1. Chapter 3 Writing with Detail

2. Is it better to write about what you know personally in you own experience, or to write about things that are far removed from your own experience and which you imagine? Are you comfortable writing about things in your past? How good a scientist are you—observing, recording detail, making notes? Warm Up 3.1

3. Choose one of the passages and list what was being described with specific sensory detail—smell, sound, sight, taste, touch Which passage is most descriptive, in terms of detail? Which passage creates the strongest image in your mind? Practice 3.1

4. Find an object, an ordinary object you have all the time— pen, comb, key, spoon, book, etc. Study the object with your senses Write 200 words describing it Do not include how you feel about the object. Simply describe its physical characteristics Practice 3.2 (Homework)

5. Gather enough rocks so that everyone in the group has one. Have someone mark each rock with a number or code Pass out the rocks, each person writes down (in a secret place) the number or code Each person writes a description of the rock using sensory detail (measurement, color, texture, smell, weight, etc.) Pile the rocks and papers separately on a desk Each person gets a description paper. Try to match it to the rock If you think you find match, read the description out loud to group Continue process until all rocks are identified Practice 3.2a (Group Project) ROCKS

6. Go outside with a partner Notebook, pencil, and timer One person writes, one person times Partner calls out a sense, “Sound,” and the other person writes Practice 3.3: Five senses/Three Minutes

7. Describe your own face while looking in the mirror Use sensory detail and existential insights Practice 3.3a: Mirror, Mirror

8. Pick a noun Pick a verb Write for ten minutes about what those words suggest to you Practice 3.4Nouns and Verbs

9. Write for five minutes to the following impersonal prompts Window Darkness Car Sugar Baby Write for five minutes to the following personal prompts Love Betrayal Sickness Ambition Practice 3.4aImpersonal/Personal

10. Pick two paintings and two photographs (see website for link) Look at one piece at a time, then write A) all the specific, non-emotional, sensory details B) all of specific personal, imaginative details Practice 3.6Images and Words