Use sensory details

Utilize all five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch) to engage the reader. Create a vivid experience that draws the reader in to the narrative.

Focus on action and body language

Actions speak louder than words. Use physical gestures and behaviors to convey a character's state of mind.

Use strong, active verbs

Replace weak verbs and adverbs with powerful, specific actions. For instance, instead of "ran quickly," you could say "sprinted" or "dashed".

Use vivid dialogue

Let your characters' conversations reveal their thoughts, personalities, and feelings. The way they speak, what they say (and don't say), and their interruptions can all be revealing.

Show internal thoughts

Use a character's internal monologue to reveal their feelings and motivations directly to the reader, without summarizing.

Exploit the setting

A character's surroundings can be used to set a mood, reflect their emotions, or establish a sense of place. Weave the setting into the narrative, don't just state it.