EXERCISE: Translating from the visual into writing

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original Posting March 27, 2015

Start by picking one of those big action scenes, a visual bit from a movie or TV show that you like. Anna tossing her coat and raising a palace of ice? Or what about... Whatever you like. It could be a small scene, just ordering dinner from the waitress. But make sure that it is largely a visual scene. One where we enjoy the rich background of Mos Eisley Cantina, or perhaps the big blue sky over Texas? And where we get some good strong action, a fistfight, someone riding a wild pumpkin, or something like that.

Now, tell that story in words. Remember, no music, no background setting, just word after word.

Assume that your reader has not seen the show, so you can't just rely on referencing it, reminding them of what they saw. Instead, show them in words what the scene is, who is there, what they are doing, and what happens. Tell them in words what they would hear.

Turn the visual experience that you had into writing. It's good practice!

Write.