Details, Details, Details!

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By Janie Reinart

The power of a story is in the details. Annie Lamott, in Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, says all you have to do is write down as much as you can see through a one-inch picture frame.

 I agree. Focus and give the readers something concrete to hold in their mind and to see with their imagination. Ralph Fletcher, in What a Writer Needs tells us, "Writing becomes beautiful when it becomes specific." 
 
Before my young authors write, I ask them to close their eyes and picture a treasure chest. Next, I direct them to open that treasure chest in their mind and take out three things. I mention the three objects should be something you can hold in your hand that remind you of the person or place you are writing about. The possibilities are endless: a ring, a hat, a piece of candy, the scent from a perfume bottle, a musical instrument, or something in nature.

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Before writing her poem, B. told me about the memory of her mom leaving their home. When I asked what do you remember, B. said mom wore a black coat with only one button. That detail helps us connect with the poignancy of her poem. 

Mom  
by B. in 2^nd grade

Mom you light up

Like the sun

I remember you

With your black coat

Your black button

You called me sweet girl

You and me

Cooked pizza

I cried and cried

Til you came back

I love you mom

I don’t want to cry

Some more

Anthony wanted to write about listening to music with his Grand Dad after school. I asked for specifics and found out the kind of music Grand Dad loved.  Anthony's poem helps us to know his grandfather.

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To My Grand Dad 

By: Anthony in 2nd grade

My Grand Dad

Listens to Jazz

Smooth and neat

As a clarinet

Eats steak

So tasty and juicy

It makes his mouth water

Sits outside

Sun bleached

Feeling cozy

Glad because

He has the day off

Open your treasure chest of details and write something beautiful! We would love to have you post your short poem in the comments to share with us.