Revised 2019 Edition
Have readers told you that they can't seem "get into" your novel? That could be because it lacks the sensory information required to effectively hook your readers' attention. Would you like to remedy this? Then this is the book for you!
In The Six Senses in a Nutshell: Demonstrated Transitions from Bleak to Bold Narrative you will find eleven real scenes which illustrate how utilizing the six senses can bring your writing to life. In each demonstrated transition you will find a BLEAK passage (prose lacking sensory information), and a BOLD passage (the BLEAK passage revamped to make it more appealing by utilizing sense in an indirect and/or stimulating way). Writing exercises are also provided.
Not only is this pocket guide an excellent learning tool for aspiring writers, but it is a light, convenient, and easy solution to honing your craft no matter how broad your writing experience.
NOTE: This book is included as Part 3 in Writing in a Nutshell: Writing Workshops to Improve Your Craft.
"Wonderful writer's tool. I could not believe the amount of scenes Jessica managed to create with such flair and intensity. The tone of each was so very different. I have never seen such obvious yet beautiful examples of showing. As an editor, I look forward to recommending this book to my authors. It has the ability to broaden a writer's horizon, not just in showing, but in the tone and temper used." Amie McCracken, editor, designer & author
"A must-have for every writer. Writers are frequently instructed to 'show, not tell', but before we can follow that advice, we first have to understand it. Bell's brilliant nuts-and-bolts examples provide just what every writer needs to not only understand the concept, but to implement it. Know why? She doesn't just tell us about this concept she shows us. Kinda fitting, dontcha think?" Susan Flett Swiderski, author of Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade
"I found lots of helpful writing tips and examples in this book. I'd recommend it to all new writers, especially students trying to hone their fiction writing skills." A. K. Borenstadt, writer
"I love the structure of this book. It's quick and to-the-point examples are genius and so easy to follow, very user-friendly. Throughout her examples, Bell challenges the writer to see these flaws in his/her writing, but not to panic. She points out they are easy pitfalls for any writer. Even the most seasoned of writers must be reminded from time to time about certain aspects of their writing: i.e., thus the need for editors. This is a MUST HAVE for any writer's craft arsenal, along with its companion--Book I, Show & Tell in a Nutshell: Demonstrated Transitions from Telling to Showing. It would also be a fabulous gift for any high school or college student." Sheri Larsen, children's literature author
"I'm a big fan of the 'In a Nutshell' series, and The Six Senses In a Nutshell is an excellent addition. If you have trouble including sensory detail in your prose, this handy little guide of exercises will help bring your writing to life! Like the rest of the series, these guides work best if you actually do the exercises. Only then will you discover your own writing style and voice. I found that working through the guide helped me pinpoint the areas in my own novel that lacked vivid setting and description. It's so hard to edit your own work, but Jessica Bell's guides have been invaluable for teaching me the fine art of self-editing and revision. I highly recommend this guide as a standalone for those wanting to improve the use of senses in their writing, but I believe the guides work best in conjunction with one another. They also make great gifts for writers, especially those in your critique group!" Angela Mackintosh, Founder/CEO at WOW! Women On Writing