creative writing about weather

BRYN DONOVAN

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Master List for Describing Weather

A lot of writers struggle with describing settings. I’ve written before about how to describe settings and why it matters , but a few people have told me they’d like me to do some of my master lists for writers to help them out!

I have a weird love for creating lists like this, so I’m happy to do it. “How to describe weather” seemed like a good place to start. This way, you won’t get stuck trying to figure out how to describe nice weather, or thinking up ways to describe rain. Hopefully, this will make your writing go faster.

I always include simple as well as more creative ways to describe or write about weather. Sometimes, the simple word is the one you want! I included dryness and humidity in a few of the categories because it felt weird for them to get their own.

As always, this is not a comprehensive list, and I might add to it. My list will probably make you think of other possibilities, too. Bookmark or pin it for future writing reference!

HOT WEATHER

blazing sunshine

glaring sun

baking in the sun

sun-drenched

scorching heat

extravagant heat

relentless sun

like a suana

dense tropical heat

radiating heat

blistering heat

oppressive heat

insufferable heat

suffocating heat

heat pressing down

searing sun

shimmering heat

like an oven

like a furnace

WARM / PLEASANT WEATHER

(“Pleasant” is a matter of opinion, of course.)

a beautiful day

a clear day

a temperate day

a golden day

a glorious day

heavenly weather

bright and sunny

a gorgeous spring day

a dazzling summer day

a brilliant autumn day

a vivid blue sky

a cloudless sky

fluffy white clouds

gentle sunshine

lazy sunshine

kind sunshine

filtered sunlight

dappled sunlight

welcome warmth

one of those rare, perfect days

the kind of day that made people forget to worry

the kind of day that lifted people’s moods

COOL WEATHER

refreshing air

stimulating cool air

invigorating cool air

bracing cool air

a nip in the air

a brisk day

a chilly day

weak sunshine

GRAY / OVERCAST WEATHER

(Most people don’t like gray days, so most of these descriptions are negative. I love them, so I had to add a few positive descriptions.)

colorless sky

a soft gray sky

a dove-gray sky

a gray day made for books and tea

steel-gray sky

granite sky

cement-gray sky

threatening clouds

foreboding clouds

COLD WEATHER

glacial air

bitter cold

brutal cold

bone-chilling cold

penetrating cold

devastating cold

numbing cold

punishing cold

dangerous cold

unforgiving cold

too cold to talk

so cold it burned one’s lungs

so cold it took one’s breath away

like a blast from a hair dryer

a gust of wind

insistent winds

heavy winds

strong winds

cutting wind

whipping winds

biting wind

wintry squall

violent gale

howling wind

shifting winds

restless wind

fresh breeze

soft breeze

balmy breeze

perfumed breeze

slight breeze

hint of a breeze

stirring breeze

wind rustling through the trees

fine drizzle

gray drizzle

pebbles of falling rain

spitting rain

stinging rain

steady rain

rain falling in torrents

cascades of rain

rain beating down

shower of rain

sheets of rain

hard-driving rain

pelting rain

lashing rain

slashing rain

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING

rumbling in the distance

a roll of distant thunder

crash of thunder

crackle of thunder

crack of thunder

clap of thunder

bang of thunder

booming thunder

rattled with thunder

earth-shaking thunder

tempestuous

a furious storm

flash of lightning

streaks of lightning

SNOW AND ICE

flurries of snow

dancing flakes

snowflakes floating down

snowflakes wafting down

swirling snow

falling thick and fast

big flakes falling like petals

blinding snowstorm

raging blizzard

sparkling expanses

blankets of white

caked with snow

boulders of snow

branches coated in ice

glittering ice

crystallized by frost

silvered with frost

clouds of mist

swirling mist

billowing fog

cloaked in mist

cocooned in fog

shrouded in fog

enveloped by fog

smothered by fog

made mysterious by fog

the fog rolled in

the fog was burning off

the fog was lifting

the fog was clearing

the fog was dissipating

I have many lists like this in my book Master Lists for Writers: Thesauruses, Plots, Character Traits, Names, and More . Check it out!

Master Lists for Writers by Bryn Donovan

Do you describe weather conditions in your writing? Do you have a favorite example of a weather description? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading, and happy writing!

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How To Describe Settings – and Why It Matters #how to write more descriptively #how to describe scenery in writing #how to make a novel longer

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160+ Ways to Describe Weather

I keep a collection of descriptions that have pulled me into the books I read. I’m fascinated how authors can–in just a few words–put me in the middle of their story and make me want to stay there. This one’s 160+ Ways to Describe Weather.

A note: These are for inspiration only . They can’t be copied because they’ve been pulled directly from an author’s copyrighted manuscript (intellectual property is immediately copyrighted when published).

Evening shadows deepened into blue and purple.
The shadows retreated.
Sun was sinking toward the horizon, the pitiless white ball now an angry orange.
Fading afternoon in early June
Evening sky had turned to molten brass.
Sun still cast a faint yellow light through Slowly gathering evening.
Daylight had begun to drain away.
one-quarter of a moonlit night
silver-white moon hung
A half-moon rests in the fronds over our heads.
watching the horizon drain of color
The shadows slipped up the rocks as though the world were drowning in darkness.
deepening shadows made it a city of ghosts
barely visible in the fading light
the high heavens
Darkness settled around him.
The shadows slipped up the rocks.
Evening was crisp already, the last of sunset just a fading pale stripe in the western sky.
darkening river
the moon golden at dawn, turn purple just before sunset in the rainy season, sometimes has white and black stripes created by volcanic ash, calm and clear sometimes attended by only a single cloud
humpback shapes of conical hills
The last rays of sun skimmed the surface.
late afternoon sun
velvety darkness
night shattered like a mirror
the Southern Cross lying on its side, the green meadow bathed in the humid light of the sinking sun
The corners have just about disappeared into the shadows.
black branches that traced the blue-black heavens overhead
far away down the night sky
full moon a pale blue-white disk
night sky dull black
Stars were remote pinpricks.
a half-moon rests in the fronds over our heads
inky blackness
Thick clouds blotted out the stars.
A thin layer of clouds masked the full moon, filling the room with blue light.
Sun cast a luminescent glow.
The day was out of sync with his mood.
beautiful, 82 degrees, mild breeze, cloudless sunshine, a day for looking at a ball game
The air was cool but the sun was out.
The wind blew itself out overnight.
a web of clouds, back-lit by the failing sun, mist billowed through the trees and over the fields and hung low in the air, masking the camp in a ghostly gray
towering thunder clouds
Clouds threatening, but no rain predicted the 45-mile per hour gusts of drizzly wind.
brown cloud that passes for air
a wedge of sunlight bursting past the narrow window
The wind was icy and withering.
Heads bowed against the gusting wind.
Grit grated in his teeth. Dust was everywhere, blowing on the wind, leaving its scent in his nostrils.
as dust motes drifted
thirty miles over the horizon
razor edge of the horizon
cinder dust and gloom
The haze floated over the crowd like smoke from a doused fire.
Sun hanging in a pink haze of clouds and smog.
Fog yellowed by agricultural burning.
Fog began to billow across the road in a great grey mass like the effluent of a thousand smokestacks. The building was only a shadowy form, almost entirely lost to view.
Headlamps of cars did little to pierce the gloom.
The mist floated like smoke out of the cypress in the swamp.
dark clouds drifting over the hills
night was pitch
slice of sky
thick clouds blotted out the stars
a thin layer of clouds masked the full moon, filling the room with blue light
cool restful shady world with light filtering lazily through the treetops that meet high overhead and shut out the direct sunlight
saw the anvil of cloud coming in. “A thunderstorm.”
Cumulus clouds falling down to the…
A light breeze whispered through the trees.
cloud shadows
first cumulus clouds darkening into thunderheads
hold humidity like a sponge holds water
thick heat of the growing morning
fierce humidity
windless heat
It was surprisingly hot. He could feel the sweat roll down his sides and the dampness of the box up against his chest.
Even with the breeze, the air remained thick and hot, and it stills tank of petroleum.
sky as gray-white and sunless
against the fading layers of orange, yellow
shoulders hunched against the early morning damp and cool
fused warm light of dawn now creeping down the summit
bathed in sunlight
gold shadow not three inches from his leg
his breath steaming in the air
Snow pelted his face and he pulled up the collar of his overcoat to further shield him from the bitter weather.
rubbed his arms
A harsh winter wind blew out of a midnight sky. It roared out of the frigid north and thrashed the brooking forest. The force of it bent trees, whipping their bare branches like angry lashes. Shrieking across the river.
Cold was like that, seeping through her seven layers of clothing, attacking seams and zipper tracks and spots of thin insulation. The exposed skin on her face felt as if it had been touched with lit cigarettes.
frigid Friday morning
swirling snow
winter’s naked branches created a black tracework
The sun was climbing out of the deep well of winter, but it was still brutally cold.
winter colors daubed the land in colors of brown and gray
sunny, crisp and cool
The crisp air and clear sky energized his thoughts.

Rainy weather

grey wet morning
rain-swept and unpleasantly chilly
A flurry of rain stung my face.
Cold rain was beating down on my windshield.
The sky was leaden.
Downpour started in the early evening and continued on through the night, a heavy pelting of water that thundered against rooftops and drowned out the sound of all else. By morning, city streets were shallow rivers rushing toward the ocean.
Rain ran down the window, the streets gleamed.
damp paving stones
By the time it reaches the ground, it has spent its energy.
windshield wipers barely keeping up with the cold, hard rain
The rain came steady and cold against the windshield and rattled on the roof of the car.
turned her head away and looked out my window, where it had gotten dark and shiny with the lights glistening off the rain.
The maple trees were black and slick in the rain, their bare branches shiny. The flower bed was a soggy matting of dead stems.
The sky was low and gray.
Air was swollen.
the rain was steady and warm and vertical
drizzly rain
The sleety rain drizzled down, not very hard and not very fast, but steady.
Rain came down so hard it almost hurt, stinging the skin and blowing into the eyes and nose and mouth, but in the forest its fall is broken by the trees.
saw a distant flash of lightning, counted the seconds, and then said, “six miles, more or less.”

People in hot weather:

Heat wave hit, temperatures went soaring.
The heat hit them like a hand in the face.
strode into the dusk, into the stifling heat
The heat smacked the grin off his face.
Burst back into the blistering hot sun. Sweat immediately beaded across her brow. She could feel her T-shirt glue itself stickily to her skin.
I could feel the sweat form along my backbone and trickle down.
She slogged forward, feeling blotches of dark gray sweat bloom across the front of her T-shirt, while more trailed down the small of her back.
slogging across pavement as hot as ash in August.
white dress shirt, sharply pressed this morning, was now plastered against his chest
already short of breath, his lungs laboring as they headed down the path
still wrung out from working in the heat
Take your shirt off. Pop your underwear in the freezer. Dump a tray of ice cubes on your bed. Throw back some chilled vodka shots before you go to sleep.
The semi-drought slowly draining the life out of the grass and trees.
Only 7 in the morning, and already stocky hot. *** had a sheen across his forehead.
Sweat tricked from his forehead which he wiped with the back of his knotted, callused hand.
hundred degree heat, burning sun and parching salt
ninety-five outside, probably a hundred in the car. Not great weather for polyester suits
a fresh drop of sweat teared up on her brow and made a slow, wet path down the plane of her cheek
walking through a hair dryer
The heat slammed her like a blow.
*** cranked the air-conditioning. She stripped off her sweat-soaked clothes, climbed into the shower and scrubbed.
answered the phone while used the other hand to wipe the sweat from the back of her neck. God this heat was unbearable. The humidity level had picked up on Sunday and hadn’t done a thing to improve since.
*** thin green sundress was already plastered to her body while she could feel fresh dewdrops of moisture trickle stickily down between her breast.
Cradled the phone closer to her damp ear
Her face shiny with sweat.
Summer sun remained a brilliant, blinding white. No shade existed for miles and the heat rising up from the baked earth was brutal.
The summer heat came off the tarmac in waves.

Hot Weather

While the mercury climbed to a hundred degrees. Efforts started strong, then petered out. People got hot, got tired, got busy with other things—inside things.
Seemed to be bracing himself for leaving the cool comfort of air-conditioning behind and bursting once more into the heat
The heat settled in on them, rolling in like a heavy blanket and pressing them deep into their chairs while their clothing glued to their skin.
Even my teeth are sweating
The sun beat down relentlessly; even with the AC cranked up, she could feel the heat.
She could already feel sweat trickle down her back.
The sun burned white-hot overhead.
glass exploding from the heat of the sun
vanish in the dry season’s brown leaves

Click for the complete list of 69 writer’s themed descriptions .

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Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Man vs. Nature saga, the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers , and the acclaimed Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy . She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice , and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Savage Land Winter 2024

122 thoughts on “ 160+ Ways to Describe Weather ”

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Weaving words so perfectly – Thanks for sharing. And overnight, a transformation. Summer at last.,, .

Like Liked by 1 person

These really inspire me. I often read through my collections when I’m stuck.

helped my writing

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Reblogged this on Coffee82 and commented: Awesome.

Like Liked by 2 people

Nice collection! A lot of poetic and inventive phrasing there.

✨🙏🕉🌱🌿🌳🌻💚🕊☯🐉✨

Weather is so many different things to different people. Not surprising I found 160 descriptions of it.

Ha! yes – that got me thinking about the old “Number of words for snow” question, and I found this . As a Scot myself though I have to say I am very, very skeptical of the final claim in that article!

I’ve heard of that, too. Luckily, my folks don’t have that problem but it is truly an issue if you’re writing about present-day groups in snowy lands.

Appreciate your list of ways to describe the weather. Timeless too. Here I am 2 years since your post and inspired by your creativity. Take care, Steve

It is timeless, isn’t it! When I put this list together, it helped me to better appreciate weather.

Impressive list. (Mine, now!) I’m compiling one for similes. Raymond Chandler makes me smile with his off the wall analogies. I recently added a Writing Terms Checklist on my free checklists page. It was too long for a post. Thanks for all you do!

I like checklists. I’ll check yours out!

Hi Jacqui, Thanks for reading my modest post. What an accomplished woman you are! What would we do without words, eh! Cheers. Joy x

Thanks, Joy. I enjoyed your thoughts. It’s amazing what inspired such accomplished writers as the Brontes.

Excellent list, Jacqui. I even get lots of ideas for titles, something I’m always struggling with entering competitions.

I grab these from books I read. You can probably tell I favor thrillers, action. I like ‘weather’ and ‘setting’ to be a character as much as the others.

That’s an amazing compilation. Thanks for sharing!!

Thanks! These sorts of lists inspire me.

An awesome post, Jacqui. Thank you. Weather intrigues. It is joy-filled and sometimes furious. God is bowling upstairs during a thunderstorm. Be well and enjoy the week. ox

Thanks–weather is fascinating. I like when I can feel it through an author’s words.

Indeed and thank you, Jacqui. Word play is an enjoyable activity. We have about seven months of winter, two days of spring and then summer at our end of the pond in Upstate New York. I love my four seasons. Be well.

7 months of winter. I didn’t know NY was that cold! Good to know so I never move there!

Jacqui, I laughed at your comment. We live near Lake Ontario and Oneida Lake and get frequent lake effect snow storms in winter. When I first moved to this area, I learned about lake effect snowstorms. We have excellent snow removal though so come on over sometime. Colorful in Autumn too.

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These are great, Jacqui! And yes, inspirational. It’s good to see how other authors describe things; it gives ideas on alternates.

It is. There are some very clever minds out there.

What an epic list 😀 Reminds me of a ‘music’ video we were recommended to watch for university called ’50 words for snow.’ It’s fun to think of different ways to describe things!

That must be put out by Eskimos. They know more about snow than anyone I’ve seen.

That’s a long list, Jacqui. So many ways to tell the day. Thanks for sharing this!

It’s one of my longest! Who knew?

That’s a lot of ideas for talking about the weather 🙂

Dinner party chat.

Quite eloquent 🙂

These lists are so inspirational! Thank you for posting this.

It is pretty interesting to view weather through so many literary eyes, innit?

Yes, indeed. I learn so much. 🙂

great list Jacqui. i use the weather regularly in my stories to create a specific mood. thanks for the info.

A bit of unexpected inspiration. Who knew weather was so interesting?

exactly, Jacqui. i also post weather images regularly on instagram. especially the colours of sunrises and sunsets in clouds during different seasons and different weather conditions.

Interesting post, Jacqui. Thanks.

I highlight memorable phrases in the Kindle books I read. Although I no longer transcribe them into a file on my computer (too time-consuming), the mere act of highlighting imprints the phrases in my mind. If an author particularly impresses me, I can scroll through the highlights and reread the highlights for inspiration.

That’s how I do it, too. I like it so well, I’ve migrated from being a print book reader to a Kindle reader.

It’s nice to see the wide variety of language. Not that it is needy. I can describe the weather currently in my area in one word — sucky! 😀

Ah South Korea. It rained most of the time on my one visit there. And no one but me seemed to care!

We’re having a monsoon right now. Don’t remember having a good one of these for a while.

I remember my son telling me July was the typhoon season, which is why we visited in May. Stay safe!

Nothing that crazy. We had a tropical depression pass through, but that’s it. It’s just wet.

I love the idea of keeping a notebook with descriptions that catch your attention. I’m going to start doing this.

Mine is so long,d I added a table of contents with links to the sections! I’m a bit nuts about it.

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I love the way you compile and share these lists with us, Jacqui. They are amazing and so helpful. Can I confess something? I share some of them with my creative writing students, and then give them prompts where they have to include 3 or more things from your lists. Will be interesting to see how I do that with weather. 🙂

This one got a little long. Who knew there were so many clever ways to describe weather?

I am flattered you share them! I would say weather could surprise them.

This one IS long – but weather gives us a lot to talk about and a lot to experience. I love the list. I will say, the prompt my students seem to love the best is. (are you sitting down?) “It was a dark and stormy night…” 🙂

Reblogged this on Marina Costa and commented: Interesting and useful to know.

Thanks for sharing, Marina!

The English should love this…

I would say India not so much. Do you-all get anything other than hot and humid or too-darn-windy?

What a helpful post, Jacqui! It reminds me of how we can put effort into our descriptions.

BTW, you won a book on my blog. Please confirm there.

Ooh, sorry I missed that. I just went over and replied and then emailed my info to you. How exciting!

Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner and commented: I love her lists of descriptions. I hope you find them as helpful as I do.

Thanks for sharing this! It puts to bed any thought that weather is boring, doesn’t it?

That’s quite a collection, Jacqui. Isn’t it amazing that each of us can conjure something unique?

It is! Next time you don’t know what to say to someone, you can eruditely talk about the weather!

That’s so funny. Weather ‘small’ talk. Who would’ve thought. 😂

Great post. That’s a wonderful collection

Thank you so much, Luisa. It’s hard to make weather interesting but some very clever authors have done just that.

Jacqui, I love this post. The more I have been reading, the more I recognize how important it is for authors to paint a picture in your mind. To be able to put you right in the middle of the books setting. Sometimes when my mind has trailed off the story, it is descriptions like these that put my mind right back in.

That’s true, innit. A little inspiration to start your day.

I love your descriptions of weather and the times of day. Such descriptions can help add a sense of time in a story (just as the phases of the moon or the stars can create time (crescent moon in evening is aa new waxing moon, crescent moon in morning before sunrise is a waxing moon just before the “dark of the moon” which are the three days the moon is in the shadow of the earth. As for stars: Orion in winter, Scorpus in summer, etc). The dog star in Canis Major, Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, rising in late summer (as it rises just before daylight) is linked to “dog days” of summer…

I also like the old graveside prayer that describes the end of life: “until the shadows lengthen and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at last.”

What a wonderful poem. I’ve copied it. It captures so much of the fear and hope.

Thanks for these awesome examples, Jacqui! Saving and sharing…

It’s always fun to talk about the weather, innit?

New Jersey weather: moist ‘n’ icky.

Good description, especially the ‘icky’.

I calls ‘em like I sees ‘em.

Oh my, Jacqui. I love your lists and that’s a good long one. Great thought starters. Thanks for sharing your collection!

Since we-all know we must cover weather, I thought these were clever asnd interesting ways to do that!

Ha ha ha. I love weather. 😀

Right now there is only one way to describe the weather here in my city: hot

Here, too, though I have an excellent fan in my home office.

Some great phrases here, Jacqui. I am reading The Long Walk by Bachman/King at the moment and that has some very descriptive phrases in it.

Oooh, I’ll have to look at him. I love nature writers.

It’s not a nature book, it is a dark psychological horror.

Woah! OK, that’s different!

Darn! All the things I was about to write! 😀

Hehee. These are beyond most of what I write but I’ve seen what you turn out. Excellent.

Wonderful post!

Thanks, Ed. Food for thought…

A lot, just wonderful and so helpful.

My goodness …. can I just say ‘HOT’ … luckily today it’s cooler with a sea breeze … I need to read them all – clever and thank you! Cheers Hilary

Hot works. Absolutely.

Hahaha can I just say HOT, or the weather outside is weather yeah?

What a wonderful list, Jacqui! These are descriptions that always make me pause and reread them to fully enjoy them. They do draw the reader deep the story. I enjoyed reading these, thanks:)

Thanks! They do that for me, too, and that’s why I couldn’t just read and move on. I had to note them!

Some of these are quite lovely. Thanks for sharing.

If you recognized them from your outdoors scenes, feel free to add a note!

I actually didn’t recognize any of them. 🤔

OMG, Jacqui. What an amazing list Thanks for sharing.

It’s really nice for those whose plots take place outdoors a lot!

BTW, finished your book. Couldn’t stop reading. Wonderful.

Thank you, Jacqui. You put a smile on my face:)

Wow, great post. Bookmarking.

Amazing how much there is to say about the weather, innit?

I love weather, the seasons, earth and sky. There were some lovely gems in this collection. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, Mae. I didn’t used to think much about the weather until I had to write about it, and make it interesting! These really struck me.

A terrific resource Jacqui. Thank you.

Thanks so much, Brigid. I couldn’t believe how many weather descriptors I had!

Nice information thanks

Thanks! Everyone writes about weather, right?

Great list, Jacqui. Thanks so much for sharing.

Thanks, Jill. Who says weather isn’t interesting? Hmm??

I think I’d like to be a meteorologist in my next life. 🙂

Reblogged this on chrismakan .

Thanks for sharing!

Wow this is very educative

I love how some writers weave their words so perfectly.

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Describe The Weather In Writing With Better Vocabulary

When you describe the weather in writing, you set the scene for your story or a part of your story.

It’s an opportunity to show readers the setting rather than tell them about the weather using a couple of quick adjectives.

Using highly descriptive or figurative language and a variety of grammar structures helps you paint the picture vividly in a reader’s mind.

In almost every story, both fiction and nonfiction, there is usually at least one reference to the weather.

How to describe the weather in writing

We all know this famous opening line from Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s 1830 novel, Paul Clifford.

It was a dark and stormy night.

Many have criticized the phrase, and Writer’s Digest went as far as to call it the literary poster child for bad story starters.

The main issue is that it uses two very weak adjectives: dark and stormy. Neither of them is usefully descriptive.

The second problem with the phrase is that it starts with a grammatical expletive .

When writing about the weather, using it was, or there was is a common writing fault. It’s because we so often refer to the weather as it.

But few people take into account what follows Bulwer-Lytton’s famous clause. It’s a pity because the complete sentence is a wonderful example of how to describe the weather in writing.

It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents—except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness.

He uses descriptive noun phrases , strong verbs, and powerful adjectives.

The combination of these three elements paints a vivid picture for readers.

Choosing your vocabulary

You can find many lists of common and unusual words to describe the weather, so you have plenty of choices.

But you should avoid words that are too simplistic. It was hot, cold, windy, or rainy are all very weak expressions.

But if you describe the heat, the cold, the wind, or the rain with noun phrases, you can improve these easily.

The sun started baking early across the plains, delivering a scorching promise for the day ahead.

The cruel icy wind cut like a knife across her cheeks.

Rain, as always, arrived too little, too late to save the crops.

Words that are not widely understood are also worth avoiding. While it’s interesting to find new words, not all of them are useful.

A good example is petrichor. It is the smell or scent of rain arriving after a period of dry weather.

But it is difficult to use, and it might send readers hunting for a dictionary.

The petrichor gave a hint of hope to the farmers.

It would be better to use a descriptive phrase.

The sweet far off scent of rain on dying grass gave hope to the farmers.

Brontide is another, meaning the sound of distant thunder or rumblings of an earth tremor. Again, it’s a great word to know, but with very limited use in writing.

Try this simple formula

Anytime you need to write about the weather, keep this little trick in mind.

Start with a noun phrase, use a strong verb , then add a descriptive clause .

You also need to describe the noun and verb with adjectives and adverbs.

Here’s a quick example.

The heavy dark clouds rolled slowly and low across the parched pastures, but they were heartbreakers, as not a drop of rain fell before the cruel wind carried them away.

It’s an easy way to make sure you avoid the grammatical expletive and weak adjectives.

You can also experiment with similes or metaphors . For example, raining cats and dogs.

Use verbs that sound like the weather

Onomatopoeic verbs and words are perfect for describing the weather because they make a sound.

Here are a few examples to illustrate sound words.

The pitter-patter of raindrops.

Thunder rumbled overhead.

Light hail pinged on the window pane.

With each step, the fresh snow crunched underfoot.

A bolt of lightning cracked across the night sky.

A cold north wind hissed through the trees.

A sudden boom of thunder forewarned us of the approaching storm.

Verbs and words like these are extremely useful because they are action words and highly descriptive.

This article is not a lesson or lecture on how to describe the weather in writing.

It’s purely a reminder that you can always improve.

I have listed a few ideas above, but there are many more ways you can make the weather more interesting.

All it takes is to remember that the setting for a scene or a story needs careful thought and imagination.

But if there are two key takeaways from my article, they are these.

1. Avoid using the grammatical expletive when referencing the weather.

2. Use noun phrases and strong verbs.

If you do those two things, the rest of your weather scene setting will come very easily.

Related reading: Words To Avoid In Writing That Say Nothing

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33 Writing Prompts about Weather

Whether or not you enjoy small talk, you have to admit that the weather is important and affects our everyday lives.

We experience many types of weather on Earth, from hot and sunny days to snow-covered nights, and everything else in between.

Rain or shine, these writing prompts aim to help get your brain thinking, so you can turn that thinking into writing!

How to use these prompts:

Using these prompts is simple! Pick one of the prompts from the list and start crafting an answer.

You can go in numerical order down the list or pick a prompt at random.

Remember, don’t judge yourself during this process, just write! Sometimes all it takes is a little inspiration to get us writing and thinking.

Neither snow nor rain nor heat will keep you from enjoying these writing prompts all about the weather! 😉

The 33 Weather Prompts:

What is your favorite kind of weather? (Rainy, sunny, cloudy, etc.)
Write about your perfect sunny day. What activities would you do, and where would you go?
Write about your perfect rainy day in and what you would do.
Write about your ideal snow day. What would you do, and where would you go?
What is your least favorite kind of weather? Why?
Why do you think the weather changes?
Where do you think rain comes from? How can we know?
Where do you think snow comes from? What makes it different from rain?
What do you think the phrase “under the weather” means?
How does the weather change what activities we can do outside?
What do you think the phrase “it’s raining cats and dogs” means?
If the rain was a person, what would they be like?
If the snow was a person, what would they be like?
If the wind was a person, what do you think they would be like?
Why does weather change with the seasons?
Why do you think the weather is different around the world?
Do you think other planets have weather? Why or why not?
If you had to live in the same kind of weather for a year, what would you pick and why?
How are meteorologists able to predict and forecast the weather?
Write about a day when you experience all types of weather in 24 hours.
Try to explain what weather is to someone from another planet who has never seen the rain or felt the wind before.
The word weather sounds like the word whether, but how are they different?
Write about a day when it rains the entire day without stopping.
What do you think the phrase “when it rains, it pours” means?
Imagine you live in a place that is sunny all year long. Would you get tired of it or enjoy it? Why?
Imagine you live in a place where it snows every day of the year and write about it.
Invent a new kind of weather and write about a week of your life with that weather.
Do you think wind is a type of weather? If not, what is it?
Imagine that it rains for a month straight. How would life be different?
What would life be like without any weather at all?
Pretend that you can control the weather. What would you do and why?
When someone says they have “stolen your thunder,” what does that mean?
Would you ever want to be a meteorologist and try to predict the weather? Why or why not?

Left wanting more?

We love providing free writing and reading resources on our website.

Check out our other writing prompts and ideas for students of any age. You might like to try writing about the rain , or the sun , or the ocean for instance!

If you have any suggestions or recommendations for us, please break the ice and get in touch with us, we’d love to hear from you! Thanks and see you again soon 🙂

How to Use Weather in Creative Writing

If you are a bit hesitant to use weather in your writing , you’re not alone. After all, there’s a fine line between using weather as a setting tool and turning your work into a melodrama riddled with clichés. But avoiding weather altogether is a mistake all on its own.

The weather plays a significant role in creative writing. Not only can it be used in all kinds of atmospheric descriptions and to move the plot forward, but it also sets the tone, foreshadows upcoming events, and can portray emotion within the story.

If weather feels like a recipe for disaster, you might not be utilizing it right. Not to worry! Below, we will show exactly how you should be using weather in your creative writing so you can add that extra bit of “umpf” to your story.

Use Weather to Set the Scene

One of the easiest and most natural ways to use weather is to set the scene. This is also where a lot of writers mess up.

Now, we’re not saying you should give your reader a full weather report at the beginning of a scene. Not only is that boring and unnecessary, but it delays the story and can pull a reader from immersion. However, if you don’t mention the weather at all, an essential element will be missing from your writing. Weather is a great way to create mood and drive the plot , and it allows readers to visualize and feel the world you’re creating.

Weather as Setting

When it comes to creative writing , the weather is a crucial part of the setting. It plays a big role in allowing the reader to immerse themselves into the world you are creating.

For example, imagine that a town was described by a character as “wet and dreary 365 days a year.” Now imagine that the writer only gave details of the architecture, food, and people in the town. It would feel like something was missing.

You might be waiting for the mention of the clouds in the sky or the wetness in the air, whether that be rain or fog. Maybe the town is by the ocean? Something to show you why the town is considered wet.

Avoid weather in your writing can leave the reader asking questions and pull them away from the story.

Creating Mood with Weather

The weather you choose and the way you describe it can completely set the mood of a scene.

Let’s say you have three friends standing side-by-side with a long road ahead of them. Now let’s add some weather:

Storm clouds are in the distance: This could symbolize or foreshadow trouble ahead. Readers would expect to see many obstacles.
Light snow is falling: Their journey could be a cleansing of sorts or the end of something. Snow also has a quietness and softness to it.
The sun is high on a spring day: This often creates an uplifting mood. Spring typically symbolizes hope and new birth, while sunshine tends to make people feel happy.

Even though the scene is pretty much the same, changing the weather can give it a completely different feel and change a reader’s expectations of the story .

Using Weather as a Plot Device

Most of us, if not all, have seen or know of the movie Twister. If you aren’t sure what that is, Twister is a 90s film about a large tornado and a team of storm chasers who create an advanced weather alert system. Even if you haven’t seen the movie , it’s fairly obvious that this story wouldn’t be much without the use of weather.

However, the weather doesn’t have to be the star to be used as a plot device. Even the most ordinary weather can drive the plot of a story.

A hot summer day and broken air conditioner could be the driving factor that makes your character leave home on a particular day.
Light snow at the beginning of winter could be the one thing that two characters bond over.
Rain can spoil an outdoor gathering, sparking drama among attendees.

Weather as a plot device can be subtle or dramatic, as long as it’s moving the story forward somehow. If it’s not, then you’ve got some work to do.

Use Weather Descriptions Sparingly

Decide how weather can be used in your story , and then think about how much time to spend on it.

Remember, your reader doesn’t want a weather report. Typing out a well-written sentence or two is enough you convey what you are trying to say about the weather without letting it drag on.

However, if the weather is a key point in that scene (like Twister ), make it count. Make the storm seem like an experience your readers won’t forget. This can be made even more powerful by keeping other weather descriptions small.

Scattering descriptions throughout a scene is a great way to utilize weather without overdoing it.

Your character notices the scorched pines on the evergreen trees. (This could be the sign of an extremely hot summer.)
Your character’s hair sticks to the back of their neck. (This is a sign of heat and humidity.)
Two characters have a hard time hearing each other over the sound of raindrops.

Add your weather descriptions in as your characters interact with the world. This will also help if you struggle with telling instead of showing.

Avoid Clichés or Rework Them

Weather is a great way to convey emotion in a scene but be careful to avoid clichés. We’ve all seen the gloomy funeral rainstorm, the lightning strike just as the hero delivers the final blow, and the cloudless sunny day at the park.

While these are all fine, they mirror what the character is supposed to be feeling instead of diving into that character’s emotions. So, instead of mirroring, show how the character reacts to the weather. That way, even if you feel drawn to use a cliché weather scene, you have the opportunity to rework it and make it your own.

For example, if you like the idea of the rainy funeral, maybe your main character smiles as the rain hits her skin because it reminds her of a fond memory of the deceased. This allows you to use that scene while making it a little less cliché and gives your readers more insight into the character.

Final Thoughts

Using weather is a great way to spice up your writing . It can change moods and propel the story . So don’t be afraid to take advantage of this while you’re creating your world! However, remember that while the weather may have a huge effect , it doesn’t need to be seen too frequently and can easily become boring and overdone.

Writers in the Storm

A blog about writing.

Using Weather in Fiction

By Ellen Buikema

Weather in fiction is a powerful factor. When weather is included in a scene it adds depth and realism, pulling the reader further into the story. Every description whether in scene, tagline, or dialogue, including weather, must move the story forward.

Since childhood I’ve enjoyed storms and changes in weather so much that I used to try and outperform the weather forecasters. Sometimes I got lucky.

I find the electrical energy of a storm invigorating. (As long as I’m not traveling in it.)

I learned to estimate how far away a storm is using the “flash-to-bang” lightning to thunder method. Count the seconds between lightning and thunder and divide by five. Five seconds is one mile, ten seconds is two miles. When the time between the lightning flash and the roar of thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is 6 miles away or closer. Definitely time to be indoors.

While I write this blog post it is pouring rain here in central Texas. Thank goodness for surge protectors. Now if only the power doesn’t go out…

Why Write About Weather?

Storms and changing weather can cause tension, altering the protagonist’s course and complicating the hero’s journey. Weather conditions can change the outcome of events.

Emotions and weather are intertwined

Stormy weather/stormy mood
Sunny skies/sunny disposition
Overcast and rainy/depression—unless you are from an area where overly rainy is considered liquid sunshine as it is sometimes referred to in the Pacific Northwest.

One Stop For Writers has a fantastic weather thesaurus listed under the Thesaurus tab: Weather And Earthly Phenomenon Thesaurus.

This site lists 39 weather elements with notes on:

Textures and Sensations
Reinforcing a Mood
Common Clichés
Weather Notes
and Scenarios For Adding Conflict or Tension

Weather-writing activity

Think of a novel that uses weather to enhance the story.
Which of the eight elements listed above does the author use?
How is it effective?
Take a scene in your current Work In Progress and try adding weather elements.
Does that take you deeper into the scene?

Quotes where weather impacts scenes.

Weather heightening fear.

“He stared in awe and fear at the freakish celestial display, another jagged crack opened in the heavens. The earth-seeking tip of the hot bolt touched an iron streetlamp only sixty feet away, ans Maxwell cried out in fear. At the moment of contact, the night became incandescent, and the glass panes in the lamp exploded. The clap of thunder vibrated in Maxwell's teeth; the porch floor rattled." Lightning by Dean Koontz

Weather reinforcing mood

"She shook off his hand. ‘Like he gave me a chance, you mean?’ She turned on her heel. ‘I can’t even believe what I’m hearing.’

The rain was falling in sheets now, dripping from her hair in wet streaks. Kate blinked the water out of her eyes and stumbled as she walked away." A Way From Heart to Heart by Helena Fairfax

Soothing weather juxtaposing horror

‘“Confounded foul-mouth fool tried ta ride them rods ’neath the train car.” He wiped his eyes with his shirt sleeve. “He slipped ’n fell clean under.” He sat on the ground, rocking while he hugged his skinny legs to his chest, his voice strained and broken. “Bill was my bestest friend.”

Soon, a gentle rain fell, washing away the blood and grime.’” The Hobo Code , a work in progress

Weather as escape

“The fog-bank lay like white wool against the window. Holmes held the lamp towards it. 'See,' said he. 'None could find his way into the Grimpen Mire tonight.

She laughed and clapped her hands. Her eyes and teeth gleamed with fierce merriment. He may find his way in, but never out," she cried.” The Hound of The Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

Weather enhances the scene using the senses

“The snow came up to the top of Georgie's calves — she had to lift her feet high to make any progress. Her ears and eyelids were freezing ... God, she'd never even been able to imagine this much cold before. How could people live someplace that so obviously didn't want them?” Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Weather and the hero’s journey

“May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks." The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Final Thoughts

The only time I don’t appreciate the use of weather in writing occurs when the author uses a major storm or other natural disaster to resolve the ending, or rather not resolve as the characters were killed off in the disaster. When I’ve invested time and emotional energy in a story only to see the characters destroyed in a typhoon I am less enthusiastic to read another novel by that author.

What do you think is the best use of weather in fiction? Do you listen to sounds of weather or replay storms in your mind when you are writing scenes involving storms? Do you have a favorite quote where weather affects a scene that you’d like to share?

* * * * * *

About Ellen

Author, speaker, and former teacher, Ellen L. Buikema has written non-fiction for parents, Parenting: A Work in Progress , and The Adventures of Charlie Chameleon , a series of chapter books for children with stories encouraging the development of empathy—sprinkling humor wherever possible. Her Works In Progress are, The Hobo Code , YA historical fiction and Crystal Memories , YA fantasy.

Find her at http://ellenbuikema.com or on Amazon .

Meet Ellen!

On Tuesday, Jun 29, 2021 12pm – 12:45pm Central Time I will be on a Skype chat with fellow authors. We will be talking about the importance of children's books.

The link to join the Meet Now chat via Skype is: https://join.skype.com/Zdbdl6IxQY2S You do not need to have a Skype account to use this link and if you do have a Skype account you may join via Skype also.

Top Image by Comfreak from Pixabay

12 comments on “Using Weather in Fiction”

It was so interesting to read this post, Ellen and see all the ways people have used weather in their novels. Here is an excerpt from a story I wrote almost two decades ago when my mom died - I was in Maui when I got "the call" to come say goodbye and I went back a few months later to grieve.

Oddly, the weather was the same as the day I left two months and two days before. It seemed that God cried with me on both days. Big, harsh, lashing tears to share my fear as I left. Steady, warm, quiet tears to soothe my grief when I returned.

My Irish great aunts used to say, "Blessed is the soul when the rains from heaven fall on the day of their funeral." The aunties used a lot of weather analogies now that I think about it. So sorry about your Mom.

Thank for sharing your thoughts, Jenny.

The weather thesaurus sounds great! I'll be checking it out. Yes, how many funeral scenes in movies and books are set during a miserable rain. All those black umbrellas. Tears mixing with raindrops. Thanks for the list of weather elements. I'll check them against my scenes with weather.

I'm glad that the post is useful! The weather thesaurus was happy find. I will be using it too.

I will definitely be looking at the weather thesaurus too.

I use weather quite a bit. One of my favorite ways to see weather used is in the role of antagonist. Think of authors like Jack London and others who wrote man against nature rather than man against man. Interesting side note. In my current WIP the weather never changes, which also sets a certain mood. A permanent state of twilight leaves the characters feeling like they are stuck between two realities (which unbeknownst to them, they are).

Leaving your characters in permanent twilight is a really interesting idea! I look forward to reading your story.

I've used weather in all of my novels in some form or fashion. I know that it's supposed to be the kiss of death in some quarters but not for me. In fact, I would say that the weather in my last novel was a character or should I say, an antagonist, because it sure threw a monkey wrench into the works.

As a retired meteorologist, I have used weather a lot in my novels. In one story, On the Pineapple Express, a 100-year storm was one of the two antagonists. If you decide to use extreme weather events in your writing, be sure to keep it realistic. Having a meteorologist review your work, or at least someone who has lived the event you are describing, is essential.

Excellent advice! The more realistic the scene the better. I hadn't considered weather as antagonist, but I can see that now. Maybe like the hurricane in Key Largo.

It can set the mood for a scene, it can put the characters in a predicament, and it can create fun.

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Weather Symbolism in Fiction Literature: Learn How to Use It

Kyle A. Massa

As I write this article, it’s raining. Through my window, I see the outline of trees dancing in the wind. The occasional car rolls by, momentarily illuminating the slick road before the world returns to darkness. I don’t think I’ll be going for a run today.

In my opinion, weather is one of the most interesting elements of fiction. A big storm or a sunny day can add symbolic meaning to one’s work. Furthermore, weather can underscore a feeling or mirror a dramatic conflict.

Weather is powerful, and today we’re going to examine a few ways to use it.

Weather as a Complicating Factor

Weather as mood, weather as symbolism, weather as all of the above, in conclusion.

Just like baseball games have rain-outs, stories have weather conditions that affect the outcome of events.

For an example from a classic, look no further than J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring . As the Fellowship sets out on their journey to Mt. Doom, they decide to take a treacherous pass through the Misty Mountains.

A fine plan… if only the weather co-operated. Instead, they encounter a snowstorm, falling rocks, and eerie noises on the wind. These harsh conditions force them to turn back and reroute their path through the Mines of Moria. That’s where they run into the Balrog, and where (spoiler) Gandalf falls to his doom.

So, as we can see, weather can complicate a hero’s journey or even alter its course. It’s uniquely suited to do so because fighting weather is nearly impossible, even in a fantasy world like Tolkien’s. If you need a complicating factor, you’ll find few more effective.

Free story time! Well, at least a few sentences of a story. Let’s start off like this…

Luna admired the twinkling sunlight peeking through the trees. The air surrounding her was mild and comforting, like floating in a warm bath.

If I’ve done my job right, you should feel relaxed. That’s the power of weather: in just two sentences, we can establish a distinct mood in our writing. Now, let’s examine the other end of the spectrum…

Luna peered at the sparse moonlight creeping through the trees. The wind wailed mournfully and set her shivering in an instant.

All that’s changed here is the weather, yet the mood is totally different.

I don’t know about you, but I always feel better when it’s sunny outside. Likewise, readers will end up with a particular feeling based on the weather of your story.

If you want readers to feel happy, describe a sunny day. If you want them to feel apprehensive, describe a stormy evening. Speaking of which…

Ever notice how many descriptions of weather can double as those of humans? That’s because weather and human emotion often overlap. A few examples:

Murph stormed into the store.
“I want more ice cream,” the little girl thundered.
His sunny optimism lit up the room.

Human emotion and weather are interconnected, even within the foundation of our language itself. As such, weather is an excellent tool for symbolizing emotion, and more.

William Shakespeare’s King Lear , for example, is one of the earliest examples of weather in fiction. When Lear wanders out into the wilds, a storm rolls in. The storm helps create a mood, yes. But it also goes deeper than that.

In this scene, Lear discusses his life with his Fool. He’s trying his best to understand the world around him and make sense of what’s happening with his kingdom and his daughters. Simultaneously, back in his castle things are going to hell.

Here, the chaos of the storm mirrors the chaos of the story. The weather symbolizes the wildness of the moment. It’s no coincidence that the storm dies down just as order is restored.

In your next book, consider underscoring a dramatic moment with symbolic weather. If the climax has an uncertain outcome, it will almost certainly be made more suspenseful by a storm. If your story has a happy ending, a sunny day can symbolize that fact nicely.

Or, if you want to leave your readers with a feeling of uncertainty, you might change your weather to overcast, with a chance of rain.

We’ve covered three ways to use weather in fiction. So why limit ourselves to just one per story? Why not use them all?

That’s what Neil Gaiman does in A Game of You , the fifth collected volume of his masterful Sandman comic book series. The story’s main character is a woman named Barbie (yes, like Barbie and Ken), who used to dream of being the princess of a fantasy realm when she was young.

When we meet her, however, she doesn’t dream at all. Barbie must descend back into her dreams to confront her own childhood (with the help of the titular Sandman, of course).

In the book’s final act, a hurricane descends upon New York City. The weather fulfills all three of our functions.

The hurricane is a complicating factor. Barbie’s friends are trying to buy her enough time to delve into her dreams and confront her past. However, when the hurricane threatens her safety, they must save her from the weather. One of Barbie’s friends, Wanda, even dies in the attempt.

The hurricane sets a clear mood: our story is in chaos and no one is safe. As the tension builds, the storm also builds in intensity, which heightens the emotions we’re already feeling.

The hurricane symbolizes Barbie’s inner turmoil. At its core, bad weather is an internal struggle. The earth provides us shelter, yet also destroys that shelter when natural disasters strike. The external weather symbolically mirrors the internal struggle of the main character. While the storm rages outside, Barbie battles her own past within her dreams. It’s symbolism like this that heightens an already exciting dramatic moment.

Though we don’t always consider it, weather is one of the most powerful tools in the writer’s toolbox. This is just about the only opportunity we’ll ever have to control the weather. So I say we should use it!

You can use ProWritingAid to improve your weather descriptions to set the mood in your novel. Use our Sensory Report to highlight which of the five senses you've used in a scene, then mix it up! Add some sound and taste descriptions to your weather.

Struggling to describe the weather in a poignant way? Try out our Paraphrase button to rewrite your sentence.

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Kyle A. Massa is the author of the short fiction collection Monsters at Dusk and and the novel Gerald Barkley Rocks. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and their two cats. Learn more about Kyle and his work at his website, kyleamassa.com.

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7 Ways To Write About The Weather

Writing about the weather is boring? No way! We all check up on the weather several times each day. It decides so much of our lives. It should be part of your writing, too. This article offers you seven ways to write about the weather.

I love talking about the weather. It decides what I wear, how I travel (if I travel at all), my health, and even my mood . That’s not counting ‘bad hair days.’

Weather forecasts are important for farmers, for utility companies, and they help protect our lives and property. If you could control the weather, you’d get to decide who goes hungry in this world and who doesn’t. That’s how important the weather is. So, where’s the weather in your writing?

Many writers tend to make weather take the backseat. They don’t realise what the weather can do for them. So, let’s find out!

How to Use The Weather In Stories

Here are 7 ways to use the weather in your stories. We’ll start with the most common ones (also the most boring) and work our way up to the exciting stuff.

1. Weather As A Conversation Starter

‘What’s the weather like?’ is the world’s number one question. Whatever you say or ask about the weather can be used as a conversation starter. It’s that universal. That’s also where the danger lies. Talking about the weather is a cliché .

So, use these classic phrases sparingly (or not at all). If you absolutely need to, then make your characters aware of their need to use a cliché. Here’s an example:

Example: He just had to speak to the girl at the bus stop. But how could he make her talk? His brain was a blank. He knew he resorted to a cliché when he blurted out: ‘Nice weather, eh?’

Here, using the cliché is needed to show how desperate the character is to start a conversation.

2. Weather As A Backdrop

The most common use of the weather in fiction is as an inconspicuous element of the setting in sentences like this one:

Example: On a sunny day, Jane went to the public library.

Not exciting, right? That’s because the weather doesn’t do anything. It’s stated as a fact, obvious and boring. It’s telling. How about showing it instead?

Example: ‘A T-shirt is enough,’ Jane thought, glad to put her cardigan aside, as she left the house to go to the public library. Who needed extra baggage on a day like this?

In this example, the character experiences the weather. We even learn how that affects Jane’s mood. Much better, isn’t it?

3. Weather As A Sensual Experience

Let’s see if we can provide even more showing (check out these ‘ 101 Words To Describe the Weather ’). Weather is how we experience the force of the elements. That makes it intensely sensual: rain feels wet and cold, and it makes us depressed. Sunshine is the opposite.

There’s more. Humidity causes hair to get frizzy, and hairdos to collapse (‘bad hair days’). Many people get migraines under certain weather conditions. Air pressure in combination with temperature changes people’s blood pressure. Mental health can also be affected by the weather . Talk about feeling ‘under the weather!’

So, how about describing how the weather feels on your characters’ skin? How does it affect their mood?

4. Weather As Foreshadowing

As authors, we’re in control of the story, we steer our readers’ attention. Most readers appreciate it when we do this in a subtle way. That’s called foreshadowing . Authors hint at future events by creating an atmosphere (pun intended). Let’s look at our example from above and include the weather. Watch what happens at the end.

Example : ‘A T-shirt is enough,’ Jane thought, glad to put her cardigan aside, as she left the house to go to the public library. Who needed extra baggage on a day like this? She skipped down the street. At a traffic light, she looked up at the sky. ‘Funny,’ she thought, ‘that cloud wasn’t there when I left home.’

As readers, we expect that little cloud to grow to grow into a storm. This storm can happen literally (as setting), or emotionally. That little cloud could easily foreshadow difficult emotions.

Just by describing this change of weather, you plant a little seed for the reader to expect a future event. This, of course, also works in the other direction. Just think of the Bible when Noah saw the sky clearing up. He knew that God’s anger was lessening as well.

5. Weather As A Source Of Conflict

Braving the weather means we withstand the elements. This can create situations where a cast of characters needs to show their true colours.

Imagine people on a deserted island in the Caribbean. Everybody gets along well when the sun is shining, and fish are plenty. Now introduce a thunderstorm. You will have people fighting for shelter and the only remaining fish.

6. Weather As A Motif

In the Hollywood movie L.A. Story ’ (1991), actor Steve Martin plays a TV weatherman. He prerecords his forecasts because the weather in L.A. is always the same. His usual comment ‘Sunny and 72’ becomes a funny catchphrase in the story.

That way, the weather is introduced as the main character’s occupation and is used as a motif throughout the movie. It starts as a cliché, which becomes the source of ridicule (the temperature in his forecasts doesn’t even change one degree). In the end, the weather finally acts almost like a character (please read on).

7. Weather As An Acting Force

This is where the weather becomes most interesting! Let’s go back to the movie ‘L.A. Story.’ The TV weatherman falls in love with Sara, who at some point wants to leave the city by plane. But the story has shown us so far that these two are meant to be together. How can this be resolved?

The weather makes it possible. A rainstorm prevents the plane from taking off, and Sara is reunited with her weatherman. The weather needed to take action, or the narrative would not have reached a happy ending.

This is not the only story in which the weather took centre stage. Look at the classics! Many ancient gods had attributes connected to the weather: Zeus had bolts of lightning, and Tempestas was the Roman goddess of storms and sudden weather (guess where the word ‘tempest’ comes from!). The Egyptians had four gods for wind (one for each direction). In Russian folklore, Santa Claus is known as Father Frost. These classic characters act through the weather!

The weather is ultimately the way humans experience the force of the elements. We can all choose to ignore the weather, but we can’t escape it.

The Last Word

Make the weather work for your stories. Don’t just mention it; let it give an extra layer to your setting, increase the showing, add conflict, and even function as if it were a character . I hope I have been able to show just how exciting the weather can be.

There’s one more thing: the weather can take over your language. There are so many idioms and phrases connected to the weather! If you’d like to know more, then please watch out for my next post. It’ll include a cheat sheet with ’ 80 Weather Expressions.’

By Susanne Bennett.

Susanne is a German-American writer who is a journalist by trade and a writer by heart. After years of working at German public radio and an online news portal, she has decided to accept challenges by Deadlines for Writers . Currently she is writing her first novel with them. She is known for overweight purses and carrying a novel everywhere. Follow her on Facebook .

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Writing contests, make money writing, hottest topics, how to use weather to set the scene.

The weather is so much more than how wet you’re getting. It’s amazing how many writers overlook the weather as a useful tool in both setting and also in telling the story.

Many years ago, we relied on the weather and took it seriously. Poor weather affected crops and livestock. Bad weather would even affect health – be it through famine or disease.

Nowadays we have supermarkets that will fly in food from around the world and central heating and air conditioning to ensure that whatever is happening outside, we don’t need to vary the climate inside our home.

But it’s deeper than that. Seasons reflect aspects of life and weather can be a great barometer (pun intended) for emotions.

In reality, we all react slightly differently to the weather. Some love the heat and others despise it. Even considering these variances, the majority of people will react similarly to most climactic conditions.

The English language is littered with idioms that reference the season or the specific weather. They don’t need explaining; we all understand exactly what people mean when they use one. That’s because they are understood as a subconscious level.

Weather Conveys Different Moods

Spring = hope, new birth Summer = adulthood, happiness Autumn = preparing for old age Winter = death Sunshine = happiness, goodness Storm = trouble, a change Calm before the storm = trouble or a change ahead Rainbow = hope, a link between two extremes (sun and rain) Cloudy = confused, muddled, unclear Clouds on horizon = trouble ahead No wind = no change Windy = changes Rough weather = problems Fog = confusion, unaware Rain = depressed, badness Snow = coldness, cleansing

How to Use Weather in a Setting

This makes weather an ideal setting tool to convey what’s going on in the story or in a character’s head.

You don’t need to use the sledgehammer approach but I’d also exercise caution at being too clever. A few references, subtle ones, dropped in during a scene will convey the message.

As an example, if you used the rain as a portent for something bad about to happen, don’t have the character thinking, ‘It’s starting to rain and rain is a bad thing.’

Instead, reference the changing light – from bright to muted grey tones. You could even describe the rain, or its effect as resembling something inherently evil. The use of metaphors and weather work well.

Mention the noise that the rain brings; reference something having to stop because of the weather. Consider how inanimate objects react to the weather – or even how the characters change.

How does the rain affect textures? How does it change how things sound? Does its own noise drown out something the character was listening to? Does it simply stop whatever was making a noise? Does it therefore bring silence?

How does it affect the character’s senses? Does it affect what they’re doing? And be subtle here – does it affect their mood?

Remember to build the mood; don’t dunk the reader in it. Sometimes a sudden change in mood is necessary and an equally sudden change in weather is appropriate but this is likely to be the exception to the rule.

Sometimes the change, or even the manner of the change, is as important as the weather itself.

Let the reader join the dots. If you’ve positioned them well enough, they’ll get the picture. You don’t need to go over them with a wax crayon to convey the message.

Finally, never forget that setting is an integral part of writing a novel. Despite this, the use of weather is just one tool to set the scene – not your only one.

About the Author: Mark Walton is the author of 46 Ways to Improve Your Plotting, a self-help guide for writers. If you want to improve your chances of getting a story published then visit http://www.betternovelwriting.com/Plotting.htm and see how quickly and easily your writing can advance.

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Write With the Weather

by Birgitte Rasine | 47 comments

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Last week, half the U.S. was stuck in a polar vortex. Having worked in sustainability since 1998 and personally discussed climate change with some of the world’s top climate scientists, I’m severely tempted to go off on a tangent about how dangerously foolish all those “See? Global warming’s fake after all!” articles and comments spreading rampant on the Web are.

But I won’t.

Let’s talk about the weather. Most of us no doubt take it for granted… until it's in our face. The weather determines what we wear and how we drive, influences our experience of sporting events, field trips and beach picnics, and impacts an extraordinary number of insignificant aspects of life, such as crops and airline flights.

So what does weather have to do with writing? Nothing. And everything.

Photo by Luba Rasine-Ortoleva

Feel Nature in the Raw

Unlike much other data or information you might want in your narrative, weather is one thing you cannot simply research or vicariously live. Sure, you can watch a stormchaser video or your favorite weather channel, but if your work is going to express any climatic realism at all, you need to get out there and experience it.

Ever stood in the eye of a hurricane and watched the air turn green? Kayaked out on the open ocean only to have the benevolent heavens suddenly hurl hail at you? Watched horizontal lightning rip the skies open? Or sit on an Alpine peak watching the tops of clouds roll past you?

The next time you're caught by the weather, don't run for cover.* Stay put and feel. Feel it with your entire being.

I’m ridiculously, profoundly influenced by the weather around me, all the time. No matter what mood I’m in or the thoughts running through my mind, when I walk or drive through fog, my daily routine glazes over and I’m transported back to my homeland in Central Europe. Then there's Calle Luchana, the street of honey and gold that burned a permanent mark into my soul when I lived in Madrid. I've experienced other Calle Luchanas in other cities, but they're few: it has to be a certain wavelength of light and a certain gritty texture, a certain temperature and a certain humidity. It's not just any old afternoon on any old street. Then there's… just too much to expound upon here.

* Unless it really is a tornado.

Description of your protagonist's physical appearance? Check. Description of his/her car, house, garden, desk, other plot-relevant assets? Check. Description of background and other secondary scenery? Check. Characterization of the weather in your story? Uhmm…

Don't discount it. It might be the dullest possible way to start a conversation at a party, but weather can serve as a powerful element in your writing: it can be the atmospheric setting that gives a stretch of dialogue or an action scene that extra flavor; the catalyst for a plot point or conflict resolution; and yes, weather can even be the main character if you are so rained upon. Er, inclined .

Weather can also serve as simple inspiration, much like music whets your muse . I've written in all sorts of weather: in the sun, in the rain, foggy, clear, overcast, snow and storm.

Bottle up as many weather-related sensations as possible somewhere in your psyche for future creative use, especially those exceptional moments of nature's raw power. It's not every day you experience a hail storm, hurricane, or Arctic winds. As a self-respecting writer, you must be able to recall the bone-chilling details of a raging snowstorm while writing your next breakout novel in a hammock in the Caribbean. (Hopefully not the other way around.)

Write Despite the Weather

Take everything you just read in the previous section, and flip it. Let's say cloudy days really get you depressed. So uninspired are you that you drag yourself around all day, barely existing. Forget high creativity.

Or how about heat. Try having a coherent thought—nevermind well-structured writing—in ninety degrees at ninety-five percent humidity.

Never fear, the literary weatherman is here! Now, you too can be your own climate generator. Use that bottling technique I mentioned above and draw on your most powerful experiences with the elements no matter where or when you are. Like any other emotion, sentiment, or experience, make the atmospheric forces other humans take for granted an essential tool in your wordshop.

Of course, in certain instances you might need a little technological help… like a fan when the heat starts to melt your brain.

(Now, if you happen to be under the weather , like I was over the holidays, you really need to push through that “local” weather. I wrote about my little personal war on my web site.)

Finally, leverage the power of Nature to barrel through writer's block. It's amazing what a change of weather (e.g., light, temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.) can do for a word-weary writer's brain. Especially effective is contrast. For example, if you live in a sunny climate, you may find that those few cloudy days are actually incredibly romantic. Make the most of them! (Writing wise I mean!)

How does the weather change the way you write?

Take one of your WIPs and review it from the point of view of the weather. Could your story use a little more atmosphere, a little more force of nature? See what happens when you introduce the weather to your narrative. Or, if you feel more like spinning an entirely new tale, write a scene with the weather as the centerpiece. Let your creative brilliance rain into the comments box below by sharing your practice with the community!

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Birgitte Rasine

Birgitte Rasine is an author, publisher, and entrepreneur. Her published works include Tsunami: Images of Resilience , The Visionary , The Serpent and the Jaguar , Verse in Arabic , and various short stories including the inspiring The Seventh Crane . She has just finished her first novel for young readers. She also runs LUCITA , a design and communications firm with her own publishing imprint, LUCITA Publishing. You can follow Birgitte on Twitter (@birgitte_rasine), Facebook , Google Plus or Pinterest . Definitely sign up for her entertaining eLetter "The Muse" ! Or you can just become blissfully lost in her online ocean , er, web site.

47 Comments

Excellent article and a topic I’ve been thinking about lately for my current WIP. I’m guilty of too much ideal weather and have just now made a note to spruce things up in my next draft. Thanks for the inspiring post!

Excellent. Spruce it up! And do share when you’re ready!

Hi Birgitte! Great post! Weather seems to add a new depth to a story. Here is part of a current WIP about a lost dog. (Great photo attached to your post!) He glanced into the woods before beginning the hike to his car. Trying to make the most of his shortened visit, he breathed in the scent of sequoia trees and damp earth and watched gold aspen leaves swirl in the breeze across his path. An ominous dark cloud had moved quickly from the Western sky and urged him to quicken his pace. An hour’s hike brought him to the clearing where his SUV was parked. Cold daggers of rain pierced the canopy of trees and slapped his face while he raised the rear door, threw in his backpack and jacket and huddled inside to finish a bag of peanuts. His brief rest was interrupted by a short, familiar bark. Mark’s eyes traced the sound. On one side of the path the troubled dog sat on fallen pine needles, ears pointed in high alert, the wind driving a path through its long fur, the chain gone from around its neck. For several moments they simply stared at each other……..

I liked the part about the wind in the dog’s fur. Your piece makes me realise it will be hard for me to write about weather without breaking the rules of one of my other current challenges: to excise adjectives from my writing. Weather cries out to be described! Watch this space to see my attempt… and thansk for sharing. -Sef

It’s actually really quite simple (sorry couldn’t help all those helping words! 😉 ). Weather, REAL weather that is, scoffs at adjectives. Adjectives are for little drizzles and summer breezes. Let’s have some good strong verbs in your stories. The weather moves, girates, ruptures and razes, spins you blind, paints the world a different color. Get it out there!

Hi Ruth, Thanks for sharing this scene. Like “cold daggers of rain pierced the canopy of trees” although you don’t need “of trees” — given the context, “canopy” is pretty clear. Also not sure a dagger would slap a person’s face. Maybe sting?

Also like “the wind driving a path through its long fur”. But, rather than saying “the chain gone from around its neck” how about “the marks of a chain still lingering around its neck”.

I’d tighten up this piece in this way. Also, always look for the excessive words, the words you don’t need or that are repeating information. For example, you don’t need to tell us that the man glanced into the woods BEFORE the hike to his car. It’s stronger if your opening line focuses on that single action of looking. Establish that tension between this lone guy and the woods. The gathering storm that’s starting to mix in with the intense flavors of the earth and the trees. Never mind he’s about to get back to his car. Of course he will. Make the moment pop from the start.

Thanks Birgitte! So many good ideas! I never thought of including weather to compliment a story. Thanks for taking the time for so many excellent responses.

Thank you for your post. I had not thought of weather is such a way before now.

The thunder rolled in the distance building until it spilled across the sky. It gave a final explosive shudder before it settled into temporary silence. The rain fell on the pavement, each drop making its own individual note that blended into a whole that was the symphony of the storm. The storm roared its defiance. It could not be denied.

Storms provide such drama! It’s difficult to find appropriate words for thunder but I like “explosive shudder” and “roared its defiance”. I can appreciate that weather is the perfect backdrop for story, from softly falling snow, to screaming wind to benevolent sunbeams.

Tracey, a few suggestions to rephrase for greater impact:

In the distance, thunder rolled, billowing its wrath across the sky. An explosive shudder, then suspicious silence. Rain broke it, droplets bursting against the pavement with individual notes that coalesced into a deafening orchestra.

Something like that. Play with the phrasing, tempo, sentence structure, imagery.

“It could not be denied” just repeats “The storm roared its defiance”, so no need for it.

Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.

John Grisham’s books always let you know the weather as the characters move around. It struck me the first time I read them and every time I go back. For someone in the distant European north, hearing about the American South’s humidity and high temperatures makes the writing rather exotic.And Garrison Keillor talks evocatively about winter, and especially mud, in his Lake Wobegon series.

Thanks for the reminder that readers live in all parts of the world and explicit weather conditions tell the story as much as dialogue! Thanks for your input!

“It was a dark and stormy night.”

A classic! I always loved that one.

Haha! Good one! I was wondering when someone would post this.

In my current novel, an endless autumn season plays a metaphoric role: It’s warm for late October. Mother Nature herself would appear to be discombobulated in the face of Kathlynn’s death sentence. Unseasonable weather, however pleasant it may be, instills a dread in people as if Biblical events are about to be unleashed upon them. But Conrad isn’t paying attention to the Weather Lady, isn’t watching television at all, no, he’s down at the Community Centre, on the treadmill, running, running as fast as he can, sweating, and dreading something else, something even more immediately pending than the specter of life without Kate. The revenue audit.

Somehow, this piece is a little too short for me to grasp it, to really get into it. And yet there’s enough to spike interest in further reading.

One sentence however, deflates the power of the story – the second one. “Mother Nature” is a cliché phrase I’d stay away from, “would appear to be” is too weak and uncertain, “discombobulated” is one of those awful bland and altogether excessively long words, and “in the face of ” doesn’t tell me what I want to know.

I’d suggest a much stronger, disturbing opening to this. A warm late October isn’t disturbing enough for what’s about to follow. Think on it… let me know what you come up with!

Excellent post, Birgitte, and a wonderful essay in your blog today concerning climate change. It’s nice to witness both common sense and articulate intelligence for a (no pun intended) change!

I’ve been reading a lot of James Lee Burke lately, and I’m really impressed by how he makes the surroundings, including the weather, become a very real character in his stories.

Johnny Vance stared upward, amazed by how the skies could become dark so quickly. The sleek one-man sailboat he’d named Victory still lurched forward, but the top of the mast seemed embedded in the blackness above, and he knew the wind could shift at any moment.

And then it stopped.

He was but a mile off the coast, but it might as well have been ten. The mainsail drooped into itself, and the boat seemed mired in the quicksand of the ocean, neither proceeding or falling back; it just sat. “Dead in the water,” he muttered. It was a phrase most sailors hated to even think about – it meant he was on his own, just like that. He needed to devise a way to secure his and his vessel’s safety, for the ocean could be a vindictive mistress and a deadly lover, he knew. As the first peals of thunder echoed off the rising waves, the bow suddenly crested a swell and hung suspended in empty air for a moment before crashing into the trough. The barometer bottomed out just as quickly, and Johnny felt the air thicken as it seemed to be vacuumed upward into the heavens, replaced by the pelting rain. This was going to be a rough one, he knew.

I really like this piece! The weather and the tide can take twist a fun, day-sailing experience into a nightmare! You wrote of it very well.

As a long-time sail-boat sailor, both catamarans and a 27′ Catalina, I have first-hand experience with being caught ‘in irons’ (as you put it, dead in the water.) and it can be a pretty hairy experience in ANY weather, especially in heavy seas.

Something similar to being in irons happened once when we had sailed our 18′ Hobie Cat outside the Gate toward the Farallon Islands and played for hours in the rough waters out there( referred to as the ‘potato patch’) then once the sun began to sink in the fog bank that hangs around out there, we decided to head back for the Berkeley Marina (where we’d launched from.) We were *with* the tide but didn’t anticipate being *against* the wind (classic case of back and fill) UGH!

I’ll never forget the sickening feeling of being pushed back to sea underneath the Golden Gate bridge as inky darkness fell. We ended up having to dock at the Presidio Yacht club and catch a ride across to Berkeley to pick up our van and boat trailer. An “adventure” for sure. One I hope never to repeat, but may try to use in a story at some point. Thanks for the great piece!

You’ve got me itching to get back on a sailboat Mer! I used to live on one, in Los Angeles. That was back in my screenwriting days… ah the life… so you’re in the Bay Area? So am I! Let me know if you’re down in the peninsula some time, would be great to have a coffee.

I’d love that, Birgitte! What part of the peninsula do you hail from? Funny how sailing gets into blood, isn’t it? We’ve had eleven boats through the years, but our favorites were always the sailboats.

Once a sailor, always a sailor…. 🙂 Email me and we’ll make it happen! info (at) birgitterasine.com

Nice. Nautical scenes are hard to do – so much happens all the time that the focus can be lost. This is nice though and you captured your character’s determination to beat his opponent. I agree that in some books the weather becomes a character in its own right, and a setting where this seems natural – the sea, or somewhere with a wide range of ever changing weather (hmmm, UK…) makes that choice a strong one. Thanks for sharing, -Sef

Thank you “Word Smith” — wish I knew your name to call you by but respect privacy. I just replied to Mer, above, on the topic of climate change… I appreciate that my newsletter resonated.

I love storms at sea, being an ocean kayaker and having been caught in quite some rough weather myself. The power of the sea is unmatched, and has inspired and terrified humanity since we learned to speak.

So about your story: I like this scene, but would recommend tightening the ropes in a few places. Your second sentence, for example, has three parts, connected by “but” and “and”. Somehow, it doesn’t flow. See if you can rephrase it, and chip away at unnecessary words like “seemed”. If you’re painting an image, don’t tiptoe around it. Just paint it. “the top of the mast stuck in the blackness above” or something like that. Also no need to say “he knew”, all you need is “the wind could shift at any moment,” as that implies Johnny is aware of it.

In the third paragraph you’ve got too much repetition — “..the boat was mired (get rid of “seemed”)”, “neither proceeding nor falling back”, “it just sat”, and “dead in the water” all say the same thing. Pick one, the best one, and it’ll be stronger.

Take out the instance of “he knew”.

Try to stay away from the passive voice in passages like this that you really want taut with tension. “seemed to be vacuumed”, “replaced by”, etc.

Thank you so much, Birgitte, for the critique. I will definitely work on these issues in my next piece. ~Bruce

Sounds great, Bruce. (But work on them in all your stories! 😉 )

Hi Brigitte, really good points about the weather (and climate change skeptics). My current WIP could probably be classified as being set in ‘weather’. It starts in a storm in the Southern ocean and moves to Antarctica (the heroine is a climate scientist). The hero is currently out on the ice, trapped in a storm. I’m lucky to have assistance from a great friend who is an Antarctic geologist, she’s been to the ice a few times so is keeping me real.

Lily, your story sounds great, good luck with it! Excellent also that you’re reaching out to your geologist friend, critical to do that kind of research for your stories. I’d love to read a synopsis whenever you have one ready.

The water had a film of ice, shaped right into the lip of the jug, before Dora cracked it with flinching knuckles and poured it into the basin.

Today it would be a relief to work in the Hygienic Steam Laundry. The boilers kept the room hot, even if the steam turned to wintry drops on the girls’ cheeks the moment they stepped outside to hang up the laundered sheets.

The bedclothes would turn stiff out there today, Dora thought. Great flat boards of linen, to be wrestled with in the yard, her shoes slipping on frozen mud, her own breath getting in the way of the work. The sun was no brighter than the burnished copper boilers and neither gave off the warmth Dora had missed ever since Quinton went away.

Sefton, not bad — but the full impact of your story is still just below the ice, as it were. The first sentence, especially the “shaped right into the lip of the jug” is a little confusing, makes me read it a few times to get the image. How about: “A film of ice rimmed the lip of the jug, gasping its last few frozen breaths at Dora as she cracked it and poured its captive water into the basin.”

This gives the water and the ice more character, as if there’s a struggle going on between the two before your character cracks the ice. No need really for “flinching knuckles”.

You can do the same thing in the second paragraph…. “The boilers managed to keep the room hot, but the steam they churned out snapped into wintry drops on the girls’ cheeks the moment they stepped outside to hang the laundered sheets.”

See how that injects drama and conflict into the action?

Thanks Birgitte. I could picture exactly the image I want – the weird shape of the piece of ice fit into the top of the jug, then Dora having to punch through before she pours it out – but found it hard to express. I take your point about using verbs to make the inanimate objects actors as well as the humans and create conflict.

This is one of those times when what I can see so clearly in my head doesn’t want to be pinpointed on the page….

Right, that’s the craft of the writer. Doesn’t always come easy. Don’t give up. Work on it. Talk a walk and think about it. Sleep on it. Use phrases and visuals you may not normally associate with ice, water, and jugs.

I enjoyed this post immensely, Birgitte. Climate change has had a polarizing effect in my marriage for several years now (rolling my eyes) but all that is a completely different conversation! Thanks for the reminder to incorporate weather into our writing. James Lee Burke (as someone else pointed out) is a master at this, each word of his descriptions do double-even triple-duty to make the weather, the light, the temperature as vivid as any human character. I feel transported to Louisiana, Montana, Texas, Mexico. Thanks for the great post!

Mer, so glad to hear it resonated. I know what you mean… climate change polarizes (no pun intended!!) like almost no other issue. In fact, I’ve had one person unsubscribe from my author’s newsletter because of it this morning!! (here’s what I wrote: http://www.birgitterasine.com/newsletters/muse-issue-seventeen-january-2014 )

I had an email exchange with the person to find out what exactly about it caused them to unsubscribe; clearly it pushed a lot of buttons. It’s unfortunate because this isn’t a political issue, and shouldn’t be a reason to stop communicating (or receiving newsletters). It’s a little too easy to leave the room, as it were, or resort to insults when you encounter a challenging viewpoint.

Thanks for your thoughts and mentioning James Burke — any particular work of his you’d recommend?

He’s quite prolific! His early books were literary fiction, then he began a successful career as a genre writer with three series:Dave Robicheaux, Hackberry Holland, and Billy Bob Holland. I guess I should point out that I’m not much of a genre reader (or writer) but his writing is something very special. I have several favorites, but I think a recent one, Creole Belle, is especially good, in my opinion, though he was criticized for POV violations! =)

(The first line: ““For the rest of the world, the season was still fall, marked by cool nights and the gold-green remnants of summer. For me, down in South Louisiana, in the Garden District of New Orleans, the wetlands that lay far beyond my hospital window had turned to winter…”) illustrates his ability to always brings weather, season, and light into his stories.)

An interesting side note about his writing career: He began writing quite early (in college) and published 3-4 books right away. Then suddenly, he couldn’t publish anything. For thirteen years. One book, The Last Get Back Boogie, was submitted 111 times over a nine year period. (It still holds the NY publishing industry record for rejections!) Then, upon publication by Louisiana State University press, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, so go figure.

He may be an acquired taste for some, but he’s maintains his spot in my top ten favorites against stiff competition.

Thank you for the great writing post. I’m a newbie here; I’m not really sure if I did okay but here goes!

(This is just a fragment of my story)

I stood there, in the middle of the street, people going and coming, to and fro, walking and running and stopping and bicycling away and back, in perpetual motion even at pause. I reached my arms to the sky, the rain mercifully soaking my hair my face, my shirt, my hands, my shoulders, my eyebrows, my heart. The sky was swirling with different kinds of clouds, some light and wispy, others dark, heavy, threatening to burst like a water balloon. Flowers of black umbrellas twirled, all while I stood there, holding my hands up to the sky, begging for more water in a sea of rain. I must look like a mad man, I thought. I snorted, a thin, white stream of breath coming out of my nostrils. Of course. I was a mad man.

My fingers started tingling with the cold, but I didn’t stop stopping. No one stopped me from stopping, anyways; they were too busy coming and going to wherever they were coming and going to see a man standing still in the middle of the rain.

What a spectacular city this is, not one person caring that a shabby-looking man is holding up his hands like Moses and willingly getting drenched, while an ocean of umbrellas desperately tries to avoid all water.

Welcome! Nice to have you in our community.

I find this figment you’ve shared here poetic, fluid. It does need some massaging to make it into a work of art. Words are like paintbrushes: the stroke, the pressure, the color, the texture and thickness, all are qualities you can play with to create the image or emotion you seek.

See what happens when you take away some of the “crutch” words, repetitive words, and unnecessary punctuation: “I stood in the middle of the street, people coming and going, walking and running and skipping along with their children stopping to talk stopping to turn back or move out of another’s way, cycling in and out of their own standing obstacles weaving unsteady painting invisible paths on a pavement wiped smooth by the rain”

I took a few liberties here but see how that feels, play with it, give it more character, more life, don’t be afraid to get into the “people’s” heads and make the rain and the pavement more alive.

Then inject your protagonist into this rich soup of activity. But don’t say “the sky was swirling with different kinds of clouds.” Just take me immediately to the clouds, it’s obvious they’re different b/c you’re already describing them. Maybe whip up a mirror image of the heavens to what you just described below, on the street; “The sky swirled a million colors a million shades clouds heavy and dark light and airy moving circling and tumbling bubbling vaporous and streaking clear across, some stopping to puff smaller ones out of their way…”

One more thing. No matter who your protagonist is, give him/her dignity. Don’t have them “snort” unless there’s a very good and solid reason. That word instantly pulled me out of your story, and I was done. Broke the spell.

Also, since you’re new to the site, feel free to read through the others’ WIP posted here as well as my comments, since they tend to apply universally regardless of the story.

As I post this practice, I realize that I have only ONE line of dialogue! How’d I manage that?? But if I begin tinkering with it, it won’t be a practice, it will morph, right?

*** When Donnie’s friends asked her why she didn’t hunt/fish/sky-dive/mountain climb/”do” dirt bikes/snow-ski/scuba dive, Emily would look up from folding lawn-chair she sat in, placing a finger to mark her place in the inevitable book she was reading or notebook she was writing in, and smilingly point to her custom-printed tee-shirt: Professional Spectator. It worked for them: Donnie was a sporto– she watched. There had only ever been one exception to this arrangement.

Years before, sailing had been something that she enjoyed and enthusiastically participated in. Who’da thunk? She didn’t swim and knew nothing about the mechanics of it, but she loved the sea and that love had bolstered her determination to learn.

Emily enjoyed learning about tides and how to read the wind on the water, how to set the sails. She loved to play with high winds by sheeting in the sail tightly for maximum speed, leaning outward in the trapeze harness, the delicate balance of a catamaran flying across the water on one pontoon–there was nothing like it! Surely a cross between surfing and flying, she thought.

Donnie made sure they sailed with other Hobie people, and usually within the soothing crescent of Monterey Bay or the protection of San Francisco Bay, so Emily’s initial nervousness eventually disappeared and she gave herself completely over to the exhilarating sensations and stopped worrying. Donnie had never flipped the boat when she was crewing for him, though others in their fleet had done so.

Sometimes, just outside the Gate in San Francisco Bay, the water was so rough the swells as tall as their mast and inside the green water she glimpsed seaweed, fish, once even an octopus. The butterfly-wing colored sails of the other boats would disappear when they were in the troughs, then reappear as they scooted up and over top. It was easy to forget that winds and tides didn’t always consult on optimum safety conditions for sailors.

One golden late afternoon in October, everyone in their group beached their Cats and were peeling off their wet-suits, starting the process of unrigging their boats, having a beer, telling tales–when Donnie did a nose-count. John and Andrea Clevinger’s boat had not returned.

Anxiety rippled through their group like wind on the water’s surface, camaraderie being replaced with fear and worry. Several scanned the waters with binoculars, but the Clevinger’s distinctive Tequila Sunrise sails were nowhere to be seen. Donnie wasted no time in calling the Coast Guard. The sun slipped under the horizon, and from the beach, they could see the search lights of two vessels and a helicopter traversing the rough sea outside the Gate, another vessel searching the water inside the Bay. Hours went by and the fog turned into a chilled drizzle–some of them put their wetsuits back on for warmth, but nobody went home. Two junior officers had joined their group, asking questions: when and where were the couple last seen by members of their group? Outside the Gate? Inside the Bay? Had anyone noticed their boat tip over?

At that last question, Emily saw Donnie’s eyes flash. “Do you really think we’d have left them out there if we’d seen them go over?” he asked, voice flat with anger.

It was well after midnight, and some of them, mostly the ones with children, had been forced to go home. The Coast Guard made the decision to halt the search until daylight. Donnie refused to leave, he and Emily sleeping rough in the old van. One or two others stayed as well, sleeping in their cars. Emily tried not to think about the water temperature out there, but she couldn’t help it. It was never much more than 50° or so. The wetsuits would give them a few hours extra advantage, but could not prevent hypothermia.

The next morning, it didn’t take long for helicopter to spot the white pontoons of the turtled-Catamaran. The Clevinger’s Hobie was inside the Gate, but mast down in the water, the rough sea, fog and drizzle had made them impossible to spot at night. They found Andrea tied to the trampoline, dead from exposure and severe hypothermia. They never found John.

After that, Emily found that sailing’s shine dulled for her, the thrill had disappeared. She finally told Donnie that he would need to find someone else to crew for him, but it wasn’t long before he sold their Hobie Cat. His heart wasn’t in it anymore either. Donnie went on to other things, other hobbies and sports, but Emily didn’t. Now she wore her tee-shirt and watched.

Mer sorry for the delay in my comment on this, somehow I missed it. Strong scene here, enjoyed it. The one piece that rips me out of it is “Who’da thunk?”. Doesn’t match the voice of the piece.

You might want to play a little bit with the phrasing to avoid monotony. Sometimes, repetition creates symmetry but it can also create flatness. Most of your sentences start off with the main noun or an orienting phrase (where or when). Break it up. There are many ways to start a sentence. Keep in mind that just as in the overall narrative, the beginning and the end are powerful elements. The same goes for an individual sentence.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the critique, Birgitte. I almost deleted this practice because it was so badly done. (Written at work, a few moments at a time between numerous interruptions.) I’m an admin asst to the Admissions department at a private, not-for-profit college and multi-task all the time, but should’ve known better than to do so while trying to “practice” writing! I’ll definitely keep your advice in mind. 🙂

Oh good heavens, if you wrote this while doing something else, all editing gloves are off. And hat off to you for trying!

Derek sat in his attic study, frigid fingers clutching a blanket that covered his layers of winter clothes. At his feet a little gas fire hissed bravely. “Fat lot of use you are,” he muttered as he stared at its puny little flame. He wriggled himself tighter into his cocoon. It was midwinter. Outside, and inside. Looking at the wall mirror opposite he thought his face was turning darker. He fisted it a few times to keep the frostbite away. Why did I ever decide to move to this part of the world, he sighed, as his breath misted past his face. Suddenly a rent appeared in the grey shroud that hung just a few feet above the roof. A shaft of sunlight poured into the dingy room. Everything suddenly lit up, and took on colour – the brown ducks flew in formation on the wallpaper, the matte black of his laptop pulsed with warmth. He looked up at the transluscent blue patch of open sky. . Leaping up he Instinctively threw off the layers that had isolated him. He breathed deeply, two or three times, before sinking back onto his chair. His fingers flew over the keys. It wasn’t the cold that had induced writers block. It was the lack of light. Coming from a warm climate he’d always taken the sun for granted. He sat back for a minute, and opened his face to the golden orb that spun and pulsed in the little lake of blue. . .

Thank you for the post. I am new here and I would love to improve my writing. Here is a bit of a scene set in a world I am working on. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

She stared at the dust, avoiding the piercing gaze of the afternoon sun. Heat crawled up her skin in sickening waves and she wished the clamminess beneath her robes a slow and painful death.

Lethargy slowed her movements, but she forced onward. The bucket she carried toward her family’s goats sloshed uneasily, threatening to spill its wealth on the desert floor.

Hi there and welcome! This sounds like fantasy or sci-fi, since you mention ” a world” you’re working on, is that right? Without more context or background it’s not easy to give the proper feedback, but given what you’ve shared, I’d say:

– if this is another world, how do you define “afternoon” here? Does heat here feel different than on Earth?

– i think you’re defining the tension between the character and the heat well, keep going in that vein. But rather than “wealth”, you might think about another word that would evoke the emotional significance of what I assume is water on this world — or is it perhaps another liquid that the people here need?

WOW – my husband will love you. He enjoys driving in blizzards, sitting outside while lightning comes perilously close to striking him and getting pelted by hails.

I urge him to drive me one block during mild rains in the winter because of my morbid fear of hydroplaning and/or sleety rains 😉

Guess I am in deep trouble, eh?

BRILLIANT post – out of curiosity, how long did it take for you to piece words together into a fun, flavorful and fabulous post *jealous* 😉 hehe

Much love Kitto

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Beginning A Composition With Weather Descriptions

Sunday, Sep 9th, 2018
By: BIG IDEAZ
Composition Framework
Writing Techniques

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Weather description is one of the easiest ways for young writers (6 to 8 years old) to begin their compositions. This is also usually the first story starter that they are being taught in school.

For children who are weak in the language, writing a good weather description can be an easy and effective way to get them started in their composition.

However, most teachers do not encourage flowery weather descriptions such as these:

“White fluffy clouds dotted the azure blue sky as the sun beamed beatifically, casting a golden glow upon the earth.”

“The sky was an expanse of sapphire blue, dotted with feathery white clouds as the radiant rays of the sun shone brightly in the azure blue sky.”

You get the picture.

Proper Use of Weather Descriptions in English Compositions

Weather descriptions is an easy way for young writers to begin their stories. Primary 1 and 2 students can start their compositions with weather descriptions, if weather plays a part in the plot.

There is no need to memorise a hugh chunk of bombastic weather descriptions.

Simple words can sometimes be more effective than bombastic ones.

These are some of the weather descriptions written by our P1 and P2 students:

“It was a cool and breezy evening. A strong gust of wind blew against my face.”

“It was a bright and sunny morning. White, fluffy clouds drifted across the sky.”

“Lightning flashed across the sky. A storm was coming.”

Short. Simple. Readable.

The kids came up with these weather descriptions themselves, without memorising any bombastic phrases.

Most importantly, they are natural, something which children can understand, remember and apply in their writing.

Get this set of PSLE Model Compositions with writing techniques highlighted.

So, how can children be taught to write weather descriptions?

For children who are really weak in the language, even writing a simple sentence to describe a sunny day can be difficult. These children often resort to starting their compositions with “One day, we went…” or “One fine day, Peter was …” or “Last Sunday, my family and I …”.

Such story beginnings can be boring and not captivating.

Students can learn to write effective weather descriptions. In our classes, we get our students to do brainstorming.

1. Brainstorm and make a list of all kinds of weather that you can think of.

cold and rainy
cool and breezy
bright and sunny
scorching hot

2. For each weather type, imagine how the sky, sun, clouds and other weather elements look like.

Describe each element in simple, readable English .

Weather Type: BRIGHT AND SUNNY

Describe the sun: – shines brilliantly – bright – like a fire ball

Describe the sky: – clear, blue sky

Describe the clouds: – white, fluffy clouds – sunlit clouds

3. Form sentences using some of these descriptions.

It was a bright and sunny day. The sun shone brilliantly in the clear, blue sky .

It was a bright and sunny day. White, fluffy clouds drifted across the clear, blue sky .

The above 3 steps are effective in teaching young children (Primary 1 to 3) to come up with weather descriptions that sound natural. Most children are able to come up with beautiful weather descriptions without resorting to the method of memorising huge chunks of unreadable flowery language.

Download the FREE Brainstorming Sheet for Weather Description

Use Weather Descriptions Appropriately

Some students have the habit of starting every composition with weather descriptions, regardless of topic or setting. Remember to use weather descriptions only if weather plays a part in your story. For example, if a rainy weather contributes to the plot of the story, it is a good idea to describe the weather, especially the rain and the coldness. If a story is set outdoors, it is fine to describe the weather too.

However, many students fell into the trap of starting their compositions with describing the sun, the clouds and the sky when their story is set indoors! This is a huge mistake, which should be stopped.

Other Types of Story Beginnings

For stories which are not set outdoors or not affected by the weather, there are other types of story beginnings that can be used.

Students can begin their compositions with speech , which is also a common way of beginning a primary school composition.

Another effective way is to begin with a captivating statement or an intriguing question. Such a beginning hooks readers immediately to read on. When used correctly, it piques a reader’s curiosity and make them want to continue reading to find out what happens next.

Upper primary students can begin their stories with character descriptions . This is useful to show a change in the character at the end of the story. For example, a timid person who became courageous, or a bully regretting his actions and turning over a new leaf.

Beginning with an action is great if you want to move the story along quickly. Students can use suitable vivid verbs to clearly describe a character’s actions at the beginning of the story.

Get our FREE pack of 300 vocabulary cards that your child can use in his or her compositions.

Writing is a skill that improves with practice.

Enrol in our highly popular Writing Academy or Junior Writing Academy , our online courses that support primary school students in developing their English composition writing skills.

Author: BIG IDEAZ

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Groundhog Writing Prompt: Predict Weather with Creative Writing

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Groundhog Writing Prompt: Predict Weather with Creative Writing

What is a Groundhog Writing Prompt?

Why use creative writing to predict weather, here are a few tips to enhance your weather descriptions:, the power of symbolism: ⁣connecting‍ weather patterns to emotions, weather as a ‌plot device: using the elements to enhance your story, setting the tone: weather in dialogue and character development, harnessing the⁢ forecast: craft a compelling climactic scene with weather, practical tips: incorporating weather into your writing effectively, frequently asked questions, the conclusion.

A Groundhog‌ Writing Prompt is an intriguing and fun exercise that stimulates one’s⁢ creative thinking and writing skills. It involves using a concept related to groundhogs as a starting point for crafting a story, poem, or any form of written ⁣expression. This ‍unique prompt serves as a creative springboard, challenging individuals to explore‌ their imaginations and discover fresh ideas .

Using a Groundhog Writing Prompt can be a ⁤delightful way to tap into your creativity and overcome writer’s block. These prompts can revolve around various aspects of⁢ groundhogs, such as their behavior, habitats, or the famous Groundhog Day⁣ tradition. By immersing yourself in the world of groundhogs, you gain new perspectives and unlock imaginative possibilities. You might find yourself crafting a suspenseful tale about a groundhog hero, narrating a⁣ heartwarming poem about a groundhog family, ⁣or expressing your thoughts on the significance of Groundhog Day. The sheer versatility of Groundhog Writing Prompts is what makes them so exciting and entertaining. So, grab a pen and paper, let your imagination roam free, and embark on an enchanting⁢ writing journey with these furry creatures as ⁤your muse!

Why Use Creative Writing to Predict Weather?

Weather⁣ prediction has come a long⁢ way⁤ with technological advancements, yet ‌incorporating creative writing‍ into forecasting practices offers a refreshing perspective on understanding atmospheric conditions. Here’s why embracing the amalgamation of creative writing and meteorology can unveil new insights:

Unleashing imaginative interpretations: By⁢ exploring weather through creative writing, meteorologists can⁢ tap into their creativity, enabling them to look ‌beyond numbers and charts. This approach allows them to think more holistically and‍ stimulate their minds⁤ to generate fresh ideas and unique correlations.
Enhancing forecast comprehension: Integrating⁣ creative narratives into weather predictions provides‍ a storytelling element ‍that resonates with individuals across various backgrounds. By presenting forecasts in a more captivating and relatable manner, people can easily grasp complex meteorological concepts, fostering a greater understanding of weather patterns and their ‌potential impact.

‍ Harnessing the power of creative writing in weather forecasting encourages a shift from mechanical predictions to engaging narratives, opening doors to innovative forecasting techniques. As the field evolves, embracing⁤ this ⁢unconventional ‍approach will not only make weather forecasts more accessible but also inject⁣ an element of intrigue as ⁢we unravel the secrets of the skies.

Explore Your Imagination: Creating Vivid Weather Descriptions

Have you ‌ever wanted to transport your readers ⁢to a ⁣different world ‍with your writing? Well, ⁤look no further! ⁤In this post, we will dive deep into the art of crafting vivid weather descriptions that will ⁢bring your scenes to‌ life. ‍Weather can be a powerful tool to ‍set the mood, create tension, or add depth to your ⁢storytelling. So, let’s unleash your creativity and explore ⁤the endless possibilities of weather descriptions!

To create truly immersive weather descriptions, it’s essential to engage all the senses. Instead of simply stating that it’s raining, consider describing the smell of the damp ⁤earth, the sound of raindrops dancing on windowpanes, or the feel of cold droplets⁢ on the skin. This⁣ multisensory ⁣approach will make your readers feel like they’re right there, experiencing the weather alongside your characters. ⁤Remember to use vivid and evocative language to paint a clear picture. For instance, you could say, “The rain⁤ poured down in torrents, turning the streets into glistening mirrors.”

Observe and ⁣Reflect: Pay attention to the weather around you⁢ and reflect on how it makes you feel. Notice the subtleties in different weather conditions and analyze how they impact your emotions.
Use Metaphors ‌and Similes: Comparing the weather to other familiar⁤ objects or sensations⁢ can⁢ create powerful⁤ imagery. For example, “The wind howled like a pack of wolves, biting at my exposed skin.”
Create Atmosphere: Tailor your weather descriptions to match the atmosphere of the scene. Use stormy weather for intense or dramatic moments, or gentle breezes for peaceful or romantic settings.
Embrace Personification: Give the weather‌ human-like qualities to breathe life into your descriptions. Make lightning crackle ⁤with anger or raindrops whisper secrets.

Remember, vivid weather descriptions have the‌ power to transform⁢ your writing, captivating readers and immersing them in your world. So, embark on this journey of ⁣imagination with‍ us and let your words rain, shine, or storm!

The Power of Symbolism: Connecting Weather Patterns to⁢ Emotions

Symbolism is ⁢a powerful tool that has the ability to connect ‍seemingly unrelated concepts in⁤ a profound way. When⁢ it comes to weather patterns and emotions, this connection becomes even more fascinating. Just as certain weather conditions can evoke specific moods or feelings within us, they can also serve as symbols or metaphors for our internal states of being.

Think about⁢ the warm, golden ‍hues of a sunny day. This type of weather often brings to mind feelings of joy, optimism, and contentment. It symbolizes happiness and can lift our spirits. On the other hand, an overcast sky with dark clouds looming above can give rise to a sense of sadness and melancholy. It becomes a metaphor for emotions that weigh us down, making us ⁣feel gloomy or introspective.

The sun shining brightly can‍ symbolize hope and new beginnings.
Stormy weather can represent turbulence and chaos in our ⁢lives.
A gentle breeze on a cool day may signify tranquility and peace ‌within.
Heavy rain can symbolize cleansing or the release of pent-up emotions.

By recognizing ‌and interpreting these ⁣symbolic connections, we can gain a deeper⁣ understanding of our own emotions and experiences. Weather becomes not just an external phenomenon but a mirror that reflects our inner world. So next time you find yourself under a clear sky ⁣or caught in a⁣ downpour, take a moment to ponder the‌ symbolism at play and the emotions it⁣ may be trying to‌ convey. You might ‌be surprised by the insights you gain.

Weather as a ⁤Plot Device: Using the Elements to Enhance Your Story

Weather can be a‌ powerful ‍and versatile plot device to add depth and intensity to your story. By incorporating‌ elements of‌ nature, you can create a vivid and dynamic backdrop that enhances the overall atmosphere of your narrative. Here are a few ways⁤ you can leverage⁣ the weather to captivate your readers:

Setting ‍the mood: Utilize different weather conditions to reflect the emotional tone of your story. Use a stormy night to create tension and foreshadow danger, or a bright sunny day⁢ to evoke feelings of happiness, joy, or tranquility.
Symbolism: Weather can serve as a powerful symbol throughout your narrative. For example, ‌a sudden thunderstorm can ‌represent conflict or chaos, while a gentle rain shower can symbolize cleansing or renewal. Use ‍these ⁢symbols strategically to reinforce your themes and evoke certain emotions ⁢in ⁤your readers.
Character development: How your characters respond to⁤ the weather can ⁢reveal aspects of their personalities ‌or drive ⁣the plot forward. Show their‌ resilience during a blizzard or their fear during a hurricane. The weather can impact their decisions and actions, allowing for ⁢deeper‌ character development.

Remember, the weather can‍ act as a supporting character in your story, influencing the direction and tone of your narrative. By integrating ‌weather elements effectively, you can add richness and complexity to your storytelling, ‌making ‍your readers feel fully immersed in your world.

Setting the Tone: Weather in Dialogue and Character Development

In storytelling, weather ⁢can ⁣be used ⁣as ⁤a powerful tool to set the tone, enhance dialogue, and deepen character development. By incorporating weather elements into a narrative,‌ writers can create an atmospheric backdrop that mirrors the emotions and tensions of the scene, adding layers of meaning to the story.

One effective way to utilize weather in dialogue is through the use of ⁣metaphors and symbolism. ⁢For example, a stormy‌ day might be used to convey‌ conflict or turmoil between characters, while a bright and sunny day could represent joy or harmony. By linking the weather‍ with the character’s ⁣emotions or situation, writers can subtly convey their state of mind, allowing readers‍ to better understand their thoughts, motivations, and reactions.

Weather can serve as ‌a reflection: Just as ‍weather changes throughout the day, characters can ⁤experience emotional shifts. Utilize weather to reflect ‌their internal conflicts and growth.
Weather as a plot device: Dramatic weather conditions like thunderstorms or blizzards can introduce conflict or intensify existing ones, propelling the plot forward.
Weather to establish atmosphere: Describing the ‍weather in vivid⁣ detail can help create a vivid sense of place and immerse readers in the story’s world.

By ‌cleverly incorporating weather into dialogue and character development, writers have ⁤another powerful tool at their disposal to engage readers and ⁢craft a more immersive and emotionally resonant story.

Harnessing the Forecast: Craft a Compelling Climactic Scene with Weather

Weather plays a crucial role in setting the mood⁣ and ⁤intensity of a climactic scene in a story. By ‌harnessing the forecast, writers can craft a compelling and immersive experience for their readers. Here⁢ are a few ways to utilize weather to enhance the impact of your ‍climactic scene:

1. **Symbolism:** Incorporate specific‌ weather conditions that symbolize the events unfolding in your story. For instance, a thunderstorm ⁤can represent the protagonist’s internal turmoil or the impending conflict between characters. Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the storm’s intensity, from the crackling lightning to the booming ‌thunder, heightening the emotions⁢ and tension of the scene.

2. **Foreshadowing:** Weather can serve as⁤ a powerful tool for ⁢foreshadowing the outcome of a climactic moment. By subtly hinting at approaching storm clouds or a sudden drop in temperature, readers can sense the impending danger or impending triumph. Consider using these⁤ atmospheric changes to reflect the internal struggles or transformation of your main characters, creating a sense of anticipation for the readers.

3. **Contrast:** When crafting a climactic scene, contrasting⁢ weather⁣ patterns can ⁣heighten the intensity and impact. Utilize unpredictable weather conditions, such as a ‍serene sunny day turning⁣ into a torrential downpour or a calm sea suddenly ⁣transforming into a tempest. By juxtaposing opposing elements, you can create a sensory⁣ experience that mirrors the emotional ⁢turmoil and conflict within the story.

Remember, weather is more than just a backdrop; it’s a dynamic element that can amplify the emotions and tension in your climactic scene. By skillfully incorporating weather symbolism, foreshadowing, and contrast, you can harness the forecast ‌to create a truly⁣ unforgettable ⁣and captivating experience for your readers.

Weather can significantly enhance the atmosphere and immerse readers in your writing. By incorporating weather effectively, you can create a more ⁢realistic and engaging experience for your audience. Here are some practical tips to help you master the ⁣art⁤ of incorporating weather seamlessly into your writing:

Choose the right weather: Consider the mood and tone you ‌want to‌ convey in your⁤ scene.⁤ Different types of weather evoke different emotions. Utilize rain for a melancholic or introspective atmosphere, sunshine for joy or optimism, or howling winds for suspense and tension.
Use vivid descriptive language: Paint ⁢a vivid picture by using descriptive words and phrases when ⁤portraying the weather. This allows readers to visualize the scene and feel immersed in the environment. Instead of‍ saying “it ⁤was raining,” you could say “the torrential downpour drummed on the rooftops, drowning out all other sounds.”

In addition to setting the mood, weather can also ‍serve ⁤a purpose in your narrative. Here are a couple of ways‍ you can ⁣incorporate weather more effectively:

Symbolism and foreshadowing: Weather can be a powerful symbol in your⁢ story, reflecting the characters’ emotions or‍ acting as foreshadowing for future events to create suspense. For example, a sudden storm⁤ brewing in the distance might signal an upcoming conflict or turmoil.
Enhance tension and atmosphere: Integrate weather to intensify the tension or amplify the atmosphere of a particular scene. Utilize thunder and lightning during a high-stakes confrontation or a biting cold wind ⁣to emphasize isolation and despair.

Q: What is the groundhog⁢ writing prompt all about? A: The groundhog writing prompt is a creative writing activity that uses the concept of Groundhog Day to predict the weather. It encourages participants to imagine themselves as weather-predicting groundhogs and write⁣ a story or poem⁣ about their predictions.

Q: How does the groundhog ⁢writing‍ prompt work? A: Participants are invited to think about what the coming seasons will bring‍ and⁢ write creatively about it. They can imagine themselves as a⁤ groundhog emerging from their burrow and making a⁣ weather prediction for the rest of the year. The ‌prompt stimulates imaginative storytelling and encourages writers to tap into their creative abilities.

Q: What is the⁢ significance of Groundhog Day‍ in relation⁤ to‍ this⁢ writing prompt? A: Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in February, where it’s believed that the behavior of groundhogs coming out of hibernation can⁤ predict the⁣ weather for the months ahead. This writing prompt⁤ takes inspiration from that tradition, allowing participants ⁣to put their own twist on weather predictions using their creative writing skills.

Q: Can anyone participate in the⁣ groundhog writing prompt? A: Absolutely! The groundhog writing prompt is open ⁢to everyone who is interested in flexing their creative writing muscles and having some fun while predicting the weather.⁣ It can be enjoyed by writers of all ages⁣ and skill levels.

Q: What are the ⁤benefits of participating ⁤in the groundhog writing prompt? A: This writing prompt encourages imaginative thinking, storytelling,‍ and creativity. It allows participants to explore their⁢ writing skills in a fun and engaging way. Additionally, it can help improve language proficiency and communication skills. It’s a great ‌activity for self-expression and a wonderful opportunity⁤ to step into the shoes of a groundhog weather predictor.

Q: Are there any specific guidelines‌ or rules for this writing prompt? A: There ⁢are no strict guidelines or rules ‌for ‌the groundhog writing prompt. Participants ⁣are encouraged to ‍let their creativity run wild and write a story ⁤or poem that predicts the weather. ‍They can incorporate any themes, ideas, ‍or even humorous elements that come to mind. It’s all about having ‍fun with creative writing!

Q: How can one get started with⁣ the groundhog writing prompt? A: To get started, one simply⁢ needs a pen and paper or a computer to write on. Begin by thinking about the current weather and the ⁣different seasons, ⁢then dive into imagining what kind of predictions a weather-predicting groundhog would make. Let the⁢ ideas flow and start ⁤writing a creative story or poem based on‍ those predictions.

Q: Can the groundhog writing prompt be done individually or in a group setting? A: The groundhog writing prompt can be done both individually and in a group setting. Writers can‌ challenge themselves on their own,‌ allowing their unique ideas to ⁤take shape. It can also be a fun activity to do with friends,⁤ family, or in a classroom, where participants can share their creative weather predictions and engage in discussion.

Q: How long should the written piece be for the groundhog writing prompt? A: The length of the written piece for the groundhog writing prompt ⁤is entirely up to the participant. It can range from⁤ a ⁢short paragraph to a several-page story or poem. The goal is to let the imagination run free and create a prediction that captures the essence of the seasons ahead.

Q: Can the⁤ groundhog ‌writing prompt be shared with others? A: Absolutely! Sharing the⁣ groundhog writing prompt with others can be an enjoyable ⁤experience. Participants ⁤can share their ⁤written pieces with friends, family, or even online platforms where fellow writers can appreciate and provide feedback. Sharing can‍ inspire⁢ others to take part in this creative⁢ activity and⁣ create a vibrant community of‌ weather-predicting groundhog writers.

In conclusion, using creative writing to predict weather through the Groundhog Day tradition adds an element of fun and imagination to the process. It encourages creativity while fostering an understanding of how weather predictions are made.

Writing Prompts for April: Embrace Springtime Stories

Writing Prompts for Kindergarten Spring: Engage in Seasonal Creativity

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26 Metaphors for Weather: Exploring the Vivid Language of Nature

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Weather has always fascinated us, inspiring poets, writers, and everyday conversations. It’s amazing how the elements can be described in countless ways, each metaphor painting a unique picture of nature’s moods. In this article, we delve into the world of weather metaphors, exploring 26 captivating expressions that bring the elements to life.

26 Metaphors for Weather

The Sky’s Tears – Describing rain as “the sky’s tears” conveys a sense of sadness or melancholy.
A Blanket of Snow – Snowfall can be compared to a cozy blanket covering the ground.
The Roar of Thunder – Thunderstorms are nature’s orchestra, with thunder as its powerful percussion.
The Whispering Wind – Gentle breezes are like whispers from the wind, carrying secrets and stories from afar.
The Sun’s Embrace – Sunshine can be described as the warm and comforting embrace of the sun.
Mist’s Mysteries – Fog and mist can shroud the world in mystery, concealing what lies beyond.
The Icy Grip of Winter – Winter’s chill can be compared to an icy grip, as it freezes everything in its path.
Dancing Raindrops – When raindrops fall , they dance on surfaces, creating a rhythmic and soothing melody.
The Breath of Autumn – The cool, crisp air of autumn is like a refreshing breath of nature.
The Fiery Sunset – A sunset can be likened to a fire in the sky, painting the horizon with vibrant colors.
The Hush of Snowfall – As snow falls gently to the ground, it creates a hushed atmosphere.
The Wrath of the Storm – Storms can be described as nature’s fury, unleashing its anger upon the world.
The Gentle Caress of Spring – Spring’s arrival is like a gentle caress, awakening the world from its slumber.
The Ocean’s Sigh – Waves crashing on the shore can be compared to the deep sighs of the ocean.
The Whispers of the Leaves – Rustling leaves in the wind are like whispers from the trees, sharing their secrets with the world.
The Velvet Night – A clear, starry night can be described as velvety, soft, and full of dreams .
The Embrace of the Tides – High tides can be likened to the sea’s loving embrace, reaching out to touch the shore.
The Song of the Birds – Birdsong in the morning is like nature’s symphony, announcing the arrival of a new day.
The Scent of Rain – The earthy smell that follows rain can be compared to nature’s perfume.
The Breath of Summer – Summer’s warmth is like a gentle breath, wrapping us in its comforting embrace.
The Laughter of Sunshine – Sunshine can be described as nature’s laughter, bringing joy and brightness.
The Cradle of Clouds – Clouds can be seen as a cradle, rocking the sky to sleep with their gentle movements.
The Velvet Touch of Dusk – Dusk, with its soft, fading light, is like a velvet touch, signaling the end of the day.
The Symphony of Rainbows – Rainbows are nature’s symphony of colors, a beautiful and harmonious display.
The Whispers of the Stars – The night sky, adorned with stars, seems to whisper the secrets of the universe.
The Fury of a Hurricane – Hurricanes can be likened to nature’s fury, a powerful and destructive force.

These metaphors add vividness and depth to descriptions of weather, allowing readers to visualize and connect with nature in a unique way.

1. The Sky’s Tears

Alternative Words/Phrases:

Heavenly Weeping
Celestial Crying
Atmospheric Sorrow

Explanation: “The Sky’s Tears” is a metaphor that poetically describes rain as if the sky is shedding tears. It conveys a sense of sadness or sorrow associated with rainy weather.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a formal email discussing a weather-related event or news, you can use this metaphor to add a touch of literary flair. For example, “Dear colleagues, due to the recent inclement weather, the sky’s tears have been relentless, causing flooding in several areas.”

Informal Context: When chatting with friends about a rainy day, you might say, “I love how the sky’s tears make everything feel fresh and clean.”

Example Sentence: “The sky’s tears fell gently upon the garden, nurturing the flowers and bringing life to the earth .”

2. A Blanket of Snow

White Comfort
Winter’s Cover
Frosty Blanket

Explanation: “A Blanket of Snow” compares snowfall to a cozy covering that blankets the ground, creating a serene and peaceful landscape.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a formal report about winter weather conditions, you can use this metaphor to describe the extent of snowfall. For instance, “The region experienced a substantial blanket of snow, resulting in travel disruptions.”

Informal Context: When sharing your excitement about the first snowfall with friends, you might say, “Waking up to a world covered in a blanket of snow is pure magic!”

Example Sentence: “The town was enveloped in a pristine blanket of snow, muffling the sounds of the bustling city.”

3. The Roar of Thunder

Thunder’s Symphony
Sky’s Drumroll
Nature’s Percussion

Explanation: “The Roar of Thunder” likens thunderstorms to a powerful orchestra, with thunder serving as its percussion instrument. It conveys the intensity and dramatic nature of thunderstorms.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a scientific paper discussing atmospheric phenomena, you can use this metaphor to describe thunder’s role. For example, “Thunder, often referred to as the roar of thunder, is a result of rapid air expansion during lightning strikes.”

Informal Context: When chatting with friends during a thunderstorm, you might say, “Did you hear that incredible roar of thunder? It felt like the sky’s drumroll!”

Example Sentence: “The roar of thunder echoed through the valley, shaking the ground with its sheer power .”

4. The Whispering Wind

Breezy Whispers
Zephyr’s Secrets
Gentle Murmurs

Explanation: “The Whispering Wind” compares gentle breezes to whispers from the wind, suggesting a sense of mystery and tranquility in the air.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a travel brochure describing a serene destination, you can use this metaphor to evoke a sense of calm. For instance, “Visit our resort and experience the soothing embrace of the whispering wind.”

Informal Context: When enjoying a peaceful evening with friends outdoors, you might say, “I love how the whispering wind rustles through the trees, it’s so relaxing.”

Example Sentence: “As the sun set, the whispering wind carried the scent of blooming flowers, creating a serene atmosphere.”

5. The Sun’s Embrace

Sunshine’s Warmth
Radiant Embrace

Explanation: “The Sun’s Embrace” portrays sunshine as a warm and comforting embrace from the sun. It conveys the idea of light, happiness, and positivity.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a motivational speech, you can use this metaphor to inspire optimism. For example, “Just as the sun’s embrace brightens our day, let positivity embrace your life.”

Informal Context: When complimenting a friend’s cheerful demeanor, you might say, “Your smile feels like a ray of the sun’s embrace!”

Example Sentence: “As I stepped into the sunlight, I felt the sun’s embrace warming my skin and lifting my spirits.”

6. Mist’s Mysteries

Enigmatic Fog
Fog’s Secrets
Veil of Mystery

Explanation: “Mist’s Mysteries” describes fog and mist as shrouding the world in mystery, concealing what lies beyond. It suggests an element of intrigue and uncertainty.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a mystery novel’s atmospheric description, you can use this metaphor to set the mood. For instance, “The mist’s mysteries enveloped the ancient castle, hiding its secrets.”

Informal Context: When describing a foggy morning walk, you might say, “Walking through the mist’s mysteries felt like exploring a hidden world.”

Example Sentence: “The mist’s mysteries veiled the forest, creating an eerie and enchanting ambiance.”

7. The Icy Grip of Winter

Winter’s Chill
Frosty Embrace
Freezing Grasp

Explanation: “The Icy Grip of Winter” characterizes winter’s cold as an icy grip, emphasizing its ability to freeze everything in its path.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a safety advisory about winter weather, you can use this metaphor to highlight the dangers of extreme cold. For example, “Beware of the icy grip of winter, which can pose severe health risks.”

Informal Context: When describing a particularly cold day, you might say, “I could feel the icy grip of winter as I stepped outside.”

Example Sentence: “The icy grip of winter turned the lake into a crystal-clear wonderland, with its surface frozen in time.”

8. Dancing Raindrops

Rain’s Ballet
Precipitation’s Waltz
Liquid Choreography

Explanation: “Dancing Raindrops” portrays raindrops as gracefully dancing when they fall, creating a rhythmic and soothing melody.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a weather documentary, you can use this metaphor to describe rain’s beauty. For instance, “Watch as the dancing raindrops create a mesmerizing display in the heart of the storm.”

Informal Context: When reminiscing about a rainy day with a friend, you might say, “I sat by the window, listening to the soothing music of the dancing raindrops.”

Example Sentence: “The dancing raindrops on the rooftop provided a tranquil background score to the evening.”

9. The Breath of Autumn

Fall’s Exhale
Autumn’s Sigh
Seasonal Breeze

Explanation: “The Breath of Autumn” likens the cool, crisp air of autumn to a refreshing breath of nature, symbolizing the changing of seasons.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a travel brochure promoting autumn getaways, you can use this metaphor to emphasize the rejuvenating aspects of the season. For example, “Experience the invigorating breath of autumn at our scenic retreat.”

Informal Context: When discussing your favorite season with friends, you might say, “There’s something magical about the breath of autumn, with its cool, crisp air.”

Example Sentence: “As I walked through the forest, I could feel the breath of autumn on my skin, a reminder of the changing seasons.”

10. The Fiery Sunset

Sunset’s Blaze
Dusk’s Inferno
Evening’s Fireworks

Explanation: “The Fiery Sunset” describes a sunset as resembling a fire in the sky, with vibrant colors painting the horizon.

Scenario: Formal Context: In an art critique, you can use this metaphor to analyze a painting of a sunset. For instance, “The artist captured the intensity of the fiery sunset with bold strokes of color.”

Informal Context: When sharing your admiration for a stunning sunset with a friend, you might say, “Tonight’s fiery sunset was like nature’s own fireworks display!”

Example Sentence: “The fiery sunset bathed the landscape in hues of orange, red, and gold, creating a breathtaking spectacle.”

11. The Hush of Snowfall

Snow’s Silence
Silent Blizzard
Winter’s Quiet

Explanation: “The Hush of Snowfall” characterizes the falling snow as creating a hushed atmosphere, suggesting a peaceful and serene ambiance.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a winter safety guide, you can use this metaphor to emphasize the need for caution during heavy snowfall. For example, “During the hush of snowfall, it’s crucial to stay prepared for adverse weather conditions.”

Informal Context: When reminiscing about a snow day with friends, you might say, “There’s something magical about the hush of snowfall, everything feels so calm.”

Example Sentence: “As the snowflakes descended, the hush of snowfall blanketed the city in tranquil stillness.”

12. The Wrath of the Storm

Storm’s Fury
Tempest’s Rage
Nature’s Fury

Explanation: “The Wrath of the Storm” depicts storms as nature’s fury, highlighting their power, intensity, and potential for destruction.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a news report covering a severe storm, you can use this metaphor to convey the seriousness of the situation. For instance, “The wrath of the storm left a trail of devastation in its wake.”

Informal Context: When discussing stormy weather with friends, you might say, “I’ve never seen the ocean so turbulent, it’s like witnessing the wrath of the storm.”

Example Sentence: “The wrath of the storm unleashed torrential rain and fierce winds, causing widespread damage.”

13. The Gentle Caress of Spring

Spring’s Tender Touch
Season’s Embrace
Nature’s Affection

Explanation: “The Gentle Caress of Spring” describes the arrival of spring as a gentle and tender touch from the season, awakening the world from its slumber.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a botanical magazine highlighting the beauty of spring blooms, you can use this metaphor to convey the nurturing aspect of spring. For example, “Experience the gentle caress of spring as blossoms grace our gardens.”

Informal Context: When expressing your love for spring to a friend, you might say, “I adore the gentle caress of spring; it’s like nature’s way of saying ‘hello.'”

Example Sentence: “As the days grew longer, the gentle caress of spring brought forth vibrant flowers and lush greenery.”

14. The Ocean’s Sigh

Seaside Murmur
Coastal Whispers
Waves’ Exhale

Explanation: “The Ocean’s Sigh” likens the sound of waves crashing on the shore to the deep, soothing sighs of the ocean, creating a sense of tranquility.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a relaxation guide promoting coastal getaways, you can use this metaphor to evoke a sense of calm and peace. For instance, “Find solace in the ocean’s sigh during your seaside retreat.”

Informal Context: When describing a recent beach vacation to friends, you might say, “Listening to the ocean’s sigh every morning was the best part of our trip.”

Example Sentence: “The ocean’s sigh, a symphony of waves, lulled me into a state of complete relaxation.”

15. The Whispers of the Leaves

Foliage’s Secrets
Trees’ Murmurs
Rustling Conversations

Explanation: “The Whispers of the Leaves” portrays the rustling of leaves in the wind as akin to whispers from the trees, suggesting a connection between nature and its observers.

Scenario: Formal Context: In an environmental awareness campaign, you can use this metaphor to emphasize the importance of preserving natural spaces. For example, “Protecting our forests ensures the continued whispers of the leaves for generations to come.”

Informal Context: When sharing your love for the outdoors with friends, you might say, “There’s something magical about the whispers of the leaves in the forest—it’s like nature’s own conversation.”

Example Sentence: “As I walked through the woods, the whispers of the leaves created a serene and enchanting atmosphere.”

16. The Velvet Night

Night’s Softness
Evening’s Elegance
Starry Velvet

Explanation: “The Velvet Night” describes a clear, starry night as soft and elegant, full of dreams and tranquility.

Scenario: Formal Context: In a stargazing event announcement, you can use this metaphor to set the mood for an evening of celestial observation. For instance, “Join us for an enchanting night under the velvet night sky, where stars twinkle like diamonds.”

Informal Context: When expressing your fascination with the night sky to friends, you might say, “There’s something truly magical about the velvet night—it feels like the universe is wrapped in beauty.”

Example Sentence: “As I gazed at the starry, velvet night, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and awe.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these metaphors commonly used in literature?

Yes, many of these metaphors are frequently used in literature, poetry, and everyday language to vividly describe weather phenomena.

Q: Can I create my own weather metaphors?

Absolutely! Creating your own weather metaphors can be a fun and creative way to express yourself and describe the world around you.

Q: Do weather metaphors vary by culture?

Yes, different cultures may have their own unique weather metaphors and expressions based on their climate and experiences.

Q: Are weather metaphors only used in English?

No, weather metaphors are used in many languages to convey the beauty and moods of the elements.

Q: Do these metaphors have deeper meanings?

Some weather metaphors may carry deeper symbolic meanings, while others are more straightforward descriptions of weather phenomena.

Q: Can I use these metaphors in my writing?

Absolutely! These metaphors can add depth and vividness to your writing, making it more engaging and descriptive.

Exploring the world of weather metaphors is like embarking on a poetic journey through the elements. Each metaphor paints a unique and vivid picture of nature’s moods, from the gentle caress of spring to the fury of a hurricane.

By incorporating these metaphors into your writing, you can add depth and beauty to your descriptions of the world around you.

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Lawrence creative writing instructor honored for endeavors in county jail

TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) - A creative writing instructor who calls Lawrence home has been honored for his efforts to teach creative writing to those in the Douglas County, Kan., Jail.

Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., announced on Wednesday, May 15, that Brian Daldorph, of Lawrence, has won the 2024 Hefner Heitz Kansas Book Award in Literary Nonfiction. The award honors his book, “Words is a Powerful Thing: Twenty Years of Teaching Creative Writing at Douglas County Jail.”

The University noted that Doldoprh is a creative writing instructor at the county jail in Lawrence, as well as a senior lecturer in the University of Kansas English Department. He has penned six books of poetry, including “Kansas Poems” and “Blue Notes.” He is also editor of the literary journal “Coal City Review.”

Washburn indicated that the 2024 judge, Rebekah Taussig, won the award in 2021 for her memoir “Sitting Pretty.”

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“I kept finding myself turning back to Daldorph’s book, rereading underlined passages and thinking about the inmates’ poems at different times throughout the day. This book cuts to the heart of what so many of us value as writers and readers—the power of bare language and simple self-narration,” Taussig said. “And also, at times, a stark look at its limitations. I found myself thinking differently about my own writing - what are the stories I want to tell and why - and the way I teach writing - what is this work, what is the goal? I was surprised by this book, and the words I read will stay with me.”

The University said the Hefner Heitz Kansas Book Award alternates between genres. Poetry will be judged in 2025, Fiction in 2026 and Literary Nonfiction again in 2027.

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Master List for Describing Weather
"How to describe weather" seemed like a good place to start. This way, you won't get stuck trying to figure out how to describe nice weather, or thinking up ways to describe rain. Hopefully, this will make your writing go faster. I always include simple as well as more creative ways to describe or write about weather.
160+ Ways to Describe Weather
The last rays of sun skimmed the surface. late afternoon sun. velvety darkness. night shattered like a mirror. the Southern Cross lying on its side, the green meadow bathed in the humid light of the sinking sun. full dusk. The corners have just about disappeared into the shadows. Night.
101 Words To Describe Weather
Words Describing Cold Weather. bleak - very cold and grey. biting - so cold that it makes you feel uncomfortable. brisk - fairly cold and a fairly strong wind is blowing. crisp - cold and dry. fresh - fairly cold and the wind is blowing. frosty - cold enough to produce frost. hard - a very cold winter. harsh - extremely cold and ...
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Write a daily weather report. Students need to have a diverse vocabulary to describe the weather. If your teacher gives you instructions to write about the weather, you'll need to have some weather words ready to describe it accurately. Our 25 weather writing prompts will help you create word banks for describing it that you can use in future ...
Weather Writing Prompts: Explore Atmospheric Narratives
A: Weather writing prompts encourage the development of descriptive skills, enhance the ability ⁢to evoke emotions,⁤ and foster⁤ creativity. By‌ incorporating weather elements into your narratives, you can engage readers on ⁢a ⁢sensory level and create a more immersive‍ storytelling ‍experience.
Describe The Weather In Writing With Better Vocabulary
When writing about the weather, using it was, or there was is a common writing fault. It's because we so often refer to the weather as it. But few people take into account what follows Bulwer-Lytton's famous clause. It's a pity because the complete sentence is a wonderful example of how to describe the weather in writing.
33 Writing Prompts about Weather
33 Writing Prompts about Weather. Whether or not you enjoy small talk, you have to admit that the weather is important and affects our everyday lives. We experience many types of weather on Earth, from hot and sunny days to snow-covered nights, and everything else in between. Rain or shine, these writing prompts aim to help get your brain ...
How to Use Weather in Creative Writing
Weather as Setting. When it comes to creative writing, the weather is a crucial part of the setting. It plays a big role in allowing the reader to immerse themselves into the world you are creating. For example, imagine that a town was described by a character as "wet and dreary 365 days a year.". Now imagine that the writer only gave ...
Using Weather in Fiction
I learned to estimate how far away a storm is using the "flash-to-bang" lightning to thunder method. Count the seconds between lightning and thunder and divide by five. Five seconds is one mile, ten seconds is two miles. When the time between the lightning flash and the roar of thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is 6 miles away or ...
8 Weather-Related Writing Prompts
Idea 8. In a fantasy setting, a group of adventurers are attacked by monsters (you decide what kind) in the midst of a storm. Write what happens next — but the weather conditions should play a ...
Weather Symbolism in Fiction Literature: Learn How to Use It
As such, weather is an excellent tool for symbolizing emotion, and more. William Shakespeare's King Lear, for example, is one of the earliest examples of weather in fiction. When Lear wanders out into the wilds, a storm rolls in. The storm helps create a mood, yes. But it also goes deeper than that.
7 Ways To Write About The Weather
Here, using the cliché is needed to show how desperate the character is to start a conversation. 2. Weather As A Backdrop. The most common use of the weather in fiction is as an inconspicuous element of the setting in sentences like this one: Example: On a sunny day, Jane went to the public library.
How to Describe a Storm in Writing
Vivid Verbs. Because bad weather can often get out of control, describing a storm is not the time to skimp on verb usage. Weak verbs, such as "was" or "were," drain your descriptions of energy rather than infuse them with detail. Using specific, active verbs for the storm's motion gives readers a more detailed image of the story's events.
How to Use Weather to Set the Scene
How to Use Weather in a Setting. This makes weather an ideal setting tool to convey what's going on in the story or in a character's head. You don't need to use the sledgehammer approach but I'd also exercise caution at being too clever. A few references, subtle ones, dropped in during a scene will convey the message.
Write With the Weather
Become a better creative writer with The Write Practice. Find the best writing lessons, get timed writing prompts and exercises, and then publish your writing in our community to get feedback. ... to excise adjectives from my writing. Weather cries out to be described! Watch this space to see my attempt… and thansk for sharing. -Sef. Birgitte ...
Beginning A Composition With Weather Descriptions
These are some of the weather descriptions written by our P1 and P2 students: "It was a cool and breezy evening. A strong gust of wind blew against my face.". "It was a bright and sunny morning. White, fluffy clouds drifted across the sky.". "Lightning flashed across the sky. A storm was coming.". Short.
FREE! Creative Writing Prompts: Weather-Themed
Well, then you're in luck because these free creative writing prompts are the perfect solution! Creative writing prompts are a fun way for kids to work on their writing skills and are excellent for journaling, story starters, and more! Five creative writing prompts are included in the set, including "If I lived on the sun …".
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26 Metaphors for Weather. The Sky's Tears - Describing rain as "the sky's tears" conveys a sense of sadness or melancholy.; A Blanket of Snow - Snowfall can be compared to a cozy blanket covering the ground.; The Roar of Thunder - Thunderstorms are nature's orchestra, with thunder as its powerful percussion.; The Whispering Wind - Gentle breezes are like whispers from the ...
Lawrence creative writing instructor honored for endeavors in ...
A creative writing instructor who calls Lawrence home has been honored for his efforts to teach creative writing to those in the Douglas County, Kan., Jail. ... Wild Weather: Heavy rain, strong ...
Noginsk, Moscow Oblast, Russia Weather
Today's and tonight's Noginsk, Moscow Oblast, Russia weather forecast, weather conditions and Doppler radar from The Weather Channel and Weather.com
Elektrostal
Elektrostal. Elektrostal ( Russian: Электроста́ль) is a city in Moscow Oblast, Russia. It is 58 kilometers (36 mi) east of Moscow. As of 2010, 155,196 people lived there.
Elektrostal, Russia Weather Conditions
Elektrostal Weather Forecasts. Weather Underground provides local & long-range weather forecasts, weatherreports, maps & tropical weather conditions for the Elektrostal area.
Wind & weather forecast Elektrostal
This is the wind, wave and weather forecast for Elektrostal in Moscow Oblast, Russia. Windfinder specializes in wind, waves, tides and weather reports & forecasts for wind related sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, sailing, fishing or paragliding. Forecast This forecast is based on the GFS model. Forecasts are available worldwide.

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Describe The Weather In Writing With Better Vocabulary

How to describe the weather in writing

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Use verbs that sound like the weather

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33 Writing Prompts about Weather

How to use these prompts:

The 33 Weather Prompts:

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How to Use Weather in Creative Writing

Use Weather to Set the Scene

Weather as Setting

Creating Mood with Weather

Using Weather as a Plot Device

Use Weather Descriptions Sparingly

Avoid Clichés or Rework Them

Final Thoughts

Writers in the Storm

Using Weather in Fiction

I find the electrical energy of a storm invigorating. (As long as I’m not traveling in it.)

Why Write About Weather?

Emotions and weather are intertwined

This site lists 39 weather elements with notes on:

Weather-writing activity

Quotes where weather impacts scenes.

Weather reinforcing mood

Soothing weather juxtaposing horror

Weather as escape

Weather enhances the scene using the senses

Weather and the hero’s journey

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