waiting room description creative writing

How to Write Hospital Scenes (21 Best Tips + Examples)

Hospitals are places where life’s most poignant moments unfold, from the joy of birth to the sorrow of passing away.

As such, hospital scenes show up in a lot of stories.

Here is how to write hospital scenes:

Write hospital scenes by understanding the medical hierarchy, capturing authentic ambiance, using medical jargon sparingly, and emphasizing emotional dynamics. Consider the patient’s journey, relationships, and triumphs. Every element should enhance the realism and emotional depth of the scene.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to write hospital scenes.

1. Understand the Hospital Hierarchy

Digital Image of a hospital - How to Write Hospital Scenes

Table of Contents

Understanding the hospital hierarchy is crucial.

Hospitals aren’t just about doctors and nurses. They’re made up of an intricate web of professionals working cohesively.

Knowing the roles of various healthcare professionals adds depth to your scene.

Whether it’s an interaction between a resident and an attending physician, or between a nurse and a technician, understanding these dynamics can create tension or camaraderie in your writing.

As Dr. Smith entered the room, she nodded at the nurse. “How’s our patient today, Jane?” Jane, an experienced ICU nurse, responded, “Stable, but his oxygen levels dipped overnight. The respiratory therapist worked on it, and they’re improving now.”

2. Capture the Hospital Ambiance

The atmosphere in a hospital is unique.

The constant beep of monitors, the murmurs of visitors, and the distant announcements over the intercom form a backdrop to your scene.

A vivid atmosphere sets the mood.

Is it a quiet night or a bustling day? The ambiance can reflect the emotional tone of the scene.

The dimly lit hallway echoed with soft footsteps, punctuated by the occasional beep from a room further down. Somewhere, a baby cried, and a nurse’s voice softly tried to soothe.

3. Use Medical Jargon Judiciously

While it’s tempting to throw in medical terms to sound authentic, overusing them or using them incorrectly can confuse readers.

Medical jargon, when used correctly, lends authenticity.

But it’s crucial to ensure the reader can understand the context.

“We’ve started him on a course of IV antibiotics. His white blood cell count was high, indicating an infection.”

4. Show the Emotional Toll

Hospitals are places of healing, but they’re also where people face mortality, pain, and fear.

Capturing the emotional landscape provides depth to your characters and connects readers to the story.

Remember, not everyone in a hospital is a patient; families, visitors, and even healthcare professionals have their emotional journeys.

Nurse Daniels looked out the window for a moment, taking a deep breath to compose herself after the last patient’s passing. The weight of the day heavy on her shoulders.

5. Research Common Procedures

Researching common medical procedures can help you craft realistic scenarios.

Readers, especially those with some medical background, appreciate accuracy.

Getting the details right can boost your story’s credibility.

Sarah watched as the nurse prepared the IV line, ensuring all air bubbles were out before inserting it into her arm.

6. Distinguish between Different Wards

Not all hospital areas are the same.

An ICU differs from a maternity ward or a general patient room.

Distinguishing between different wards can help set the scene, tone, and pace. For instance, an emergency room scene will have a different urgency than a scene in a recovery ward.

The ER was a flurry of activity, with paramedics rushing in and doctors shouting orders. Two floors up, in the recovery ward, it was a different world. Here, the pace was slower, with patients resting and nurses moving quietly between rooms.

7. Remember the Role of Technology

Modern hospitals are technologically advanced.

From MRI machines to portable ECGs, technology is everywhere.

Incorporating technology not only adds realism but also can create tension or relief, depending on the situation.

The room was tense as everyone stared at the ultrasound monitor. A moment later, the unmistakable sound of a heartbeat filled the small space, bringing tears of relief to Maria’s eyes.

8. Understand the Patient Experience

Every individual’s journey through a hospital varies based on the reason for their visit, their past experiences, and their personal anxieties.

The emotional and physical state of a patient is central to their perspective.

They may be overwhelmed, scared, hopeful, or even indifferent.

A writer should consider these emotions when crafting their characters’ responses to treatments, their interactions with medical staff, and even their internal monologue.

Lying in the sterile room, Mark felt exposed. The cold sheets beneath him, the foreign sounds — everything made him uneasy.

9. Highlight Interpersonal Dynamics

Relationships and interactions are the lifeblood of any setting, and hospitals are no exception.

The professional and personal dynamics between staff members can add layers of complexity to a scene.

Perhaps two doctors have conflicting treatment philosophies, or a nurse and a patient share a poignant moment.

These relationships can be sources of both conflict and collaboration, driving the narrative forward and allowing for multifaceted character exploration.

Dr. Patel and Nurse Ramirez had a renowned partnership. Where one was, the other wasn’t far behind, their synchronized movements a testament to years of collaboration.

10. Address Ethical Dilemmas

The hospital setting is fertile ground for moral quandaries, given the life and death decisions made daily.

Ethical dilemmas force characters to confront their values and priorities.

This can range from debates about end-of-life care to the potential ramifications of experimental treatments.

Exploring these tough decisions can provide depth to your narrative and give characters opportunities to evolve and grow.

Faced with the choice of continuing treatment or opting for palliative care, Jenna’s family was divided, each member grappling with their convictions.

11. Don’t Forget the Waiting Rooms

While patient rooms are pivotal, waiting areas serve as intersections of myriad emotions and interactions.

Waiting rooms often encapsulate the anticipation, anxiety, and hope of families and friends.

They can serve as places of bonding between strangers, reflections on the past, or moments of unexpected news.

By delving into the microcosm of the waiting room, writers can unveil diverse human experiences and emotions.

As Sarah waited, she struck up a conversation with an older man, their shared worries forging an unexpected bond.

12. Include Flashbacks or Memories

Hospital environments, laden with emotions, can act as catalysts for characters to relive past experiences.

These flashbacks can be directly related to the current medical situation or completely tangential, offering insights into a character’s past traumas, joys, or significant life events.

Leveraging these memories can create juxtapositions with the present and highlight character growth or unresolved issues.

As the anesthesiologist spoke, Clara’s mind drifted back to her childhood accident — the reason for her phobia of hospitals.

13. Use Senses Beyond Sight

A multisensory approach makes a scene more immersive and vivid for the reader.

Hospitals are a cacophony of sounds, smells, and textures.

From the sterile scent of disinfectant to the soft hum of machines or the rough texture of a bandage, engaging multiple senses offers a comprehensive and engrossing portrayal of the environment, drawing readers into the scene.

The antiseptic smell was overpowering, the occasional distant cough and soft hum of machinery serving as a constant reminder of where she was.

14. Introduce Unexpected Humor

In the face of adversity, humor can act as a relief valve, revealing character resilience.

Moments of levity in tense or somber situations can humanize characters.

It can show their coping mechanisms or their attempts to uplift others.

This contrast can make the gravity of a situation even more poignant while offering readers moments of reprieve.

“You’d think after all these years, they’d find a gown that actually closes in the back,” mused John, earning a chuckle from the nurse.

15. Respect Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Acknowledging the diverse tapestry of patient backgrounds enhances realism and inclusivity.

Medical decisions, comfort levels with treatments, and interactions with hospital staff can all be influenced by cultural or religious beliefs.

It’s important for writers to enrich their narrative with representation and respect for diverse perspectives.

Mrs. Khan hesitated, her cultural beliefs about modesty making her wary of the male doctor. Recognizing this, Nurse Garcia gently stepped in to mediate.

16. Show Fatigue and Stress among Healthcare Workers

Behind the clinical professionalism, healthcare workers grapple with the emotional and physical demands of their roles.

These professionals often bear witness to intense human experiences, from birth to death and everything in between.

Chronicling their exhaustion, moments of doubt, or instances of resilience can offer a balanced view of the hospital ecosystem.

Not only that but it can also emphasize the human element behind the medical expertise.

After a 16-hour shift, Dr. Lee’s steps were heavy. She paused for a moment, rubbing her temples, before moving on to the next patient.

17. Address the Financial Aspects

The economics of healthcare can be a significant concern for patients and families.

Financial worries can compound the stress of a medical situation.

Addressing these concerns — be it through the lens of insurance battles, out-of-pocket costs, or the broader healthcare debate — can root your story in real-world challenges, making it more relatable and timely.

The relief that her mother was recovering was overshadowed by the mounting medical bills that Amy now faced, a dilemma she hadn’t anticipated.

18. Highlight Moments of Triumph

Despite the challenges, hospitals are also spaces of recovery, healing, and miracles.

Emphasizing moments of success or relief, whether they’re medical breakthroughs or personal victories like a patient taking their first step post-surgery, can infuse your narrative with hope and inspiration.

These moments underscore the resilience of the human spirit and the dedication of medical professionals.

Against all odds, Mr. Rodriguez took his first steps after the accident, the entire ward cheering him on.

19. Include External Influences

The world outside doesn’t stop when one enters a hospital. External events can influence the internal dynamics of the setting.

By weaving in external influences, you can showcase the adaptability of the hospital environment and its staff.

Whether it’s a natural disaster leading to an influx of patients or a city-wide event affecting hospital operations, these external elements can add layers of complexity to your narrative.

As the city marathon was underway, the ER braced for a busy day, anticipating the influx of dehydration cases and potential injuries.

20. Detail Personal Keepsakes

Personal items offer glimpses into a patient’s world outside the hospital, grounding them in reality.

These keepsakes can act as symbols of hope, reminders of loved ones, or touchstones of normalcy in an otherwise clinical environment.

Detail these items and their significance to build deeper emotional connections between characters and readers.

Next to Mrs. Everett’s bed stood a framed photo of a young couple on their wedding day, a testament to a love that had weathered many storms.

21. Remember the Power of Touch

In an environment often dominated by machines and medical instruments, human touch stands out.

Touch, whether comforting or clinical, can convey a multitude of emotions.

A reassuring hand on a shoulder, a clinical examination, or a desperate grasp during a moment of fear can be powerful narrative tools, emphasizing human connection and vulnerability.

As the news settled in, James reached out, gently squeezing his sister’s hand. In that simple gesture, he conveyed the strength and support she desperately needed.

Check out this video about how NOT to write hospital scenes (Unless you’re going for pure comedy):

30 Words to Describe Hospital Scenes

The words you choose for your hospital scenes will alter the mood, tone, and entire reader experience.

Here are 30 words you can use to write hospital scenes:

Fluorescent
Reverberating
Crisp (as in uniforms)
Intermittent
Cold (as in touch)
Harsh (as in lights)
Labored (as in breathing)

30 Phrases to Write Hospital Scenes

Try these phrases when writing your hospital scenes.

Not all of the phrases will work for your story (or any story) but, hopefully, they will help you craft your own sentences.

“A symphony of monitors beeped in rhythm.”
“Whispers filled the corridor, punctuated by distant footsteps.”
“The scent of disinfectant was almost overpowering.”
“Nurses moved with practiced efficiency.”
“The weight of anticipation hung in the air.”
“A curtain rustled softly in the next bed.”
“Lights overhead cast stark shadows on the floor.”
“Intercom announcements broke the tense silence.”
“Machines whirred and clicked in the background.”
“Soft murmurs of comfort echoed.”
“Trolleys clattered past at regular intervals.”
“Gauzy curtains diffused the morning light.”
“A stifled sob broke the sterile calm.”
“The rhythmic pulse of the heart monitor filled the void.”
“The chill of the tiles was evident even through socks.”
“Hushed conversations ceased at the doctor’s arrival.”
“Labored breathing was the room’s only soundtrack.”
“A clipboard clattered to the ground, shattering the quiet.”
“The distant hum of an MRI machine grew louder.”
“The atmosphere was thick with a mix of hope and despair.”
“Patients lay in rows, separated by thin partitions.”
“The waiting area was a mosaic of emotions.”
“Doctors consulted charts with furrowed brows.”
“IV drips punctuated the silence with their steady rhythm.”
“A sudden rush of activity signaled an emergency.”
“Whirring fans attempted to combat the stifling heat.”
“Shadows played on the wall as the day waned.”
“The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, unceasing.”
“A lone wheelchair sat abandoned in the hall.”
“Gentle reassurances were whispered bedside.”

3 Full Examples of Writing Hospital Scenes

Here are three complete examples of how to write hospital scenes in different genres.

The hallway of St. Mercy’s was dimly lit, echoing with the soft murmurs of the night shift nurses.

Elizabeth walked slowly, her heels clicking on the tiles, each step feeling like an eternity as she approached room 309. The scent of antiseptics was faint but ever-present, reminding her of the weight of the place. As she pushed open the door, the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor greeted her, and in the dim light, she saw her father, pale but stable.

Tears welled up, not out of sorrow, but of gratitude.

2. Mystery/Thriller

Detective Rowe entered the ICU, the atmosphere thick with tension.

The overhead lights cast a harsh glow on the room where the city’s mayor lay unconscious. A nurse, her uniform crisp and white, glanced up, her eyes betraying a mix of curiosity and wariness. Rowe noted the machines surrounding the bed — their mechanical hums and beeps creating a symphony of medical surveillance.

He needed answers, and everything about this sterile room was a potential clue.

3. Sci-fi/Fantasy

In the celestial infirmary of Aeloria, walls shimmered with iridescent lights, and the air pulsed with ancient magic.

Elara, the moon sorceress, lay on a floating bed, her aura flickering like a candle nearing its end.

Surrounding her were crystal devices, pulsating and humming in an ethereal dance. Lyric, her apprentice, whispered an incantation, her voice intertwining with the mystical ambiance, hoping to revive her mentor with a blend of ancient spells and cosmic medicine.

Final Thoughts: How to Write Hospital Scenes

Crafting a compelling hospital scene is an intricate dance of authenticity, emotion, and meticulous detail.

For more insights on writing stories, please check out the other articles on my website.

How to Write Flashback Scenes (21 Best Tips + Examples)
How to Foreshadow Death in Writing (21 Clever Ways)
How to Write Fast-Paced Scenes: 21 Tips to Keep Readers Glued
How to Describe Crying in Writing (21 Best Tips + Examples)

waiting room description creative writing

Write that Scene

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How to Write a Hospital Scene

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In a rush? Skip to part three…..

There are two different types of hospitals. Mental Hospital and the regular hospital we’ve all been in. For this scene in particular I will be focusing on the latter.

» A. Explain to your audience why the character(s) is in the hospital and whether or not it’s for them or a friend/family member.

I. What does the character bring and how long do they wait? Is it in the ER which is for emergencies or is in the regular waiting room. Please note: if someone was shot or given birth or the like, this person would get priority treatment in the ER.

II. Kids under the age of 18 would likely be on a pediatric ward. There are exceptions, for instance if the injuries sustained were severe enough to be in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) or possibly the step down unit. If they had to be revived but had no other injuries, they probably wouldn’t even be admitted to the hospital.

III. What happens in the waiting room, if anything? Are confessions made, friends met, someone arrested, or nothing because the person goes straight to a room? Any complaints made out of frustration or anguish?

IV. How is (whatever they are experiencing) affecting them? Were the character(s) on a adrenaline high after breaking their arm from falling off a motorcycle but now is feeling the pain? If so, have them scream in pain, cry, hit something, bit their lip, breath in and out hard. Let’s say they have a disease, then maybe they are praying, holding the hand of their loved one tight, closing their eyes, rocking back and forth in their chair, etc. If they are waiting for someone then maybe they do the same things as mentioned above.

Example 1: (Coming Soon).

» B. What do the doctors/ surgeons have to say? Anything good or all bad news? .

Note: The following can occur-

The doctor would say everything is okay and nothing needs to be done. Patient accepts and walks out. Maybe something minor is done like a cast for a sprain or a scan to check if any bones are broken. Even then, the character is fine and walks out free.
The doctor tells the patient everything is fine but the patient doesn’t believe them. They demand a second opinion or to be rechecked.
Doctor finds something wrong with the patient and character needs to stay in order to be diagnosed. Or leaves out the hospital with pills, in a wheel chair, or surgery schedule for something major (if that has not already occurred in the ER).

I. If the doctor finds nothing wrong with the character and the character agrees you can add the following in order to progress your story along: maybe a family member demands a recheck; or another doctor comes in with bad news of their own and apologizes that the other doctor almost missed the problem; a hug between the doctor and patient is given; or another problem is diagnosed that is not related to what your character came in to the hospital for.

II. If the character doesn’t believe the doctor; you can add the following: character becomes uncontrollable and becomes an endangerment to everyone around; therefore they are taken to a mental hospital; character continues to argue with doctor and if character is educated discuss why the doctor is wrong; character goes through another checkup to make sure they are free of anything. Maybe the results come back with something wrong.

NOTE: To be admitted into psychiatric care one has to meet a certain criteria. So the character could then be admitted after being in the hospital and after being assessed by a professional.

III. If something is found, then doctors may do even more checks with various devices such as MRI, ultrasound, EMG (for nerve tests), and so on. Be sure to identify the appropriate tests your character will take depending on their circumstance. Someone coming in for a cold will not need any scans unless the cold has lasted a month or several months. Maybe the patient has more symptoms than a cold and will get a test done. Don’t forget about blood tests.

Now, if something is found the doctor should tell the character how they will treat them and what are the next steps. Cancer has chemo therapy. Cysts and odd lumps has surgery and aspiration. Colds have medicine and a disease usually has pills. There is more to it than that, this is where you would have to do a bit more research.

Use this as a chance to bring multiple generations together. When a loved one is in crisis, usually their whole family unites, bringing a mix of personalities into the same place at the same time. The scene would flow naturally from there, based on the characters’ relationships to each other and primary motivations.

(Coming Soon).

» C.Emotions Cannot Be Ignored! !

I. It doesn’t matter what the doctor told your character, good or bad, what is your character feeling? As if a massive truck has been lifted from their shoulders when they found out their disease is curable.

II. If bad, what do they do, how are they feeling? Does the world stop, do they faint, do they become a statue. Now is the time to give you audience background about why your character took the news the way the did. Example:

III. What is promised to the character from the doctor? Usually a promise is made like, you will get better or it will not affect your work. Little promises that can mean a lot. So, have the doctor promise your character something that is important to your story. If your character is an athlete your doctor may promise him/her they will be able to play the sport again in a few short months. If your character is a singer and has laryngitis, the doctor may promise that even though their voice sounds like a pen scratching chalkboard now, she/her will be able to sing again. This promise is important because it gives the reader a since of the emotional aspect but also the technical aspect. Meaning, there is a cure for their problem. However, if the problem has no treatment then the doctor may promise them this: I will be with you along the way…. You still have a few short months to live… there is a cure being found in east Asia maybe in a few months they will allow me to use it on you.

Example 3: (Coming Soon).

Get into that atmosphere. Let it play a key roll in this scene. These examples will be primarily for the ER but can be used for others.

» A. Describe the room…

Low light on at all times, and there are cords hanging down for the nurses call button and the IV solutions.
An electronic machine sitting on a cart with odd wires leading from it,a privacy curtain hanging from a track on the ceiling.
The bedside table has several get well cards and a bouquet of flowers.
There is an aqua colored water glass with a bent straw in it, a half eaten tray of food with the big metal cover that was on the plate, and a telephone that doesn’t work.
Door is propped open, and nurses and orderlies walk by, their sensible shoes squeaking on the pristine tiles.
A TV hangs in the corner, tuned to the Reverend Bob H. Wells- who thinks you should write him a large check for a blessing- because the remote control is lost, and the TV is too high for the nurses to reach.
There are wires glued to the character’s chest and coming up through the neck of their hospital gown…the most embarrassing garment invented that has no back and lets every human know what the underwear look like.
The window has a mini blind on it, and a view of the roof of an adjoining building.
For those of you in a rush, here is some bits and pieces of What a Hospital Scene Will Contain:

» A. Entering the hospital:

Nurses trying to be helpful, directing you to where you would like to go.
The floor is shining clean, long corridors.
Signs in green saying EXIT.
Rooms with numbers on the doors.
Some doors are open and you can see the patient according to their situation, could be sleeping, visiting with a
relative, others with oxygen tubs applied at their noses.
At the Nurses Desk lots of laugh although the rule is of “Shhh”.
Nurses no longer wearing white starched uniforms neither white shoes or stocking go and come, many with dirty
tennis shoes, and instead of the uniform wear just regular half shirts .
The rooms could be private ( one patient in it) others could be semi-private ( two patients in one room)
Also it can be a Ward, meaning a long row of beds for a Charity Ward, this one is very sad to see.
If the doctors have the rounds they stop to check the chart of each patient.
When the person is bleeding or in with a heart attack they are taking immediately to the attention of the Physician on duty.
Describe the journey back home. Whether after a surgery or a general checkup.

» A. Leaving the doctors room, how does your character act?

I. Is their head hanging low from shame and sadness, head up high in pride and happiness? Hands clapped together for peace or in pockets for failure, remorse? Silent? Rejoicing to the high heavens?

II. Do they go home alone and if so where do they stop on the way? Are they so grateful for life that they say sorry to their mortal enemy. Do they go to a church to repent? Do they go home to do research on their problem? Do they call a friend? III. Maybe you can have the character speak to someone on the way out. Tell that person everything would be okay, or an update about their visit, or something to leave an imprint. Especially if a truck has been lifted off their shoulder. IV. Lastly, how is the news broken or given to their loved ones? In person? At the hospital where everyone gives a big hug of congratulations or sadness? Show who is important to your character and how they share the news with them. It will show a more-in-depth look at your character. The best way to understand anyone is when they are going through a crises. Show your audience who your character truly is and how they handle their news. Example 7: (No Example Added- but you can add one for your scene).

** !You might have to scroll down the textbox with your mouse!

coming soon

Chat Room [wise-chat]

6 thoughts on “ How to Write a Hospital Scene ”

I need this one to complete my book PLZ I need a outline

I will try to finish it by the end of this month, Amayah.

Hi! I can’t even begin to explain how AMAZINGLY HELPFUL this site is. I can use so many of these little pages; kidnaping for about 3-5 different stories of mine (also the starving one), the hospital one for the aftermath of the rescue. The “falling in love” one for young teenagers, and then the “first date” for two people who finally admit their feelings for each other.

I can use the funeral one for at least 2 stories. The dying, car crash, saying goodbye, flying, wedding, I mean this is like the best early Christmas present I’ve ever gotten. It’s all the help I need for my 12+ story in one place! I can’t believe I’ve only just now found this site, and I will DEFINITELY link it to my profile so my fellow readers can come and get help.

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much! Who’s ever idea this one to make this webpage is a genius! 🙂

Glad to be of help, Reagan! Happy Holidays 🙂

MMMM. That was nice. But it didn’t let me combine the test. Is okay tho, found this Super helpful!!! ten out of ten, will definitely use this again.

Very helpful. What about an example of paramedics bringing into the ER a seriously injured victim of, say, a car crash, where they have suffered multiple fractures and perhaps have some internal bleeding. What would be some of the things the paramedic would report to the ER team? Who would be present and what would they be doing and saying from the moment the paramedics roll the gurney into the ER, the handover to ER staff, and perhaps even the initial few minutes of care in the ER?

Setting Thesaurus Entry: Waiting Room

October 10, 2009 by ANGELA ACKERMAN

Tattered magazines, coffee table filled with magazines and travel books, cardboard holders with pamphlets, advertisement posters on the walls, a receptionist’s desk, hallway leading to exam rooms, rows of chairs, a toy corner for children (blocks, books, coloring table, trucks), metal chairs with thin-padded seats, a ticket counter & counter clock…

Pages in a magazine flipping, people clicking keys on their cell phones, playing games or texting, low whispers, coughing, throat clearing, heavy breathing, the rustle of clothing, the phone ringing, doors opening and closing, the receptionist calling out a name, staplers, mouse clicking, a cell phone ring going off, the scritch of a pen as you sign your name or fill…

Cologne, perfume, hair products, body spray, warm printer/computer/electronics, dust, room deodorizers, cleaning products, cough drops, minty gum, bad breath, hand cream or purel, a bouquet of flowers sitting at reception, wet shoes (if rainy/snowy)

Water, candy from reception, dry throat, cough drops, medicine, gum, mints, complimentary coffee/tea/hot chocolate

Clamping arms on chair grips, crossing, uncrossing legs, a thin padded seat digging at backbone, shifting to get comfortable, getting up to check out magazines on the rack, leaning against the reception counter, digging in wallet or purse for health care cards/insurance info/payments, a pen gripped in the hand, signing forms, shaking the pen to get it…

Helpful hints:

–The words you choose can convey atmosphere and mood.

Example 2: While Mother was in with the doctor, I snatched glances at the other patients in the waiting room. For some, like the woman with the head scarf concealing her baldness and the man with the tight ball cap pulled low, it was easy to see why they were waiting to see this particular doctor. Other patients broke my heart though, like the little girl whose hands were clenched in a worrying knot and the tiny, elderly man who looked lost and frightened in his flimsy hospital gown. I blinked back tears. Cancer had a lot to answer for…

–Similes and metaphors create strong imagery when used sparingly. Example 1: (Metaphor) I eyed the dark brown door of the examination room where the doctor was waiting with my test results and imagined a black hole ready to suck away my future…

Think beyond what a character sees, and provide a sensory feast for readers

Angela is a writing coach, international speaker, and bestselling author who loves to travel, teach, empower writers, and pay-it-forward. She also is a founder of One Stop For Writers , a portal to powerful, innovative tools to help writers elevate their storytelling.

Reader Interactions

October 14, 2009 at 5:46 pm

I agree with Tara. There is always a fish tank. I wonder why? Do doctor’s have some secret fish-loving club that they aren’t sharing with the rest of us?

October 13, 2009 at 6:42 pm

How cool is this? We can use a new perspective on how to express a thought, emotion or occurance in our writing. I know that I tend to fall into rut. I get irritated and frustrated, reading the same set up over and over. Thanks so much!

October 12, 2009 at 9:59 am

You know, on this weekend of Thanksgiving…a must add is this blog, Angela. I _love_ it.

Depending on the waiting room…empty juice and tea cups (waiting for chemo), and the tea cups are a variety of china donated by families..

October 11, 2009 at 9:41 pm

Penelope, I agree! Thanks for visiting!!

October 11, 2009 at 9:40 pm

Tara–fish tank! That’s a good one.

Marian, I agree posters everywhere, themed to the type of waiting room. Thanks!

PJ, Whenever I’m in a waiting room, I read. 🙂 So I don’t really mind.

Jm, thanks for the props! I’m glad you like the blog–hope to see you often!

October 11, 2009 at 5:42 pm

What a Gem of a blog you have here. I’m oh, so very glad to have come across this! Thank you for posting these items. It never hurts to have a good a reference to convey feelings, without sounding repetitive.

Thanks,and thanks again…

October 11, 2009 at 4:55 pm

Thanks for the entry! ^^ It always seems like every waiting room is exactly the same. X_X The only thing that changes are the information pamphlets. 😛

October 11, 2009 at 11:22 am

Thanks, as always, and hope you’re not spending too much time in waiting rooms researching!

October 11, 2009 at 5:03 am

If it’s a waiting room for a laboratory, it probably also has posters/signs reminding people about health issues, or what to do after they’ve had their blood drawn (e.g. don’t carry anything too heavy with that arm for 24 hours).

October 10, 2009 at 4:31 pm

I always think of a fish tank. It seems like almost every waiting room has one.

[…] Waiting Room […]

Writing About
Tips For Writers

August 20, 2013

Writing about: hospitals.

"Once you plant yourself on one of the pews, cushioned in that churchly color of maroon red, you almost forget about all of the illness and sickness residing merely footsteps away from the Chapel. The altar literally sits directly below the statue of the blessed Mother. The Chapel is always open for patients, visitors and associates. It is a place of scripture, worship and prayer from which comfort, grace and blessing flow into the halls and rooms of Lourdes. My favorite part about having the Chapel located right in the center of the hospital is if I need to take a walk or stretch my legs after sitting with my mother for several hours straight, I simply take a few strides to the heart of Lourdes, and reflect as I gather my thoughts in prayer. It truly serves as my gateway to a better understanding and affirmation that my mom's struggles will soon be lifted."

TIP: If you're like a fellow blogger who commented and you're writing a story set in the future, I can't really tell you what the medical field will be like, but I imagine people will still act the same so you can still use these tips for your characters. But if you follow this link: http://bit.ly/1bOrbDR you can see what a hospital room can look like.

16 comments:

Having spent yesterday in hospital while my son had an operation, your article was incredibly apt. What I noticed most yesterday were the people - staff, patients and families - and the smells.

Thank you, Fi! I was able to write this article based off a lot of experience. I really hope your son is doing okay after his operation! <3

I relate to your post on so many levels. Thankfully, I have never been a patient, but my mother and tragically, my aunt, both have. We lost my aunt last month to lung and breast cancer. And my mother has been in and out of the hospital for two years now due to liver failure and a transplant. I've become accustomed to all of the different staff members and their moods, as well as the various smells that you come across from one floor to the next. My favorite part of the hospital where my mom stays is the church. Its beauty and divinity bring me a sense of solace when I need to be by myself in prayer for my mother and the rest of the patients. Your post today is very helpful for writers who need to build a strong connection for the reader. And if anyone needs any further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask me! You mentioned that you, too, have had experience within the hospital, Chrys. I hope nothing serious but would love to hear more about it. Sometimes, it's good to talk to someone about these things. Thanks for sharing!

I'm sorry for your loss, Gina! And I am praying for your mother! Your posts about what you and your mother are going through are so moving. I'm glad that you (and Fi) were able to relate to this post because it confirms that I did it correctly. I've never been inside a hospital's church/chapel before since I've always been a patient, but that could be another place a character can go in a hospital. If you would like to write a couple of small paragraphs about a hospital chapel, I will add it to this post, include your name and the link to your blog. It would be a great addition! The longest I was in the hospital was for five days for spine surgery. I included a link at the bottom of the post to a story I wrote about my experience. My story starts on page 5 (at the bottom). I've also had two other minor surgeries, so I've had quite a bit of experience as a patient. Thank you for your comment! I really appreciate it!

Your prayers mean so much to us and I can't say thank you enough. They are the greatest gift and act of kindness that someone can give to another human being. My mother always asks me to thank those who pray for her so I'm sending a BIG Thank You from her, Cecilia. I would love to write a few small paragraphs regarding the chapel inside of the church. As soon as I have this ready for you, I will email you. I would also love to hear more about your experience, but I can't find the link at the bottom. If you wouldn't mind sending it to me, I'd appreciate it! I just noticed your FB below so I'm heading over there now. It's my pleasure to come by here!

Praying is the least I can do. :) Tell your mom she's welcome, and that I hope she will be in tip-tip shape soon! <3 Your paragraphs will really add to this post. I'm excited to read what you write, so maybe when I write about a hospital again I can put one of my characters in a chapel. :) Here is my email: [email protected] And here is the link to my essay: http://www.thewriteplaceatthewritetime.org/images/Winter-Spring_2013_-_Our_Stories.pdf You will have to scroll down to the bottom of page five. It is titled "Woman of Steel". And thank you very much for visiting and liking my page. I am truly happy to build a friendship with you. :)

This is great. The story I am working on right now has a character that visits his mother in the hospital, only this is 40 years in the future. So, I have to somehow think up how hospitals will look like in 40 years.

Hello, KC! I am glad this post can assist you with your story. Writing about futuristic hospitals will be tricky. I went on a little hunt to help you out. Here is a link of a picture of what a hospital room could look like based off a design by the American Medical Association and the Apple Store: http://bit.ly/1bOrbDR And then I found this general outlook for what the world would be like in 2050-2059: http://www.futuretimeline.net/21stcentury/2050-2059.htm GOOD LUCK! :)

Thank you for sharing my post about the Chapel inside of Lady of Lourdes Hospital; that means so much to me, Chrys! The next time I go to there to visit my mom, I'm going to show her nurses and some of the doctors. They will love it! I never realized how much the hospital and Chapel affected me until spending so much time there. Your advice and techniques are going to help a lot of authors who need to create these kinds of settings. Especially when they have to search deeply enough to make the reader feel everything that the patient and other characters are going through.

Knowing that this post means a lot to you, and that you're going to show it to your mom's nurses and some doctors fills me with so much pleasure! Thank you for your kind words! Helping writers to write these sense authentically for patients (both real and fictional) was my goal, and having confirmation that it does makes me so happy. :) Give your mom a gentle hug for me. <3

Those are good points that will help writers to create the correct atmosphere with their descriptions.

Thank you! :)

Really helpful I'm writing a story where one of the characters falls off a balcony and ends up in the ICU, and that was really, really helpful.

Sounds like an interesting story. And yikes for your character! Good luck with your hospital scenes!

Please help me. My character was stabbed and was passed out in the hospital for three days. 1. Is a feeding tube necessary? 2. Is three days too long? Thanks!

Unconscious is a better term than "passed out." :) I'm not e medical professional. Usually the most during that time period they;d have is an IV and a catheter. It would be best if you did this research for yourself, though. You could probably find the answer on Google.

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Room With a View: Creative Writing Exercises

Exercise one – in this room.

A key part of being a good writer is to really pay attention to your surroundings and to translate what you can hear, see, smell, touch, taste and feel into words so that other people can experience what you’re experiencing. Focusing on the five senses is an important skill to develop as it helps to make your writing richer and multi-dimensional. It’s also a great mindful tool for creating calm. Win win!

A key part of being a good writer is to really pay attention to your surroundings.

For this exercise, try to stay in the moment. Take in your surroundings. What can you see, hear, touch, taste and smell where you are today? Maybe there’s a smell of recently brewed coffee. Perhaps you can hear the birds tweeting outside or members of your family having an argument in another room. For touch, you might just want to focus on the feeling of your fingers on the keyboard or the way the paper feels beneath your arm or the pressure of one leg on top of the other, the feel of floorboards beneath your feet, or you could explore other feelings too. And if your mind gets taken away to a memory of another time and place as you notice a souvenir from a holiday on the desk, feel free to follow that thought too. Allow yourself to write whatever comes to mind and don’t think too hard about it. You can always edit it later.

Exercise Two – Room with a View

Windows and the views from them can be a rich source of inspiration for writing. They’re a boundary between one space and another, but a transparent boundary and a natural frame for writing. For this exercise, it’s probably easiest if you position yourself so that you can see out of particular window, but if you’ve got a good memory, you could also choose to write about a different view that you know well: maybe the view from a school window, or a holiday cottage that you might have visited. Follow the prompts below and allow your writing to get more fanciful and imaginative as you go on. Write in long sentences rather than making notes. Essentially, you’re constructing a poem, line by line.

You can also watch this video and follow the prompts included here:

Something is straight in front of you. What is it?
What’s off to the left?
In the corner of your view, what can you see?
Remember the way it looked at a different time in the past.
Something is unusual today. What is it? Maybe something is missing, or present when it isn’t usually there.
What is out of view (over the hedge, across the road)?
What’s happening further away – on the other side of the village or the city?
What about over on the other side of the world?

Exercise Three – The Witness

Let’s turn our attention from writing poetry to writing fiction and imagine a story in which a character observes the world from their window. Perhaps they’re a person who loves to be nosey, or someone who simply enjoys watching the world go by. Maybe, in your writing, you might have a whole cast of characters that the main protagonist sees: the woman who walks the dog at the same time every day, the man who pushes the pram, the postman or woman. Or, you might want to focus on one particular person and one particular incident.

Effective fiction tends to focus around change so see if you can incorporate this into your story. Maybe the main character sees something that changes their perception of the world in some way or perhaps they see something that literally changes their world. Perhaps it’s something that they shouldn’t have seen and perhaps their decisions about what they do with that knowledge will drive the story. Maybe the change is simply that the woman stops walking the dog or that the post stops arriving. It’s up to you.

Effective fiction tends to focus around change so see if you can incorporate this into your story.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

The post gets delivered to the wrong house and a person who hasn’t left their home for years has to take it to the rightful owner.
Someone witnesses a robbery.
A character sees two people having a fight and has to decide whether to intervene.
Someone overhears a conversation that they shouldn’t have heard.
A character sees or has an encounter with some unusual wildlife – maybe a badger or a fox

Exercise Four – Picture This

In case you’re tired of looking out of your own windows at your own views, we’ve provided some different views for you to look at. Hopefully they might inspire you.

For this exercise, simply take one of the photographs and imagine yourself into the scene. You might be a character who is looking out of the window, or you might be someone in the scene beyond the window.

Use the following questions to help you to develop the character that you’re writing about. You might want to write a piece of fiction, but you could also write a poem about, or from the viewpoint, of the character. Most stories are driven by the desires of the main character and the obstacles that you, the writer, put in their way. You might want to think about that as you write.

Who is the character? (Name, age, nationality)
What are they doing here?
Where are they going? Or where have you been?
Who are they with or who are they waiting for?
What are they afraid of?
What do they have in your pocket or bag?
What do they want most in the world?
What is their biggest regret?
Who is their best friend?

Exercise Five – Objects

We’re surrounded by objects in our homes and what can seem ordinary and boring can soon be transformed into something interesting if we bring our attention and imagination to it.

For this exercise, pick an object from the room where you’re sitting and use it as the starting point for a piece of writing.

You might want to tell the literal story of what it is and where it came from or you could make it the centre of a fictional piece. Maybe that little box from your holiday in Spain is actually a repository for all of the secrets of the universe, or perhaps your notebook is enchanted and everything you write in it becomes true.

Maybe that little box from your holiday in Spain is actually a repository for all of the secrets of the universe?

Another exercise to try is to write from the point of view of the object. How does it feel to be the necklace that no-one very takes out of the jewellery box or the book that someone bought just to show off but which never gets opened?

Maybe you could write about two objects and their relationship. Perhaps the salt pot has a vendetta against the pepper pot or maybe the fork is in love with teapot.

Have fun with it.

“It is perfectly okay to write garbage–as long as you edit brilliantly.’ C. J. Cherryh

Editing is a fundamental part of the writing process. Some writers enjoy the first burst of creativity more than editing, but others love that process of stripping out the unnecessary parts of their work and shaping it into a finished piece.

I like to imagine editing as being a bit like sculpting; the finished story or poem is in there and your job as an editor is to chip away at the raw materials (your first draft) to smooth and polish the final work of art. Most writers write several drafts before they get to a piece that they’re happy with and, if you want to be a writer, it’s an important lesson to learn, that something is rarely finished at the first attempt. Invariably there’s a lot that can be done to improve a piece of writing and sometimes the finished article bears little resemblance to the piece you started out with. You write as a writer, but you need to edit as a reader.

Here are some tips to help you to improve your first draft.

General tips

If you have time, leave your writing for a while before you start to edit it. That way you can view it as a reader.
Read your work aloud. You’re bound to find yourself editing as you go along as you’ll sense which bits flow and which bits don’t.
Give it to a few trusted readers to read. They will pick up things that you’re too close to see. Make sure you choose your readers wisely though. You don’t want the opinions of people who are too close to you who’ll be afraid of hurting your feelings (e.g. your mum) nor do you want people who are too critical or competitive. Other writers usually make for good critics as they know how precious your work is and they also know what to look for.
Think about what the purpose of your writing is. Can you summarise it in a paragraph? What do you want your reader to think or feel after they’ve read it? It helps if you can keep this in mind as you edit and try to make sure that everything you write serves this purpose.
Is your opening the best one? Does it make the reader want to read on? It’s usually a good idea to get straight to the point and the action. Can you cut the first paragraph or page? Often we’re finding our own way into the story at the beginning and our opening isn’t the right one.
That said, you want your reader to feel quickly located in your story and clear what it’s going to be about. You might find it helpful to think about the w’s: who, what, where, why and when. Can you convey the basics of this information quickly and succinctly?
Lay some hooks and questions to get the reader interested at the beginning. It’s a delicate balance between giving enough information so that the reader isn’t confused, and leaving them intrigued and guessing what’s going to happen next.
Are you showing rather than telling? This is a big topic and something you’ll be able to find out more about online. Generally-speaking, you want to feel like you’re in control of a movie set and that you, as writer, are directing the film, showing the reader the action as it unfolds rather than telling the story. The reader doesn’t want to hear your voice but the voices of the characters.
Check your viewpoint. Usually it’s best to stick with one character’s point of view or to be very clear that you’re switching to another character (e.g. by starting a new page of chapter). Be careful not to flit between characters’ heads unconsciously as this can make the reader feel confused and disorientated. One way to check this is to ask yourself the question: ‘says who?’ at the end of every sentence.
Check for repetition and see if you can use different words and phrasing.
Use as few words as possible. You don’t need to explain things in several different ways e.g. don’t say, “ ‘I’m furious,’ screamed Jen, angrily.” One way of letting us know that she’s angry is enough.
Where possible, avoid feeling words and show emotions in different ways e.g. with body language and physical sensations i.e. ‘she sank to the floor, her body wracked with sobs’ as opposed to ‘she felt really upset.’
Don’t overdo it though. You don’t need to reference the tightness in someone’s chest every time they feel anxious and beware of mentioning the same things over and over again e.g. scratching chin, playing with hair, winking. How often do people really wink in real life?
Avoid using too many adverbs and adjectives, especially adverbs.Often, you can replace an adverb by choosing a better verb e.g. instead of saying ‘he shut the door noisily ’, you could say ‘he slammed the door.’
Use dialogue to bring your prose to life and to show character rather than describing everything.
Don’t overuse names. Unless it’s confusing, use ‘he’ and ‘she’.
Be careful when choosing character names to choose names that sound very different. If your three main characters are called Ahmed, Abdul and Ahad, your reader is likely to get confused.
Don’t feel you have to use complicated dialogue tags: ‘he said’ and ‘she said’ are usually better than ‘he expostulated’ and ‘she exclaimed’.
Don’t give too much information and try to make it natural when you can e.g. a character wouldn’t say, ‘when Matt, my husband, came home from his work at the local hospital.’ She’d just say, ‘when Matt came home from work.’
Check that you’re indenting each paragraph and each time a new person speaks.
It’s generally accepted practice in the UK to use one inverted comma for dialogue and to put the punctuation inside the inverted commas e.g. ‘Are you coming for your dinner?’

Editing poetry is a bit more complicated as poetry is more open to interpretation and individualistic stylistic choices but here are a few things you can look for.

Read your poem out loud several times. How it sounds is as important as how it looks on the page.
Are you using the perfect word? Poets think really hard about every word. They’re thinking about the sound and shape of the word as well as its meaning.
Think about where you position your words. Does a line sound better if you turn it around?
Consider line lengths and stanzas or the overall shape and balance of the poem.
Think about which words go at the ends of the line. You probably don’t want to end lines with words conjunctions like ‘and’, ‘or’ and ‘because’.
If you’re rhyming a poem, make sure you’re not just using a word because it rhymes. If you are, then think about a different way to say what you’re trying to say.
Be consistent with your punctuation and capitalisation. Some poets use capitals at the beginning of each and some don’t. Either is ok but make sure you’ve thought about your stylistic choice.
Does your imagery make sense? Poets often make use of similes and metaphors. One or two carefully-chosen metaphors are usually more effective that lots.
Have you used other poetic techniques e.g. alliteration and assonance? Could these be strengthened?
Think about your beginning and your ending. Are you starting and ending with two of your best lines?

Don’t forget to follow us on social for regular writing prompts and challenges; @thelitplatform / @theliteraryplatform.

How to Write about a Time of Anticipation

by Melissa Tydell | 20 comments

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As I write this, I’m one month away from my due date, the estimated arrival of my husband’s and my first child. At many points in life, we are in a state of looking forward. Anticipation of an event—whether it’s a joyous or devastating one—puts everything in a new perspective. It heightens your awareness, incites excitement or anxiety (or both!), and brings up a lot of emotions.

Whether you’re crafting a fictional story or recounting your own experience, how do you write about a time of anticipation in a realistic, compelling way?

Photo by Merra Marie

The Countdown Begins

1. set expectations..

The period before an anticipated event often serves as the “rising action” of a story. Amplify the tension by setting up the character’s expectations. What exactly does he or she think is going to happen? These expectations instantly add an extra dose of suspense, so just as the big moment is set to happen, readers are invested and wondering whether things will go according to plan or veer completely off track.

2. Describe the preparations.

This step plays into the common writing advice, “Show; don’t tell.” Describe the actions your character takes to prepare for the upcoming event. The way he or she prepares—or on the other hand, does not prepare—builds the sense of anticipation and reveals character in an authentic way.

3. Depict emotion.

Anticipation generates a range of emotions, many of them conflicting. Portray your character’s emotions through action (as the tip above mentions), dialogue, or descriptions. Think outside of the character himself too; other characters’ actions, the setting, and word choice also contribute to the mood and help communicate how a character feels.

Bonus point: Show what changes.

Technically, once the event occurs, the time of anticipation is over. But to fully convey all the elements of that anticipation, add contrast by sharing what happens during and after the event. Relate the changes that occur, both internal and external, to provide the pay-off—a period of “falling action” and an ultimate conclusion.

What methods do you use to generate a sense of anticipation?

Write for fifteen minutes about a time of anticipation.

When you’re finished, please share your practice in the comments section. And if you post, please respond to some of the other comments too!

Melissa Tydell

Melissa Tydell is a freelance writer, content consultant, and blogger who enjoys sharing her love of the written word with others. You can connect with Melissa through her website , blog , or Twitter .

Melissa Tydell https://thewritepractice.com/author/melissatydell/ July 29, 2013 What I’ve Learned from Writing for The Write Practice
Melissa Tydell https://thewritepractice.com/author/melissatydell/ July 1, 2013 How to Integrate Travel into a Story
Melissa Tydell https://thewritepractice.com/author/melissatydell/ June 3, 2013 What is the Most Satisfying Part of Writing?

20 Comments

wrapped by the warmth of the thick blanketed cocoon, i couldn’t dare to imagine tip toeing on the ice bathroom tiles, splashing fluid after a night long of beauty sleep. The theme song of ‘Hills’ distracted my dream and that dare came to real life. a tingling sensation rushed down my spine as my heel kissed the cracked tile. i cleaned the eye gunk from the corners of the devil like eyes meanwhile swishing water from side to side. note to self, i should have went easy on the late night booze. Too much and i become the blood-shot, livid skinned reflection in front of me. Or maybe i can go back to the bed,. i could call it a day off if i wanted. I mean if i didn’t wear the foundation and this and that, i would be eligible and pass. Sliding my feet in the fuzzy slippers, i trotted back across the wooden floor and dived into the nest – waiting for the next sunrise

Great verbal pictures: “blanketed cocoon”, “ice bathroom tiles”, “heel kissed the cracked tile”, “waiting for the next sunrise”. Thanks for sharing a moment we’ve all known!

Dana, this is descriptive and raw, and engaged me from the first word.

Anticipation sometimes exceeds the event, like Christmas. We plan now for a trip to Teton National Park, delighting in maps, travel books, restaurant reviews, hiking paths, knowing to allow for unexpected weather, crowds and letdowns. Aware also there will always be moments of inspiration, my pen and paper record every detail for future enjoyment. In a recent reading of “Peace Like a River” two young children anticipate a perceived enemy by placing steak knifes inside their belts for protection. During sleep the knives pierced their skin, an uncomfortable reminder of anticipation gone astray. Experience brings change to life; it’s up to us to transform change into growth and joy. Wishing you every blessing on your upcoming event, Melissa!

Thanks so much! Change, growth, and joy… I love that.

The officer walked by, glancing in the windows and silently counting, her footsteps muted by the rubber sole of boots designed for silent passage. The first streaks of dawn were slow in coming, but that was fine with Rose. Lying graveyard still on her bunk, she listened to every sound, each breath of her cellmate, a toilet flushing on the lower run. Listening, but for the last time.

She glanced at the calendar, lit by the night light that never went out. The previous days, 1,095 of them, had been carefully marked out on a series of calendars with an “X”, but this day’s square had been decorated with flowers, a sun, a tiny patch of grass, all drawn by her cellmate who was allowed to have colored pencils in several colors. Good thing, this day deserved some color.

The doors to the unit’s control room opened with a familiar buzzing and slammed shut with a tremendous bang. The officers could catch the heavy door so it didn’t quite slam so hard, but most didn’t care. Why should inmates get a good night’s sleep when the officers had to be up all night, or were supposed to be? Rose figured she would not slam any doors after today, and locks, well, at least she’d have a key to those again; one thing of the many things she’d never thought of until she had arrived in this place: lots of locks, but keys held by others. There were other things it would take years to forget.

Rose went to the chow hall for breakfast but didn’t have a stomach to eat. It was too full of rocks and butterflies and besides, her friends wanted to talk. As she tried her best to listen her head reeled. They were talking about writing and sending money and calling family for them; things they needed or couldn’t do from in here. They laughed and cajoled, as if she might remember their requests better with some sugar on top. And she might. But most of the diners today just stared or lowered their heads when Rose glanced around, wishing it was their number that had come up.

The formalities of release were accomplished amidst the chatter of officers and their supervisor. Rose listened as they described their next vacation, their last vacation, the day one would be gone from work next week because of a training class. Even though it had always been good to hear about the outside world, she had often, and even now, wondered why they always seemed to talk endlessly about being away from work, as if they wanted to be anywhere but here. But then again, so did she. Prison is prison, no matter what your purpose for being there is. The gates closed behind the officers too, and for a time they were all locked up together, even if they did hold the keys.

They approached the first of the gates. At the officers’ signal they slid open, operated by a shadowy figure in a nearby control room with one-way glass. Over the years Rose had watched as many others had passed out of that gate toward the liberty on the other side.

Presently that liberty seemed unreal and even threatening, which caused a new type of uneasy feeling in her belly. Thoughts began to strike her mind in quick succession, leaving trails in her quickening pulse and she began to fear she might throw up what she hadn’t eaten that morning.

What would she do now? Had she had a genuine change of heart that would lead her to a new life, one without the habits that had brought her here? For so long the system had made her decisions, all of them. Now she would have freedom of movement and choice, but what if she used the freedom to fall back into the hell that was her former life? The notions became a cold fear that began to swirl around her pounding heart. And then she saw them.

On the other side of the gate, leaning against the car, her smiling husband held a blonde-haired angel in his arms. Another slightly larger angel stood at his side, his head tilted, with a curious look on his face. Rose realized her son was looking at the officers, who smiled back. Then she remembered: this little one loved any kind of uniform. One of the officers spoke gently, as if into the air.

“Well, Rose, there are two beautiful reasons to leave here and never come back.” She nodded and smiled, heaving a deep sigh that was a prayer that became a declaration. Suddenly her heart awoke from its slumber and affirmed her longing for the gift she now embraced.

“Yes.” Rose said yes to freedom, and never stopped saying it, as long as she lived.

You describe the conflicting emotions experienced in jail so well. ‘Lying graveyard still’ is a good metaphor for the place where life has ended for many. Her husband and the two kids make a stark contrast betwteen her old life and the new one.

Sophie and Dylan pulled up outside Leah’s house. The lights were off, and all was quiet. Leah’s call had got Sophie anxious and worried. She remembered the shaky tone of Leah’s voice. “It’s only a small scratch, it’s nothing… just… can you come over?”

Leah had been attacked on the way home from work. Sophie had tried to warn her about walking by herself, tried to encourage her to stay home with all the madness on the streets, but Leah had laughed her usual carefree laugh and told Sophie she was being silly.

Sophie walked up to the front door and knocked, calling Leah’s name. No answer or any sound from inside. “Let’s go around the back,” Sophie said to Dylan. At the back door, the silence wasthe same. Sophie peered in through the windows but she couldn’t make out anything in the gloom. A high window into the bathroom was open and Dylan boosted Sophie in through it, handing her the crowbar when she was through. Inside, the gloom was oppressive and Sophie could smell something weird. It was a kind of rotting, coppery smell and Sophie’s stomach lurched. She swallowed hard and gripped the crowbar harder in her hands to stop them from shaking.

Sophie made her way out of the bathroom, listening out for any signs of life. She crept down the hallway, aware that every sense was on hyper-alert. She could hear the wind in the trees outside, the low idle of their car in the driveway, the distant scream of sirens. Her eyes were adjusting to the gloom and every detail of the hallway seemed to leap into her brain, screaming at her to get out, that something wasn’t right.

Sophie rounded the corner into Leah’s bedroom. The blanket had been pulled half off the bed and a still and bloodied hand still gripped the corner of it. Sophie could see Leah’s foot protruding at a strange angle at the bottom of the bed. “Leah?” she called softly, creeping further forward and gripping the crowbar. Her hands trembled but she didn’t notice.

She rounded the edge of the bed and her breath caught in her throat. Leah lay crumpled on the floor, the blanket pulled half over her face where she had grabbed it as she had fallen. The wound on her shoulder was ghastly and congealed blood had dribbled down her arm and pooled on the floor beneath her. “Leah?” she called again. No response.

Sophie turned away, taking her phone out of her pocket to call an ambulance, when she heard a noise behind her. She spun around quickly and saw Leah’s hand tightening on the sheet. She moved forward, calling her name again. Leah’s face appeared above the bed and Sophie made a strangled noise in her throat. Leah’s eyes were shot through with yellow and red, her skin was a sickly grey. She made low, growling sounds as she awkwardly pulled herself up, her eyes fixed on Sophie.

Sophie backed slowly out of the room, holding her crowbar in front of her, her eyes never leaving Leah’s awful face. Suddenly, she bumped into the doorframe and let out a small squeal of surprise. What used to be Leah let out a louder moan and started towards Sophie. Sophie turned and ran.

Oooh, wow! This one had me on edge, actually cringing wondering what would happen next. Great job!

Thanks for your feedback! Appreciate that it created the apprehension I was wanting to convey!

Dying to find out what the ‘little scratch’ did to Leah.

Thanks for your feedback! You’ll have to wait until my novel is finished!

Sean watched the fire spit and crackle in the pit. He sat, leaning with his forearms on his bare legs and watching the mosquitos come and go. He lifted his head and glanced across the fire at Leah. She was sitting on a log, licking marshmallow from her fingers.

Sean pushed his elbows into his thighs and lifted himself up, trying to act causal. He pushed his hands deep in his pockets and strode over to Leah and asked, “Mind if I use your marshmallow stick?” as he picked it up from between her feet.

Leah tucked her chin to her chest and glancing up at him said, “Sure, no problem. I’ve had enough for one night.”

Sean couldn’t tell if she was blushing or if the heat of the fire was making her cheeks turn red. He squatted near the fire, holding the marshmallow a safe distance from the flame. He could feel the heat from Leah’s bare leg against his arm. Satisfied that the marshmallow was warmed and melted he sat down on the log, a mere inch or two from Leah. He peeked out the corner of his eye and saw her quickly avert her glance at him. He wanted more than anything to put his arm on her shoulder and pull her close but his fingers were sticky with melted marshmallow.

Despite the cooler night air, Sean was beginning to sweat. He had waited all summer for this camping trip. He knew this would be the one time when the boys and girls would be around the campfire together and it was his chance to make his move and grab his first kiss. If he was lucky, he might even cop a feel.

His ears were buzzing from the blood pumping through his body as he imagined their lips touching. His heart beating faster, sweat starting to pool under his armpits. He was about to make his move when the camp leader shouted, “And there was the HOOK!’ and all the girls around the campfire shrieked, and to his wonderful delightful surprise Leah turned to him, grabbing him in her arms and hugging him in fear.

Sean sat with his arms softly but firmly around Leah’s back, smiling. Tonight was gonna be his lucky night.

I stand still in the middle of my bedroom, looking at the piles of clothes without really seeing them, feeling a giddy, pleasant, but slightly sickening tremor in my heart. The empty red suitcase lays on my bed, and the embossed letters on a blue passport wink at me in the morning sunlight. I’m going to Britain. It’s really happening. The trip of a lifetime–the one I’d been saving for since I was 11–is finally coming. Tomorrow I’ll board a plane headed for Manchester, and the green fields of England will be waiting for me.

What will also be waiting for me is customs, that frightening ordeal that I’ve heard about but never experienced. I picture myself running a savage gauntlet with my luggage in tow, standing in a line three miles long before finally coming to a booth where a woman with a sour face and a strong German accent will interrogate me, stamping a big red “X” across my passport and shouting at me to go back to the States where I belong. Why she has a German accent I have no idea, but it does a good job of scaring the living daylights out of me.

Hairbrush. Toothpaste. Shampoo. Stick to the basics. Don’t worry about what will happen on the other side.

I pick up a guidebook to England and flip through it for the thousandth time, relishing every photograph, underlining a few more things, making note of prices.

T-shirts. Sweater. How many pairs of shoes?

My mom finds me at the computer–again–making absolutely sure how many ounces of liquid I’m allowed and how big a carry-on case can be.

“Don’t worry about it! You’ve done enough research, just relax.”

Yes, relax.

Necklaces. Formal dress. Pajamas.

Rick Steves strikes again. I watch as he walks around the streets of London, animated, enthusiastic, full of energy. I want to be a traveler like that, soaking up the local flavors, digging deep into the mossy crevices and making the most of every moment, no matter how mundane.

Insurance. Debit card. Boarding pass.

Apparently my stomach wants to join the Cirque du Soleil. Everything is packed, I’m saying goodbye to family, taking my shoes off for security, and my guts are twisting inside out and doing cartwheels.

Luggage tag. Gate number. Group 2.

Then I see the plane. White, sleek, with a patriotic touch of red and blue. And then I realize that I’m going home, and it’s going to be a grand adventure.

Was she originally from Britain, and is now an unwilling exile in her present country? There’s a sense of expectation, as if she’s always been waiting for this trip.

I had in mind that she has never been to Britain, but has longed for it so long that she thinks of it as “home.”

I also built up similar expectation before I went overseas for the first time in my twenties.

David read the riddle again, and wondered. The other side of the card had an invitation to a get-together Sunday afternoon at the hall behind the hamburger den they frequented after school. From there they’d speed off home, doing crazy things on their skateboards, because they were the only ones who could. He’d be a special guest. For a partner he was to bring along the answer to this riddle. Why should he go? It would take a huge bite out of his time preparing for year-end tests. Miss Plastow! It must be his math teacher. The correct answer to the riddles she always set earned you extra term marks “Learn to think laterally,” she said when even parents protested they had nothing to do with Pythagoras’ or Euclid’s theories. David could still feel the bruises on his arm. Armed with a thick builder’s ruler she patrolled the class, bashing brains awake on freezing mornings, and making them write on the chalk board with frozen fingers. “She’s making Spartans of you all,” his dad replied when he complained. “Some day you’ll thank her.”

That’s if I’m going to live in the Arctic circle, David muttered. After she’d married a Greek her thoughts had become centred on that spit of land dangling below Europe on the world map in the classroom. Because if his unpronounceable surname she remained Miss Plastow to them. But David wasn’t a timid little Junior anymore. Arms akimbo, he drew himself up before the full-length mirror in his room. “Dream on, Superman.” His sister had stuck her head in the door on the way to her friends. “Get lost. Lois Lane,” he shouted, slamming the door shut. So what if he couldn’t make the football team. Even after hanging round the team for six months they still hadn’t been dated by any of those hulking retards. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, here I come, he murmured. And Miss Plastow was his key to those ivied halls. Nerd or not, having their letter on his sweater would set him up for life. After every class Miss Plastow always gave them something to take away. He looked at the list on his desk, her last present. From previous years he knew it contained the questions that would appear on the test paper. He arrived early, wearing that cool sweater with that fancy Greek letter on the front that was meant to impress one person. The whole school seemed to be there. They showed each other their invitations. All had the same riddle. He sighed, relieved. “I know what the answer is, you work it out for yourself, dummy” He walked around the milling crowd with a knowing half-smile on his face. After they finally settled down Miss Plastow gave a short speech. This was her final term, next year she was leaving to settle down with her husband. “Everyone of you will remain special to me,” she gushed. Despite being an iron maiden in the class, she was like his mother. She could also become weepy at times. .Then, “Who has the answer?” Seven hands shot up. She looked at each one, naming them in turn. David swelled when his name was called. She pressed a button and the curtain behind her parted. The bust of an ancient philosopher stared at them. Whoever he was, David had no doubt about his nationality “Who’s that?” someone shouted. “Never mind who it is. What’s he on?” A plinth. P L I N T H. The answer to the riddle, Big deal. He’d forgotten it straight after he’d opened her invitation. He brushed aside a creeping tinge of guilt. What did she have in store for the seven who’d put up their hands? He joined the others after the rest had left. They’d get more than just a signed photo of her. They stood in the deserted hall. And waited.

Love … the one word that is reiterated in songs, poems, stories, movies and plays. When I was in my teens, I was book smart, not street smart. So every single time I felt giddy with delight over falling for a person the opposite sex I blamed it on hormones, I told myself that he is unattainable, and that it was a crush – I would get over it sooner or later.

Now, I am in love. Finally in love with somebody attainable – not a teacher, not a gay guy, not a famous guy, or a married guy, or a guy three times my age… but it’s ironic – I’m in love with one of my students. He comes in every Friday and I teach him how to play the cello. He is the last student of the day, I teach him for an hour and then I proceed to talk to him for three hours. I don’t mean to do this… but it happens all the time.

On Friday, after his lesson, he asked me to grab coffee with him… I couldn’t believe what I heard so I packed up and followed him through the main streets of Burwood. He found a place and we sat and talked for hours…

That was nice. This feels nice. The seconds, hours and days trickle by so slowly when he isn’t here. I sound like a teenager… I never dated when I was that young. I took antidepressants when I was eighteen, that killed my desire, and interest in men… and now, he seems to have defied all the odds – my calculating mind, my no longer thinks or calculates, it just plays music – cello music ironically … and it yearns for the very next moment with him.

It’s Wednesday today – only two more days until Friday.

congrats! And great post. Even without you expounding, the list you have here speaks for itself. It was just a bonus that you expounded. Thanks for the insights!

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Inspirations

March 23, 2013

Writing: how to describe a room.

Keep it simple.
Talk about colors, patterns, decor, and unique architectural details, if they're relevant.
Talk about furnishings and props, especially if characters use them.
Talk about anything in the room if it reveals something about the characters within.
Talk about space.
Talk about unique details that readers may not usually associate with a given place (especially for sci-fi and fantasy works, where the settings are purposefully different anyway).
Describe it naturally with your own personal writing style and sensibilities.
Get technical or overly-explicit.
Divulge in unnecessary details.
Tell about room's atmosphere or impression; show it instead.
Overthink or overdo things.
Dump details in one long paragraph.
Describe things in a dull, dry, choppy, or uninteresting manner; use your natural narrative voice.
Describe things that the reader will already assume for a given place, especially if such things don't contribute to the story.

16 comments:

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

i like ur writing style....

You are a great writer. I'll uses some of your examples in the future.

Brilliant, brilliant writer you are!

Thanks for this write up. Very well done.

Thank you. I came from Doug Walker's review of the second episode of Avatar: the Last Airbender where he talked about how the show makes you feel like you're in a room, and so I was wondering how one might do that in writing.

Thanks the writer

really helpfull thank you

Thanks, this has really been helpful.

This was really helpful thank you very much.

Writing Activities

105 Creative Writing Exercises To Get You Writing Again

You know that feeling when you just don’t feel like writing? Sometimes you can’t even get a word down on paper. It’s the most frustrating thing ever to a writer, especially when you’re working towards a deadline. The good news is that we have a list of 105 creative writing exercises to help you get motivated and start writing again!

What are creative writing exercises?

Creative writing exercises are short writing activities (normally around 10 minutes) designed to get you writing. The goal of these exercises is to give you the motivation to put words onto a blank paper. These words don’t need to be logical or meaningful, neither do they need to be grammatically correct or spelt correctly. The whole idea is to just get you writing something, anything. The end result of these quick creative writing exercises is normally a series of notes, bullet points or ramblings that you can, later on, use as inspiration for a bigger piece of writing such as a story or a poem.

Good creative writing exercises are short, quick and easy to complete. You shouldn’t need to think too much about your style of writing or how imaginative your notes are. Just write anything that comes to mind, and you’ll be on the road to improving your creative writing skills and beating writer’s block .

Use the generator below to get a random creative writing exercise idea:

List of 105+ Creative Writing Exercises

Here are over 105 creative writing exercises to give your brain a workout and help those creative juices flow again:

Set a timer for 60 seconds. Now write down as many words or phrases that come to mind at that moment.
Pick any colour you like. Now start your sentence with this colour. For example, Orange, the colour of my favourite top.
Open a book or dictionary on a random page. Pick a random word. You can close your eyes and slowly move your finger across the page. Now, write a paragraph with this random word in it. You can even use an online dictionary to get random words:

Create your own alphabet picture book or list. It can be A to Z of animals, food, monsters or anything else you like!
Using only the sense of smell, describe where you are right now.
Take a snack break. While eating your snack write down the exact taste of that food. The goal of this creative writing exercise is to make your readers savour this food as well.
Pick a random object in your room and write a short paragraph from its point of view. For example, how does your pencil feel? What if your lamp had feelings?
Describe your dream house. Where would you live one day? Is it huge or tiny?
Pick two different TV shows, movies or books that you like. Now swap the main character. What if Supergirl was in Twilight? What if SpongeBob SquarePants was in The Flash? Write a short scene using this character swap as inspiration.
What’s your favourite video game? Write at least 10 tips for playing this game.
Pick your favourite hobby or sport. Now pretend an alien has just landed on Earth and you need to teach it this hobby or sport. Write at least ten tips on how you would teach this alien.
Use a random image generator and write a paragraph about the first picture you see.

Write a letter to your favourite celebrity or character. What inspires you most about them? Can you think of a memorable moment where this person’s life affected yours? We have this helpful guide on writing a letter to your best friend for extra inspiration.
Write down at least 10 benefits of writing. This can help motivate you and beat writer’s block.
Complete this sentence in 10 different ways: Patrick waited for the school bus and…
Pick up a random book from your bookshelf and go to page 9. Find the ninth sentence on that page. Use this sentence as a story starter.
Create a character profile based on all the traits that you hate. It might help to list down all the traits first and then work on describing the character.
What is the scariest or most dangerous situation you have ever been in? Why was this situation scary? How did you cope at that moment?
Pretend that you’re a chat show host and you’re interviewing your favourite celebrity. Write down the script for this conversation.
Using extreme detail, write down what you have been doing for the past one hour today. Think about your thoughts, feelings and actions during this time.
Make a list of potential character names for your next story. You can use a fantasy name generator to help you.
Describe a futuristic setting. What do you think the world would look like in 100 years time?
Think about a recent argument you had with someone. Would you change anything about it? How would you resolve an argument in the future?
Describe a fantasy world. What kind of creatures live in this world? What is the climate like? What everyday challenges would a typical citizen of this world face? You can use this fantasy world name generator for inspiration.
At the flip of a switch, you turn into a dragon. What kind of dragon would you be? Describe your appearance, special abilities, likes and dislikes. You can use a dragon name generator to give yourself a cool dragon name.
Pick your favourite book or a famous story. Now change the point of view. For example, you could rewrite the fairytale , Cinderella. This time around, Prince Charming could be the main character. What do you think Prince Charming was doing, while Cinderella was cleaning the floors and getting ready for the ball?
Pick a random writing prompt and use it to write a short story. Check out this collection of over 300 writing prompts for kids to inspire you.
Write a shopping list for a famous character in history. Imagine if you were Albert Einstein’s assistant, what kind of things would he shop for on a weekly basis?
Create a fake advertisement poster for a random object that is near you right now. Your goal is to convince the reader to buy this object from you.
What is the worst (or most annoying) sound that you can imagine? Describe this sound in great detail, so your reader can understand the pain you feel when hearing this sound.
What is your favourite song at the moment? Pick one line from this song and describe a moment in your life that relates to this line.
You’re hosting an imaginary dinner party at your house. Create a list of people you would invite, and some party invites. Think about the theme of the dinner party, the food you will serve and entertainment for the evening.
You are waiting to see your dentist in the waiting room. Write down every thought you are having at this moment in time.
Make a list of your greatest fears. Try to think of at least three fears. Now write a short story about a character who is forced to confront one of these fears.
Create a ‘Wanted’ poster for a famous villain of your choice. Think about the crimes they have committed, and the reward you will give for having them caught.
Imagine you are a journalist for the ‘Imagine Forest Times’ newspaper. Your task is to get an exclusive interview with the most famous villain of all time. Pick a villain of your choice and interview them for your newspaper article. What questions would you ask them, and what would their responses be?
In a school playground, you see the school bully hurting a new kid. Write three short stories, one from each perspective in this scenario (The bully, the witness and the kid getting bullied).
You just won $10 million dollars. What would you spend this money on?
Pick a random animal, and research at least five interesting facts about this animal. Write a short story centred around one of these interesting facts.
Pick a global issue that you are passionate about. This could be climate change, black lives matters, women’s rights etc. Now create a campaign poster for this global issue.
Write an acrostic poem about an object near you right now (or even your own name). You could use a poetry idea generator to inspire you.
Imagine you are the head chef of a 5-star restaurant. Recently the business has slowed down. Your task is to come up with a brand-new menu to excite customers. Watch this video prompt on YouTube to inspire you.
What is your favourite food of all time? Imagine if this piece of food was alive, what would it say to you?
If life was one big musical, what would you be singing about right now? Write the lyrics of your song.
Create and describe the most ultimate villain of all time. What would their traits be? What would their past look like? Will they have any positive traits?
Complete this sentence in at least 10 different ways: Every time I look out of the window, I…
You have just made it into the local newspaper, but what for? Write down at least five potential newspaper headlines . Here’s an example, Local Boy Survives a Deadly Illness.
If you were a witch or a wizard, what would your specialist area be and why? You might want to use a Harry Potter name generator or a witch name generator for inspiration.
What is your favourite thing to do on a Saturday night? Write a short story centred around this activity.
Your main character has just received the following items: A highlighter, a red cap, a teddy bear and a fork. What would your character do with these items? Can you write a story using these items?
Create a timeline of your own life, from birth to this current moment. Think about the key events in your life, such as birthdays, graduations, weddings and so on. After you have done this, you can pick one key event from your life to write a story about.
Think of a famous book or movie you like. Rewrite a scene from this book or movie, where the main character is an outsider. They watch the key events play out, but have no role in the story. What would their actions be? How would they react?
Three very different characters have just won the lottery. Write a script for each character, as they reveal the big news to their best friend.
Write a day in the life story of three different characters. How does each character start their day? What do they do throughout the day? And how does their day end?
Write about the worst experience in your life so far. Think about a time when you were most upset or angry and describe it.
Imagine you’ve found a time machine in your house. What year would you travel to and why?
Describe your own superhero. Think about their appearance, special abilities and their superhero name. Will they have a secret identity? Who is their number one enemy?
What is your favourite country in the world? Research five fun facts about this country and use one to write a short story.
Set yourself at least three writing goals. This could be a good way to motivate yourself to write every day. For example, one goal might be to write at least 150 words a day.
Create a character description based on the one fact, three fiction rule. Think about one fact or truth about yourself. And then add in three fictional or fantasy elements. For example, your character could be the same age as you in real life, this is your one fact. And the three fictional elements could be they have the ability to fly, talk in over 100 different languages and have green skin.
Describe the perfect person. What traits would they have? Think about their appearance, their interests and their dislikes.
Keep a daily journal or diary. This is a great way to keep writing every day. There are lots of things you can write about in your journal, such as you can write about the ‘highs’ and ‘lows’ of your day. Think about anything that inspired you or anything that upset you, or just write anything that comes to mind at the moment.
Write a book review or a movie review. If you’re lost for inspiration, just watch a random movie or read any book that you can find. Then write a critical review on it. Think about the best parts of the book/movie and the worst parts. How would you improve the book or movie?
Write down a conversation between yourself. You can imagine talking to your younger self or future self (i.e. in 10 years’ time). What would you tell them? Are there any lessons you learned or warnings you need to give? Maybe you could talk about what your life is like now and compare it to their life?
Try writing some quick flash fiction stories . Flash fiction is normally around 500 words long, so try to stay within this limit.
Write a six-word story about something that happened to you today or yesterday. A six-word story is basically an entire story told in just six words. Take for example: “Another football game ruined by me.” or “A dog’s painting sold for millions.” – Six-word stories are similar to writing newspaper headlines. The goal is to summarise your story in just six words.
The most common monsters or creatures used in stories include vampires, werewolves , dragons, the bigfoot, sirens and the loch-ness monster. In a battle of intelligence, who do you think will win and why?
Think about an important event in your life that has happened so far, such as a birthday or the birth of a new sibling. Now using the 5 W’s and 1 H technique describe this event in great detail. The 5 W’s include: What, Who, Where, Why, When and the 1 H is: How. Ask yourself questions about the event, such as what exactly happened on that day? Who was there? Why was this event important? When and where did it happen? And finally, how did it make you feel?
Pretend to be someone else. Think about someone important in your life. Now put yourself into their shoes, and write a day in the life story about being them. What do you think they do on a daily basis? What situations would they encounter? How would they feel?
Complete this sentence in at least 10 different ways: I remember…
Write about your dream holiday. Where would you go? Who would you go with? And what kind of activities would you do?
Which one item in your house do you use the most? Is it the television, computer, mobile phone, the sofa or the microwave? Now write a story of how this item was invented. You might want to do some research online and use these ideas to build up your story.
In exactly 100 words, describe your bedroom. Try not to go over or under this word limit.
Make a top ten list of your favourite animals. Based on this list create your own animal fact file, where you provide fun facts about each animal in your list.
What is your favourite scene from a book or a movie? Write down this scene. Now rewrite the scene in a different genre, such as horror, comedy, drama etc.
Change the main character of a story you recently read into a villain. For example, you could take a popular fairytale such as Jack and the Beanstalk, but this time re-write the story to make Jack the villain of the tale.
Complete the following sentence in at least 10 different ways: Do you ever wonder…
What does your name mean? Research the meaning of your own name, or a name that interests you. Then use this as inspiration for your next story. For example, the name ‘Marty’ means “Servant Of Mars, God Of War”. This could make a good concept for a sci-fi story.
Make a list of three different types of heroes (or main characters) for potential future stories.
If someone gave you $10 dollars, what would you spend it on and why?
Describe the world’s most boring character in at least 100 words.
What is the biggest problem in the world today, and how can you help fix this issue?
Create your own travel brochure for your hometown. Think about why tourists might want to visit your hometown. What is your town’s history? What kind of activities can you do? You could even research some interesting facts.
Make a list of all your favourite moments or memories in your life. Now pick one to write a short story about.
Describe the scariest and ugliest monster you can imagine. You could even draw a picture of this monster with your description.
Write seven haikus, one for each colour of the rainbow. That’s red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.
Imagine you are at the supermarket. Write down at least three funny scenarios that could happen to you at the supermarket. Use one for your next short story.
Imagine your main character is at home staring at a photograph. Write the saddest scene possible. Your goal is to make your reader cry when reading this scene.
What is happiness? In at least 150 words describe the feeling of happiness. You could use examples from your own life of when you felt happy.
Think of a recent nightmare you had and write down everything you can remember. Use this nightmare as inspiration for your next story.
Keep a dream journal. Every time you wake up in the middle of the night or early in the morning you can quickly jot down things that you remember from your dreams. These notes can then be used as inspiration for a short story.
Your main character is having a really bad day. Describe this bad day and the series of events they experience. What’s the worst thing that could happen to your character?
You find a box on your doorstep. You open this box and see the most amazing thing ever. Describe this amazing thing to your readers.
Make a list of at least five possible settings or locations for future stories. Remember to describe each setting in detail.
Think of something new you recently learned. Write this down. Now write a short story where your main character also learns the same thing.
Describe the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen in your whole life. Your goal is to amaze your readers with its beauty.
Make a list of things that make you happy or cheer you up. Try to think of at least five ideas. Now imagine living in a world where all these things were banned or against the law. Use this as inspiration for your next story.
Would you rather be rich and alone or poor and very popular? Write a story based on the lives of these two characters.
Imagine your main character is a Librarian. Write down at least three dark secrets they might have. Remember, the best secrets are always unexpected.
There’s a history behind everything. Describe the history of your house. How and when was your house built? Think about the land it was built on and the people that may have lived here long before you.
Imagine that you are the king or queen of a beautiful kingdom. Describe your kingdom in great detail. What kind of rules would you have? Would you be a kind ruler or an evil ruler of the kingdom?
Make a wish list of at least three objects you wish you owned right now. Now use these three items in your next story. At least one of them must be the main prop in the story.
Using nothing but the sense of taste, describe a nice Sunday afternoon at your house. Remember you can’t use your other senses (i.e see, hear, smell or touch) in this description.
What’s the worst pain you felt in your life? Describe this pain in great detail, so your readers can also feel it.
If you were lost on a deserted island in the middle of nowhere, what three must-have things would you pack and why?
Particpate in online writing challenges or contests. Here at Imagine Forest, we offer daily writing challenges with a new prompt added every day to inspire you. Check out our challenges section in the menu.

Do you have any more fun creative writing exercises to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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Description - Dentists Waiting Room

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Word Count 1112
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Writing activity: describe medical rooms and hospitals.

William Simpson - One of the wards of the hospital at Scutari 1856

Medical rooms and hospitals are safe, infantalising, dangerous, creepy, life-saving, traumatising places, and I offer them here as examples of what Foucault called ‘ heterotopia ‘.

The hospital’s ambiguous relationship to everyday social space has long been a central theme of hospital ethnography. Often, hospitals are presented either as isolated “islands’ defined by biomedical regulation of space (and time) or as continuations and reflections of everyday social space that are very much a part of the “mainland.’ This polarization of the debate overlooks hospitals’ paradoxical capacity to be simultaneously bounded and permeable , both sites of social control and spaces where alternative and transgressive social orders emerge and are contested. We suggest that Foucault’s concept of heterotopia usefully captures the complex relationships between order and disorder, stability and instability that define the hospital as a modernist institution of knowledge, governance, and improvement . Heterotopia Studies

Hospitals (like airports) elicit the full range of human emotion and are symbolically useful arenas for storytellers. Who better than writers to describe what it feels like to be inside a hospital?

I followed [the psychiatrist] down a depressing hallway into a tiny windowless office that might have housed an accountant. In fact it reminded me a bit of Myron Axel’s closet, filled with piles of paper waiting to be filed, week-old cups of coffee turned into science experiments, and a litter of broken umbrellas nesting beneath the desk. I must have looked as surprised as I felt when I entered her office, for Rowena Adler looked at the utilitarian clutter about her and said, “I’m sorry about this mess. I’m so used to it. I forget how it looks.” Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You by Peter Cameron

The author may have enjoyed writing that description because at James Sveck’s next appointment they are in a different room.

Dr Adler’s downtown office was a pleasanter place than her space at the Medical Center, but it wasn’t the sun-filled haven I had imagined. It was a rather small dark office in a suite of what I assumed were several small dark offices on the ground floor of an old apartment building on Tenth Street. In addition to her desk and chair there was a divan, another chair, a ficus tree, and some folkloric-looking weavings on the wall. And a bookcase of dreary books. I could tell they were all nonfiction because they all had titles divided by colons: Blah Blah Blah: The Blah Blah Blah of Blah Blah Blah . There was one window that probably faced an airshaft because the rattan shade was lowered in a way that suggested it was never raised. The walls were painted a pale yellow, in an obvious (but unsuccessful) attempt to “brighten up” the room.

The description of James’ psychiatrist’s rooms is broken up, judiciously, and fits around the action. James’ reaction to the rooms reflects how he feels about life at this juncture: He expected better. He expected different; instead he gets this underwhelming life.

I looked around her office. I know it sounds terrible, but I was discouraged by the ordinariness, the expectedness, of it. It was as if there was a catalog for therapists to order a complete office from: furniture, carpet, wall hangings, even the ficus tree seemed depressingly generic. Like one of those little paper pellets you put in water that puffs up and turns into a lotus blossom. This was like a puffed-up shrink’s office.

In a book of essays, Tim Kreider’s description of hospitals is one of the best I’ve encountered:

Hospitals are like the landscapes in recurring dreams: forgotten as though they’d never existed in the interims between visits, but instantly familiar once you return. As if they’ve been there all along, waiting for you while you’ve been away. The endlessly branching corridors sand circular nurses’ stations all look identical, like some infinite labyrinth in a Borges story. It takes a day or two to memorize the route from the lobby to your room. The innocuous landscape paintings that seem to have been specifically commissioned to leave no impression on the human brain are perversely seared into your long-term memory. You pass doorways through which you can occasionally see a bunch of Mylar balloons or a pair of pale, withered legs. Hospital beds are now just as science fiction predicted, with the patient’s vital signs digitally displayed overhead. Nurses no longer wear the white hose and red-cross caps of cartoons and pornography, but scrubs printed with patterns so relentlessly cheerful—hearts, teddy bears, suns and flowers and peace signs—they seem symptomatic of some Pollyannaish denial. The smell of hospitals is like small talk at a funeral—you know its function is to cover up something else. There’s a grim camaraderie in the hall and elevators. You don’t have to ask anybody how they’re doing. The fact that they’re there at all means the answer is: Could be better. I notice that no one who works in a hospital, whose responsibilities are matters of life and death, ever seems hurried or frantic, in contrast to all the freelance cartoonists and podcasters I know. Time moves differently in hospitals—both slower and faster. The minutes stand still, but the hours evaporate. The day is long and structureless, measured only by the taking of vital signs, the changing of IV bags, medication schedules, occasional tests, mealtimes, trips to the bathroom, walks in the corridor. Once a day an actual doctor appears for about four minutes, and what she says during this time can either leave you and your family in terrified confusion or so reassured and grateful that you want to write her a thank-you note she’ll have framed. You cadge six-ounce cans of ginger ale from the nurses’ station. You no longer need to look at the menu in the diner across the street. You substitute meat loaf for bacon with your eggs. Why not? Breakfast and lunch are diurnal conventions that no longer apply to you. Sometimes you run errands back home for a cell phone or extra clothes. Eventually you look at your watch and realize visiting hours are almost over, and feel relieved, and then guilty. Tim Kreider, “An Insult To The Brain”, We Learn Nothing

It’s a fact known throughout the universes that no matter how carefully the colours are chosen, institutional décor ends up either vomit green, unmentionable brown, nicotene yellow or surgical appliance pink. Terry Pratchett, Equal Rites

They are now the only two people in the upstairs waiting room of the dental clinic. The seats are a pale mint-green colour. Marianne leafs through an issue of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and explores her mouth with the tip of her tongue. Connell looks at the magazine cover, a photograph of a monkey with huge eyes. from “At The Clinic” by Sally Rooney

Every time I see a hospital in a horror movie or whatever, sometimes even an actual prison, I compare it to the one I went to and it always comes out looking worse. They are not relaxing places. They can leave you worse than you came in. Especially because the world outside, doesn’t actually stop while you are there? You’re usually there due to a crisis. Something unexpected. Did you take vacation pay before you started? Probably not, hey? Provided that you get that sort of thing at all. If you’re on welfare, you’re still have to fight for an exemption. Good luck if you can’t do that because you’re literally insane. You’ll still need to pay the rent and all your bills somehow in the background too. Oh, you got kicked out? That’s a shame. Here’s a pamphlet to a homeless shelter. Have a lovely trip. My stay did turn out a lot better than that, but it’s literally only because I had someone constantly advocating for me on the outside. Most people in psych wards don’t get that. And that’s not even touching on how nobody will listen to you in there, but everybody will assume all sorts of things about you. You’ll be open to both sexual and physical assault. Both happened to me on a number of occasions. I was blamed for everything, of course. You don’t even get uninterrupted sleep, do you know that? Nurses come and shine a torch in your face every fucking hour for a wellness check, or whatever. Which feels pretty shitty if you’re going through a paranoid psychosis. Anyway. I’d really like to see more empathy and awareness of the reality of all these sorts of places. They are horrible. They haven’t changed a lot since they were called asylums. They still use solitary confinement too, did you know that? Awful things. Mx Maddison Stoff @TheDescenters Sep 8, 2022

The Architecture of Madness

Elaborately conceived, grandly constructed insane asylums—ranging in appearance from classical temples to Gothic castles—were once a common sight looming on the outskirts of American towns and cities. Many of these buildings were razed long ago, and those that remain stand as grim reminders of an often cruel system. For much of the nineteenth century, however, these asylums epitomized the widely held belief among doctors and social reformers that insanity was a curable disease and that environment—architecture in particular—was the most effective means of treatment. In The Architecture of Madness: Insane Asylums in the United States (U Minnesota Press, 2007), Carla Yanni tells a compelling story of therapeutic design, from America’s earliest purpose—built institutions for the insane to the asylum construction frenzy in the second half of the century. At the center of Yanni’s inquiry is Dr. Thomas Kirkbride, a Pennsylvania-born Quaker, who in the 1840s devised a novel way to house the mentally diseased that emphasized segregation by severity of illness, ease of treatment and surveillance, and ventilation. After the Civil War, American architects designed Kirkbride-plan hospitals across the country. Before the end of the century, interest in the Kirkbride plan had begun to decline. Many of the asylums had deteriorated into human warehouses, strengthening arguments against the monolithic structures advocated by Kirkbride. At the same time, the medical profession began embracing a more neurological approach to mental disease that considered architecture as largely irrelevant to its treatment. Generously illustrated, The Architecture of Madness is a fresh and original look at the American medical establishment’s century-long preoccupation with therapeutic architecture as a way to cure social ills. interview at New Books Network

The Architecture of Good Behavior: Psychology and Modern Institutional Design in Postwar America

Inspired by the rise of environmental psychology and increasing support for behavioral research after the Second World War, new initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels looked to influence the human psyche through form, or elicit desired behaviors with environmental incentives, implementing what Joy Knoblauch calls “psychological functionalism.” Recruited by federal construction and research programs for institutional reform and expansion—which included hospitals, mental health centers, prisons, and public housing—architects theorized new ways to control behavior and make it more functional by exercising soft power, or power through persuasion, with their designs. In the 1960s –1970s era of anti-institutional sentiment, they hoped to offer an enlightened, palatable, more humane solution to larger social problems related to health, mental health, justice, and security of the population by applying psychological expertise to institutional design. In turn, Knoblauch argues, architects gained new roles as researchers, organizers, and writers while theories of confinement, territory, and surveillance proliferated. The Architecture of Good Behavior: Psychology and Modern Institutional Design in Postwar America (University of Pittsburgh Press) explores psychological functionalism as a political tool and the architectural projects funded by a postwar nation in its efforts to govern, exert control over, and ultimately pacify its patients, prisoners, and residents. interview at New Books Network

Header painting: William Simpson – One of the wards of the hospital at Scutari 1856

CONTEMPORARY FICTION SET IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (2023)

On paper, things look fine. Sam Dennon recently inherited significant wealth from his uncle. As a respected architect, Sam spends his days thinking about the family needs and rich lives of his clients. But privately? Even his enduring love of amateur astronomy is on the wane. Sam has built a sustainable-architecture display home for himself but hasn’t yet moved into it, preferring to sleep in his cocoon of a campervan. Although they never announced it publicly, Sam’s wife and business partner ended their marriage years ago due to lack of intimacy, leaving Sam with the sense he is irreparably broken.

Now his beloved uncle has died. An intensifying fear manifests as health anxiety, with night terrors from a half-remembered early childhood event. To assuage the loneliness, Sam embarks on a Personal Happiness Project:

1. Get a pet dog

2. Find a friend. Just one. Not too intense.

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19,890 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,964 themes

dark room - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

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In the dark room, even the ticking had a relaxed feeling, as if it was a heart-beat at rest. Tara felt as if the air moved like cool water and the aroma of her aunt's scented candles infused her far more deeply than it did in the light of day. In the twilight the fabrics were muted hues, as if they too awaited dawn to ignite their colours for all to see.

The dark room was like a place out of time, a place to rest without consequence. The darkness in that way was a sanctuary, a place to recharge and forget the things the world said had to be done. It wasn't that Tia couldn't or wouldn't, but rather that she needed that sense of stepping out of the craziness for a while. So, in the darkness that stole even her own form, she was content to let the night pass and awake when daylight streamed in with its bold confidence.

There was something in the darkness that was like a promise, like the world before dawn. It was a room as a canvas rather than a finished work of art, and to Tom, it was all the more exciting. With each movement something new came to his hand, a tiny fragment more of the furniture and antique ornaments took form, as if they were waiting for him to make them real.

Darkness came like the thick velvet curtains of the theatre. It was as if the daytime had been one part of a play and the rest was to come after this intermission of night. Simon let his eyes wander the furniture, the audience to the dramas played out in that room, to the highs and lows of emotions, and to the love that dwelt in that house. As usual he wandered to the window to gaze at the stars, to peek into the universe... the spectacle that was given when all else was taken... as if commanding him to look and feel both his smallness and his oneness with something greater.

In that dark room there were shapes in monochrome, of course the daylight could bring brilliant fuchsia or deepest scarlet, but for now it could be a scene from a black and white movie. The silhouettes were already more discernible than they were only a short while before and Sarah gazed from the window; any moment the sun would kiss the sky orange, igniting a new dawn, bringing the chorus of the birds.

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Short essay on My Room in English @SelfWritingWorld
"The Waiting Room"

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Waiting room
19,890 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,964 themes waiting room - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing Search entire site for waiting room
Setting Description: Emergency Waiting Room
Helping writers become bestselling authors. Setting Description: Emergency Waiting Room. June 5, 2010by ANGELA ACKERMAN. Sight. Automatic sliding doors, beat-up chairs (filled with people who have: broken limbs, cuts, red noses, bruising, scrapes, holding garbage bins to throw up in, are wearing surgical masks, are crying, have been beaten, are ...
Setting Description Entry: Hospital
Setting is much more than just a backdrop, which is why choosing the right one and describing it well is so important. To help with this, we have expanded and integrated this thesaurus into our online library at One Stop For Writers.Each entry has been enhanced to include possible sources of conflict, people commonly found in these locales, and setting-specific notes and tips, and the ...
How to Write Hospital Scenes (21 Best Tips
Here are three complete examples of how to write hospital scenes in different genres. 1. Drama. The hallway of St. Mercy's was dimly lit, echoing with the soft murmurs of the night shift nurses. Elizabeth walked slowly, her heels clicking on the tiles, each step feeling like an eternity as she approached room 309.
How to Write a Hospital Scene in Your Novel
It has to do with your setting details. For example: If your character is in the ICU, he/she won't see a lot of patients walking around with IV poles in their hands. And the rooms in a maternity ward have more privacy than in an ICU setting. If your character is the doctor rather than the patient—they won't be wandering around random hospital ...
How to Write a Hospital Scene
Show who is important to your character and how they share the news with them. It will show a more-in-depth look at your character. The best way to understand anyone is when they are going through a crises. Show your audience who your character truly is and how they handle their news.
Setting Thesaurus Entry: Waiting Room
Sight Tattered magazines, coffee table filled with magazines and travel books, cardboard holders with pamphlets, advertisement posters on the walls, a receptionist's desk, hallway leading to exam rooms, rows of chairs, a toy corner for children (blocks, books, coloring table, trucks), metal chairs with thin-padded seats, a ticket counter & counter clock… Sounds Pages in […]
Essay on The Waiting Room- Creative Writing
Essay on The Waiting Room- Creative Writing. The waiting room was still and quiet except for the hypnotic tick of the old plastic clock hanging on the wall. A smell evoking images of latex gloves and mouthwash hung in the air, as the dentist worked behind the closed door. The little boy across the room fidgeted uncontrollably while his mother ...
How to Use Descriptive Writing to Improve Your Story
In fiction writing, authors bring characters to life and create imaginative settings through descriptive writing—using vivid details, figurative language, and sensory information to paint a picture for readers. Well-crafted descriptive writing draws readers into the story. It's an essential part of storytelling that every author needs to ...
Write with Fey: Writing About: Hospitals
Writers lead their characters to hospitals for many reasons. If one (or several) of your characters end up at a hospital, and you suddenly find yourself scratching your head about where to begin, this article is for you! There are four places in a hospital that you can set as a scene. #1: Operating room.
Setting: POLICE STATION
SIGHTS: A waiting area with chairs, a flag, statuary, a map of the city or county and Rotary Club plaques. A public washroom and water fountain. A glass partition that has to be spoken through to gain entrance. A bell to be rung for service. Doors with electronic locks and keypads. The dispatch room filled with computers, phones, and TVs.
Descriptive Essay On A Waiting Room
Descriptive Essay On A Waiting Room. It had been about 30 minutes since we arrived in the waiting room. The receptionist who was shuffling through paperwork finally motioned for us to come to her counter. "The doctor will be right with you," she said politely. Not much later we when taken inside the office through a large wooden door with a ...
Waiting
There is a kind of waiting that feels like gentle onshore breezes kissing salty stones. It isn't warm but there is a sense of calm, of nature, of things expected. Then there is the kind that feels like the head of a medieval mace is loose in my guts and my head has taken a beating with a hefty plank of wood.
Room With a View: Creative Writing Exercises
Allow yourself to write whatever comes to mind and don't think too hard about it. You can always edit it later. Exercise Two - Room with a View. Windows and the views from them can be a rich source of inspiration for writing. They're a boundary between one space and another, but a transparent boundary and a natural frame for writing.
How to Write about a Time of Anticipation
2. Describe the preparations. This step plays into the common writing advice, "Show; don't tell.". Describe the actions your character takes to prepare for the upcoming event. The way he or she prepares—or on the other hand, does not prepare—builds the sense of anticipation and reveals character in an authentic way. 3.
The Waiting Room: A Short Story
Today's three visitors are Celia, the young woman, overdressed as if for a date, and John and Margaret, the old couple, overdressed as if for church. John shifts in his seat, makes a dash for a ...
Al's Writing Block: Writing: How to Describe a Room
The old man lit a candle that was on the table with a makeshift lighter. The candle illuminated the room, revealing the old man's face to Kurt. The old man went to the corner of the room, where a tub of water sat idle. Kurt noticed that the man rigged a purification system over the tub, allowing him access to relatively clean water.
105 Creative Writing Exercises: 10 Min Writing Exercises
Here are over 105 creative writing exercises to give your brain a workout and help those creative juices flow again: Set a timer for 60 seconds. Now write down as many words or phrases that come to mind at that moment. Pick any colour you like. Now start your sentence with this colour.
Description
Description - Dentists Waiting Room. Dentists Waiting Room It was the day of the painfully dreaded appointment. It didn't help at all that it was about a million below freezing outside. One look out of the small wooden framed window told me that there wasn't much hope of a pleasant journey to the surgery. I loathed the thought of leaving my ...
Writing Activity: Describe Medical Rooms and Hospitals
Medical rooms and hospitals are safe, infantalising, dangerous, creepy, life-saving, traumatising places, and I offer them here as examples of what Foucault called ' heterotopia '. The hospital's ambiguous relationship to everyday social space has long been a central theme of hospital ethnography. Often, hospitals are presented either as ...
creative writing
People often go for a walk around the area of the hospital, even without coats and in crappy weather. Most floors in a hospital have some kind of waiting room. To avoid stereotypes, NEVER have anyone speak to the doctor. And waiting is a bit of a cliché, yet that's what a lot of dying is about. A lot of death is slow, with time to reflect on life.
Setting: BALLROOM
Curved observation balconies on an upper level. Tiered crystal chandeliers glittering in the soft light. Indoor fluted columns (with gold leaf accents and scrollwork) Archway entries. Panel moldings. Decorative inserts and sconces. A spiral staircase and balustrade to the second level. A small orchestra or live band.
Dark room
The dark room was like a place out of time, a place to rest without consequence. The darkness in that way was a sanctuary, a place to recharge and forget the things the world said had to be done. It wasn't that Tia couldn't or wouldn't, but rather that she needed that sense of stepping out of the craziness for a while.

How to Write Hospital Scenes (21 Best Tips + Examples)

1. Understand the Hospital Hierarchy

2. Capture the Hospital Ambiance

3. Use Medical Jargon Judiciously

4. Show the Emotional Toll

5. Research Common Procedures

6. Distinguish between Different Wards

7. Remember the Role of Technology

8. Understand the Patient Experience

9. Highlight Interpersonal Dynamics

10. Address Ethical Dilemmas

11. Don’t Forget the Waiting Rooms

12. Include Flashbacks or Memories

13. Use Senses Beyond Sight

14. Introduce Unexpected Humor

15. Respect Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

16. Show Fatigue and Stress among Healthcare Workers

17. Address the Financial Aspects

18. Highlight Moments of Triumph

19. Include External Influences

20. Detail Personal Keepsakes

21. Remember the Power of Touch

30 Words to Describe Hospital Scenes

30 Phrases to Write Hospital Scenes

3 Full Examples of Writing Hospital Scenes

2. Mystery/Thriller

3. Sci-fi/Fantasy

Final Thoughts: How to Write Hospital Scenes

How to Write a Hospital Scene

» A. Explain to your audience why the character(s) is in the hospital and whether or not it’s for them or a friend/family member.

» B. What do the doctors/ surgeons have to say? Anything good or all bad news? .

» C.Emotions Cannot Be Ignored! !

» A. Describe the room…

» A. Entering the hospital:

» A. Leaving the doctors room, how does your character act?

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August 20, 2013

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Room With a View: Creative Writing Exercises

Exercise Two – Room with a View

Exercise Three – The Witness

Exercise Four – Picture This

Exercise Five – Objects

General tips

How to Write about a Time of Anticipation

The Countdown Begins

2. Describe the preparations.

3. Depict emotion.

Bonus point: Show what changes.

Melissa Tydell

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