your journey to becoming a masterful writer and storyteller.

Highly recommend this book for anyone looking to improve their writing skills.

I am also learning from one of the master storyteller’s, Ray Bradbury, in his Zen in the Art of Writing book.

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