I’ve been re-reading my Tony Hillerman books for about the hundredth time.  That man sure could paint scenery and put you into it with his words.  As writers, we sometimes forget to use all the five senses when we’re writing.  Sure, we can write scene after scene and use one or two of the senses, but we do forget there are five we can utilize.

     In one paragraph, Hillerman could make you see, hear, smell, touch, and even taste the surroundings he created.  I envy his skill and strive to sharpen mine. 

     I keep a paper hanging by my monitor and written on it are these questions, what does the character see?  Hear?  Smell?  Feel?  Taste?  It’s a constant reminder to me to utilize the senses to draw my readers deeper into the story.

     I find that all my favorite authors manage to draw me in by use of the senses.  Whether I’m reading mysteries, fantasies, or suspense novels it’s the use of the common, the simple things one forgets to use, that draws me in the fastest.

     What draws you deeper into a story?