When I teach a college writing class I ask the student to see details in their daily lives and record them.

As I read the sentences out loud in class, I am trying to teach the importance of the small things that can illuminate understanding and help readers see a picture in the mind.

The exercise also works for professionals who write on a variety of topics: descriptions of upcoming events, rules to follow to qualify for awards, profiles of people, or technical journals. Details – when not overdone – help paint the picture.

The students like this exercise and here I show some of the collections from the last class I taught.

I saw someone relaxing on a grassy hill, reading a book. His shoes were off and a cloud was casting shade on part of the hill.

Today I noticed if you drive around in circles in the parking lot, sooner or later you will find a spot! (Even though it is very frustrating.)

My mother’s eyes flood with tears as she watches her favorite Lifetime movie.

Today I watched my roommate get excited after hearing that her family was coming to visit.

People waiting for the train are generally angry about something and don’t talk much. Even when asking for a lighter, they only raise their hand in the “Bic-flick” motion. Travel is frustrating.

I woke up from a nightmare and found it was time to get up. Now I still feel drowsy and unhappy.

The green lawn in front of my house is covered with yellow leaves that just swirled down a moment ago.

I watched the sunset today. The sky was a dusty blue that faded into a pink color like a peach and the sun a small sliver just visible over the tree line. It was very pretty.

As I walked through campus I could hear the faint sounds of music being played. Walking closer I found a couple guys sitting on the grass, quietly strumming their guitars and talking to each other.

The round, black tire sat underneath the car with a slump, telling me it didn’t want to go anywhere.

I slide the magazine in and start adjusting my sights, aiming right for the center of the target. I breathe in and then breathe out, slowly putting my finger on the trigger and start pulling. I have no clue when this thing is going to fire but I know it will. An explosion goes off and the barrel snaps back and throws an empty round on the ground. What an amazing feeling.

 I like to fold sweaters. I find it relaxing.

People in the midtown library sleep, eat, use their phones and talk more then they actually study for anything.

Looking at the fluorescent light shine off the white frosting makes the sprinkles on the donut shine bright.

Today’s sky is as emotionless as my soul.

If you teach, you can borrow this idea.