How to Write a Novel: Writing with the 5 Senses

Turn a story from something that is merely "read" into something "experienced." Because books—unless they are textbooks or the like—transform and evolve through the meaning the reader assigns to them.

We aren't just offering them words on a page; we are offering an experience.

This is my ultimate goal in my own books. Based on my observations, many writers tend to stick to the same two or three senses when describing a scene, which actually disrupts the flow of the text. This isn't just about descriptions; it’s a vital detail for the atmosphere of the setting. Often, in the rush to tell the story, these elements are overlooked. However, these are the most crucial parts of a story. It is exactly what distinguishes a book from a plain text or a screenplay.

The More Diverse the Senses, the Richer the Reader’s Experience

So, what do we actually do when we read a book? We imagine it inside our heads; then the actions, the clothes, and the lighting play out before our eyes like a movie scene. In a truly high-quality book, it must play out that way. A book is naturally more detailed than a film. This is why many book-to-movie adaptations are disliked—they simply can't capture the essence of the book or the world the reader created in their own mind.

So, how can we achieve this?

There are many ways. First, just write the scene. Simply write the flow of the event. This will be your draft anyway, and we are going to EDIT IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN. And that is perfectly normal. PLEASE DO NOT BE AFRAID OF EDITING. Perhaps I’ll write a separate post about what editing actually means. Anyway, let’s get back to the topic.

Beyond Just Seeing: Start Directing Your Scenes

Now, when reading a book, the reader visualizes it like a movie frame. IN MY OPINION, the clearer and more vivid this visualization, the more successful the book and the author are. Because conveying this through words alone is much harder compared to arts like painting or cinema. And sometimes, as an author, you might fail to fully convey what's in your mind. This is exactly why I say: edit over and over again.

Now let’s think together...

Imagine you’re reading a book written using only the sense of sight. (Which is actually difficult and would be a strange reader experience. ANYWAY. I’M GETTING DISTRACTED.) It only describes actions seen by the eye or the visual transitions of objects and rooms.

Focus is on the eyes.

In reality, you are creating a set design. Think of yourself as the director, and you have a lighting technician. You’re filming a scene. Where would the light look best coming from? Or, using professional terms... Should it be striking, harsh, sharp? Should that light come from above? Should it hit hard? Should it be a cold, white bathroom light? Or the warm glow of a newly risen sun? Gently seeping through the window... A soft orange-yellow, but not like a fire.

What is it highlighting? The eyes? The lips? The posture?..

It changes the subtext of the scene so drastically.

For example, a cold, white bathroom light hitting from above can depict exhaustion perfectly. And you don’t even need to say "he was tired." Instead: "...The cold, flickering white bathroom light from above highlighted the dark circles that had just begun to form under his eyes..."

You felt that exhaustion, didn't you? You could also explain this through his posture—a slight slouch, perhaps. I said 'eyes' and look where the conversation went! Oh well, anyway...

DETAILS!!! Even the angle of that tiny light can tell a massive story.

Of course, writing every single scene like this would be exhausting. Let me tell you that. These "intense" scenes are meant to be savored in small bites. Otherwise, the reader cannot process that density and will drown in it. That is why scene sequencing is so crucial.

Bringing the Setting to Life: Interacting with the Room

From what I’ve observed—and this was a missing piece for me in the past too—interacting with the room is something we often overlook. It’s because you get overwhelmed by what you don't know. You don't know what you know, and even worse, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW.

That’s why I’m here. Stay calm.

Interacting with the room makes the book feel more like a movie scene. Yes, you are telling a story, but the reader must feel, see, smell, and taste it. Phrases like "He looked at that," "She held this," "He grabbed the sword," or "She bit it"... these are just beginner-level, passive sentences.

You should write like this: For example, when he looks at something, don’t immediately jump to the next action. Support it with internal dialogue or thoughts, like: "...When I looked at her, it felt as if her green eyes were hiding something..." or "...I couldn't look at her. What would happen if I did? What would change?.." Do those eyes sparkle?

EVERYTHING IN YOUR STORY MUST SERVE A PURPOSE.

How will that look affect my character arc? DETAILS!!! Now, if you’re saying to me, "Ece, what is this? It’s too much. Just write and get it over with. Not everything has to have a meaning"... then you have no respect for this craft or the fiction you’re writing. I’m sorry, but it’s true. Please, be willing to push yourself a little. Stop huffing and puffing.

DON'T JUST DO SOMETHING FOR THE SAKE OF DOING IT.

Now, where was I? Ah, yes! The looks. Are they angry? Are they hiding something? Even the inability to look is special... even the refusal to look. I suppose I’m not the only one who understands these subtexts just because I’m a psychologist. These details will take your fiction to the next level, allowing you to portray your characters exactly as you want. It’s not about different words; it’s about different nuances.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE DETAILS!

For instance, how is the room? Is it large? Small? Damp? Airy? What are the character’s thoughts about it? Is there a window? If so, where? How does the light enter? Does it blind the character or not? etc. etc.

Passive vs. Active Sentences

You often write in passive sentences, and this actually hinders your creativity. In visual descriptions, the choice between active and passive sentences determines how the reader "sees" the scene and where the camera is focused. This choice allows us to read through that person’s mind, past, and perspective.

Active Sentences (Character or Object-Oriented)

In active sentences, the subject performs the action. This adds movement, speed, and vitality to the scene. It is perfect for moments of discovery, high-action sequences, or scenes with deep psychological weight. It brings the reader closer to the character's mind and creates a sense that the scene is happening "right now."

Visuals don't just sit there. For example: "The sunlight filtered through the dusty glass and illuminated the photograph on the table." As for sensory impact, it’s like the sharp scent of mint I mentioned before, or the smell of rotting food spreading through the house while emptying the fridge in my own story.

Passive Sentences (Atmosphere and Object-Oriented)

In passive sentences, the focus is not on who does the action, but on what is affected by it. While they should be used carefully to maintain the "Show, Don't Tell" rule, they are unique for creating atmosphere.

I use them for what I call "passive events," and I place great importance on these in a story. They are just like the things a client doesn't want to say in therapy, but their body tells us anyway.

Using this for things the character suppresses, isn't aware of, or is trying to escape is ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT. Atmospherically, for example: "The old armchair in the corner of the room, worn down by the weight of time." or "I found myself transfixed by the sound of music coming from afar."

Additionally, what I mean by "passive events" are things like: "My leg was shaking involuntarily.'""My eye was twitching.'""Thoughts were swirling in my head."

Back to the Topic Before I Forget (I might have forgotten. Some ADHD Problems)

What I’m explaining doesn’t mean: "Oh, these are wrong, and these are right!" No. As I always say: TAKE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU, AND ADD IT TO YOUR STORY AS YOU WISH. DON'T LET IT RESTRICT YOUR CREATIVITY.

These are just ideas, a perspective.

Love y'all! Muah!