When writing a description, decide initially what overall view, tone or impression that you want to convey. Make detailed notes on colour, atmosphere, the senses, movement, action and characters. Select, arrange and present these details in order to achieve the effect you desire. You may be trying to express horror, joy, peacefulness, poverty, luxury, etc. Use only the details that contribute to the general impression.
Comparisons Use similes and metaphors to evoke the appropriate emotions in the reader.
Senses Develop your sensory responsiveness as a means to communicating experience. It is only by applying your own senses and appealing to the reader's senses that you can write vivid description. Vocabulary Read widely and attentively, particularly the work of descriptive writers such as Laurie Lee and Gerald Durrell. Study their use of figurative language, evocative words and colourful phrases. Analyse impressive descriptive passages with a view to incorporating the successful techniques in your own work.