Writing - Words as Visual Cues

Writing – Visual Cues

Every author loves words. And I love words as visual cues. It really takes very little to get my imagination provoked into opening lines and opening paragraphs. Your opening line may be the most important sentence you’ll write, and your opening paragraph has the tough job of pulling your reader into the story. They may read on to finish the first page, or even the first chapter, but only if they find those first lines and first paragraphs worthy of their time.

Today’s word for me was swirling. The dictionary describes this as: 1. To move with a twisting or whirling motion; eddy. Or 2. To be dizzy or disoriented.

For me it brings up the image of descending into darkness. But, of course, I write murder mysteries. So, swirling is the final mental descent into the dark regions of my mind.

He was quick. Veronica wanted to scream, lash out, but the cloth was pressed firmly over her mouth and nose. The smell was vile, and her mind was swirling with images and words, senseless trivia driving her mad as her limbs weakened, and the darkness pulled her closer.

Or perhaps a first kiss. The swirling sensation as passion wraps itself in and around you. (Sorry, I don’t really write romance); and your mind closes off everything except this moment when his lips close over yours for the first time.

Swirling is a beautiful word, and a wonderful visual cue to open the doors to imagination. Water swirls, as do emotions. The smoke from fires slowly rises, swirling toward the heavens.

I don’t truly believe in writer’s block. Perhaps writer’s frustration in not being able to convey with words the mental images and emotions you feel towards the scene you’re writing. Take a break. Chose a word and allow the visual cue to guide you wherever you need to go.

Happy Writing!

Take a chilling glimpse into the mind of evil. Justice comes with a price.

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