Into the Fire

I mentioned one thing I love about Frank Peretti's writing is his use of all the senses. Sight. Smell. Hearing. Touch. Taste. Spirituality.

Writing requires giving the reader images. Vivid color, pastels, greys, dark, light, bright, dim. Our mental eyes must be given things to view.

Smelling the scents which enhance those visual images gives the reader additional data to heighten the effects of the words painting the picture.

Hearing brings the auditory power into play with words that describe various sounds. The power of silence can create wonder or foreboding. Cacaphonic tumult gives readers the sensation of chaos.

Touch allows the tactile expression to remind the reader of the physical feeling of multiple kinds of objects living, dead, and material.

The various tastes of food, drink, or other less considered things, be they pleasing or disgusting, can stimulate hunger, curiosity, satisfaction, or nausea.

Spirituality is an essential element whether it be implied, subtle, or overt. The spiritual realm should always be an integral portion of story. It has its rightful place and should be as organically employed as all of the other senses.

Do you make a point of using all of the senses?

Father, your word addresses all of our senses. You made us physical beings. It's to our shame when we ignore our spiritual origin. You created the senses. We corrupted them. We need your mercy daily. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.