Putting down on paper exactly what you want to share, being specific, is an easy way to bring more depth or color to your writing. Instead of tree, tell the reader what kind of tree. Instead of flower, give the reader a rose, a carnation, a lily. The reader will see, and smell and feel the difference. What kind of dog? Boxer, bulldog, jack russel terrier, shar pei or mutt. Show them. Let the reader see the furniture; chaise lounge, broken wooden stool, over-stuffed sofa. There are times when a basic word is all you need, but think about how you are painting a picture for the reader.

Let me show you what I’m talking about. Let’s start with a basic sentence:

The dog ran across the grass to the woman under the tree.

You could make a simple change to:

The beagle sprinted across the grass to Elizabeth who was standing under the pine tree.

Or you might try:

The white poodle skittered across the tight green grass to her owner who was sitting in a pale pink tennis skirt under the shade of a giant oak.

Or maybe:

The bullmastiff lumbered across the dry grass and up to a frail woman who was sitting on a wooden bench. He nuzzled her hand with his muzzle, and leaving her raincoat wet with drool, waddled over and peed on the stump of an old cedar.

These aren’t perfect, but I hope you can see how being more specific can draw a totally different picture?

For today’s writing prompts, let’s give it a try…

WRITING PROMPT 1: Use the example above, the dog ran across the grass to the woman under the tree, and write one or two examples of your own being specific.

WRITING PROMPT 2: Choose your own basic sentence to expand upon.

WRITING PROMPT 3: Samantha was learning to be more specific in her writing but…