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How to Describe a Storm in Writing

Whether they're ruthless tornadoes or torrential hurricanes, storms can add atmosphere and conflict to a personal narrative or story. The use of vivid description is a crucial tool for bringing these weather phenomena to life on paper and moving your plot forward. Using figurative language and active verbs can help you place readers right in the middle of the rain, wind and thunder.

Mighty Metaphors and Storm Similes

A simile is a type of description that makes an explicit comparison between two things using the words "like" or "as." A metaphor, by contrast, is a direct comparison that does not use these words. You can use these devices to create surprising descriptions of your storm. If you're describing a hailstorm, for example, you might use a simile to write, "The hailstones clattered to the ground like marbles spilled from a box." To use a metaphor, you might write, "An avalanche of hailstones fell from the sky."

The Sound of Storms

In real life, the sounds of nature are often key indicators of approaching storms. You can bring these sound effects to your descriptions by using onomatopoeia, a device where words mimic the sounds of their meaning. For example, if a thunderstorm figures prominently in your story, the thunder could "rumble" or "boom," rain could "patter" against the windows" and wind could "rush" across a field. Try making a list of all the sounds the storm in your narrative might involve and brainstorm onomatopoeic words to describe them.

The Character of Storms

If a storm is central to your story's conflict, you might consider having the weather literally take on a life of its own. Personification occurs when a writer gives human characteristics, such as actions and emotions, to an inanimate object. If your characters are trapped in open water during a hurricane, you might write, "The angry waves smacked against the side of the boat." Although water can't feel anger, the description of the waves as "angry" adds emotional texture and characterization to the storm.

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. For example, the sentence, "The dark sky was lit up by lightning," is a good start, but revising it to include an active verb can make the description even more forceful: "Lightning flashed across the sky."

• Western Michigan University: Basics of Metaphor and Simile
• Read Write Think: Onomatopoeia
• Universal Design for Learning: Literary Devices: Personification
• Writing Commons: Avoid Unnecessary "To Be" Verbs"

Kori Morgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in professional writing and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and has been crafting online and print educational materials since 2006. She taught creative writing and composition at West Virginia University and the University of Akron and her fiction, poetry and essays have appeared in numerous literary journals.

20 of the Best Words to Describe a Storm in Writing

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Vocabulary Boosters

What’s great when searching for words to describe a storm, whether for a storm you are looking to write about in your novel or something else, is that there are endless possibilities.

Words to describe how a storm is can vary as there are different aspects you could focus on, and storms can occur in different places.

Here are some words to describe two different aspects of a storm and where one can take place.

The best words to describe a storm with lightning

  Finding the right words to describe a storm with lightning is particularly hard as some people are afraid of it, whereas others think that it’s awesome, or both.   Here are some words to describe a storm with lightning:  

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25 of the Best Words and Phrases to Describe Rain

Top words for describing the sound of thunder

  When looking for words to describe a storm, don’t forget to consider those that describe the most distinct sound you will hear during one: thunder.   There are many words to describe a storm with thunder and we have compiled the best of them below.  

25 Perfect Words to Help Describe Your Pain and Suffering

The best words to describe a storm at sea

  Sailors have seen their fair share of bad weather, so you need to think and feel as they would when using words to describe a storm.   To get the best words to describe a storm at sea when you haven’t witnessed one, try to imagine what feelings sailors of old and modern times would share.  

25 of the Best Words to Describe Heat and Hot Weather

  Storms are one of the most amazing weather occurrences when you consider how they have the power to build and destroy all in one watery bundle.   We hope that you’ve found a few words to describe a storm that can accurately express how you felt during one.  

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!

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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21 thoughts on “ master list for describing weather ”.

In my current WIP, weather is a crucial element. Not only is the woman in the romance a professional photographer — of weather — but it is a weather phenomenon, namely a tornado, that brings them together. So the description of the sky and the weather is quite detailed in places (specially as the supercell storm roars down on them).

On another angle, the phrase “gloriously sunny” is one that despite having that horrible “ly” adverb (shudder) is so evocative of the type of weather and the POV character’s attitude (and possibly even the type of weather that has gone before), that it’s powerful. It says a huge amount with only two words.

Hi Chris! Oh, wow…that’s a lot more detailed than most of us ever get in writing about the weather. It sounds like a great premise!

I will need this list as I begin edits next month on my WIP. I currently live in Hawaii, but am writing a story at Christmas time in Vermont. 🙂 Thank you!

Aw, nice! That’s some very different weather from what you’re used to. 🙂

It really is! And traveling to the climate I need isn’t ideal right now. So, off to the freezer I go! 🙂

Wow! This is fantastic. Thanks. You ARE a master at this.

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This is comprehensive! It’s bookmarked for future use. Thanks!

Thanks, Steve, I’m glad you liked it!

Amazing list that goes beyond the words that I struggle with – especially describing the rain-painted setting of Snowdonia.

Love your lists. You don’t have one for beaches by any chance? Would this, including the weather be another book by any chance??

Hi, Nicole! It’s funny you should ask. 🙂 I am going to release a second, more expanded version of MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS . It’s going to have several setting descriptions in there (including a whole list for beaches!), and the weather list will be in there, too! I’m hoping to get it done before November of this year, but we’ll see. Thanks for asking!

That’s awesome and look forward to it’s release.

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I am in Chinan. I happened to enter this web-link and want to learn more about writing, I wonder if there are any descriptive passages. I can only find some words and expressions…

That was really useful. Thank you!

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This list is fabulous. Thank you for sharing it. I will be consulting it when incorporating weather elements into writing my next picture book.

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Weather Writing Prompts: Explore Atmospheric Narratives

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.

Why choose our ‌weather writing prompts?

Unleashing the power ⁢of ​weather ⁤in your writing, let weather weave the tapestry of⁣ your words, enhance ​your descriptive skills ‍with weather writing ​prompts, crafting compelling characters: weather’s role in character development, (un)predictable ⁤weather: using weather as ​a plot ⁣device, from sunny to stormy:⁤ portraying mood and setting through weather, creating tension and conflict:⁤ harnessing the forces ‌of nature, weather as a⁢ symbol: exploring ⁤deeper meanings in your writing, transforming atmosphere:‍ tips for bringing weather to​ life in⁣ your narratives, enhancing the atmosphere: techniques to infuse life into ‍weather​ in your stories, frequently asked questions, to conclude, weather writing prompts: explore ​atmospheric narratives.

Unleash your creativity and embark ⁢on a ⁢thrilling ⁢journey through atmospheric narratives with our weather writing prompts. Whether you’re an aspiring author or simply looking to enhance ‍your writing skills, these prompts will transport you⁣ into ‍the captivating world of weather and help you craft compelling stories that‌ truly come alive.

Discover ‍the magic of weather-related plotlines and characters as you engage with the unpredictable forces of nature. With ‌our diverse range of prompts, you can ​explore a wide⁢ array of weather phenomena and their impact on​ individuals, societies, and even fictional realms. From raging ​storms to ⁢serene sunsets, each ‍prompt‍ presents a unique opportunity to vividly describe ⁢settings, evoke ‌emotions, and weave gripping ‍tales.

Here are ​a few reasons why our weather writing prompts ⁣are⁢ a must-try:

• Diverse scenarios: Our prompts ⁣cover⁣ a broad spectrum of weather events, ​allowing you to delve into ⁤both common and extraordinary meteorological ⁣situations.
• Deep exploration: You’ll have the chance to ‍dive into ⁤the intricacies‌ of weather patterns, uncovering the impact⁣ they have on people,⁣ places, and ​even otherworldly realms.
• Emotional connection: Experience the power of weather as a ⁣character in your narratives, ‍leveraging its ability to heighten⁣ tensions, ⁤mirror characters’ moods, or even serve as a catalyst for change.
• Flexibility and‍ adaptability: Our prompts ⁢are⁤ designed⁢ to⁣ suit‍ writers of all backgrounds ⁤and genres, providing a foundation for creativity that can be⁤ tailored to ⁢your own unique ​vision.

Unlock your storytelling potential with our weather writing prompts and let your imagination take flight ⁤amidst the swirling winds, the gentle raindrops, and the commanding thunderclaps. Dive into a world where⁣ the atmosphere ⁣serves as⁢ the backdrop for unforgettable narratives!

Weather holds ​an immense power ‍over⁤ our‍ lives, and ⁤it ⁤can do the same for your⁤ writing. ⁢Incorporating‌ weather into your stories⁣ adds depth, emotion, and atmosphere, enhancing​ the readers’ experience by immersing ⁤them in ⁤a vibrant ​and dynamic world.⁣ From the tranquil⁤ embrace ‌of a warm ⁤summer breeze to ‌the furious onslaught of a thunderous⁤ storm, the weather becomes a character itself, influencing the ‌mood, shaping events, and reflecting the inner thoughts‍ and struggles of your protagonists.

When⁣ skillfully employed, weather⁣ can become‍ a tool to evoke a wide ⁣range of ‍emotions.⁤ It sets the stage for pivotal ⁣moments, emphasizes tension, or ⁢serves as a respite ⁣from daily hardships. Picture a serene sunrise casting a golden ⁣hue on⁤ a character’s ⁤life ‌after a period of darkness, or the relentless ​rain mirroring a protagonist’s despair during an⁤ important setback. By painting⁣ vivid weather ​scenes, you harness the ⁣raw ​power​ of nature to captivate your readers and enhance ​the overall​ impact of⁢ your writing.

• Transport your readers: Weather ⁣can transport⁢ your audience to different ​atmospheric⁢ surroundings, ⁣whether⁤ it ⁣be a windswept ⁢moor, ⁤a ‌bustling city⁤ amid a gentle ⁢snowfall, ​or an arid desert ⁢swept by a‌ scorching ‍wind.
• Symbolism at its finest: Weather elements ​can serve as powerful symbols that echo the themes and conflicts of your narrative. A thick fog may mirror a character’s confusion, ⁣while a rainbow ​might symbolize newfound ⁢hope.
• Create a sense⁢ of urgency:​ Thunder, lightning, or an approaching storm can inject ⁤urgency into your story, ⁢propelling the ‌plot forward and adding layers of suspense and ⁣anticipation.

Unlock the true ‌potential of your writing by harnessing the ⁢influence ⁣of weather. Allow it to breathe life into your⁣ character’s journeys, shape their destiny, and ignite emotions within your‌ readers. ⁣By embracing the power of weather, your writing will surge to‍ new heights, enveloping your audience in a world‌ they won’t want to escape.

Are you looking ​to elevate⁤ your descriptive⁤ writing skills and immerse ⁢your readers in⁣ captivating‍ atmospheric descriptions? Look no further! Our ⁤weather⁣ writing prompts are the perfect tool ‍to help ⁢you⁣ hone your storytelling abilities while exploring ⁤the ⁣intricacies of‌ Mother Nature’s moods. From​ blistering heatwaves to bone-chilling snowstorms, ‌these⁢ prompts ‍will ignite your creativity and enable ‍you to write vivid scenes​ that transport⁢ your audience.

1. Dive into Extreme Weather Encounters: Step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself ⁣to ⁣describe extreme ‌weather⁢ events. Picture yourself caught ‌in‍ a ⁣wild thunderstorm, with lightning⁢ illuminating ‌the sky⁣ above ‌and torrents ⁢of ‌rain cascading down. Explore ​the‌ sensations, emotions, and details you would include‍ to make your readers feel as though they are right there with you.

2.⁤ Capture the Serenity of a Calm ​Spring Morning: Shift gears and transport your readers to a tranquil scene​ of ⁤a peaceful ⁣spring morning. Paint a picture​ of dew-kissed flowers, the gentle sway of willow ⁤branches, and birdsong⁣ filling the air. ‍Think of unique ​ways to describe the softness of a fresh breeze, the vibrant ⁢colors of budding blossoms, or the delicate​ scent ⁢of blooming flowers, enticing your readers to experience the ​serenity for themselves.

Weather ‌is often overlooked as a powerful tool in ​crafting well-rounded and compelling characters. While ​it may ‌seem​ mundane, ‌the weather ⁢can ⁢add depth and dimension to your ⁣characters, revealing⁣ their personality traits, emotions,⁢ and even shaping their actions and decisions. By harnessing the influence of weather​ on your characters, you can ​create a more immersive and realistic story that captivates ⁣readers.

1. Setting the Mood: The weather can set the‌ tone of a scene and evoke specific⁣ emotions in your⁣ characters. For ⁣example,‍ a brooding and stormy sky can reflect⁢ a character’s inner turmoil, ⁣while a sunny⁢ and vibrant day can convey⁤ their joy and optimism.‌ By carefully selecting weather conditions⁢ that ⁢align with your character’s⁣ current emotional state, you can enhance the reader’s ⁤connection with the character and intensify⁢ the impact of key moments ⁢in the story.

2. Symbolism and Foreshadowing: ⁢Weather‍ can be a powerful symbol, subtly hinting at future events or foreshadowing important plot points. A sudden gust ⁤of wind‌ might foreshadow a ⁣disruptive force entering the character’s life, or a‌ serene⁣ morning mist could symbolize ‌their inner clarity before a major ⁤decision. ⁣These ‍symbolic weather patterns‍ add ⁢layers of meaning,‌ increasing⁣ the depth and complexity of your characters.

Weather is not just something we experience on a ‍day-to-day⁣ basis; it can also add ​depth and excitement ⁢to our stories.⁤ As a powerful plot device, ‍weather has ​the ability to influence ⁣events,‍ reveal character traits, and create tension. By incorporating weather into your narrative, you have the opportunity to ​captivate readers⁢ and enhance the emotional impact of your story.

One of the compelling aspects of using weather⁤ in ⁤storytelling is its inherent unpredictability. Just like​ in real life, weather in literature ⁤can be a fickle force, throwing⁣ unexpected obstacles ⁢or opportunities⁤ in the⁤ path of ‍your characters. From sudden thunderstorms to blistering heatwaves, extreme weather events can ⁢act⁣ as catalysts, driving the plot forward in ways that keep ‍readers on the edge of their seats. Moreover, ⁤utilizing ⁢weather⁢ as a plot device ​allows you to tap into the symbolism associated with⁣ different weather conditions.

• Rain: Rain can represent renewal, washing away‌ burdens, or ⁢creating ​a somber atmosphere.
• Snow: Snow‌ often conveys isolation, purity, or​ the idea of‍ starting anew.
• Heatwave: Oppressive heat can‍ heighten tension, leading⁤ to heightened ​emotions​ or conflict.
• Fog: Fog can be⁢ used to create mystery, uncertainty, or a ⁤sense of confusion.

By skillfully utilizing these weather elements, ⁤you can introduce symbolism and foreshadowing, reinforcing the themes and motifs⁣ of your narrative. Furthermore, weather‌ can act ⁢as a⁢ powerful‍ tool in character development. How a​ character reacts or responds to changes in weather can reveal their ⁣true‌ nature, their‌ fears, or their resilience. For‍ example, a protagonist seeking solace might find ​comfort in the rain, while another character ⁣might‌ embrace the storm as ⁤a ​challenge to prove ⁢their strength.

When it ‌comes to storytelling, weather‍ can be​ a ​powerful tool for ​setting⁤ the mood ⁤and ‍creating a ⁣captivating atmosphere.⁤ By ⁤carefully selecting and ​portraying different weather⁤ conditions, writers ​can enhance ⁤the readers’ experience ‌and ‌deeply ⁤immerse them ‍in the story. ⁢Whether it’s a ⁣sunny⁢ day⁤ with clear skies or a stormy night filled ‌with ‍thunder and lightning, the‍ weather⁣ can evoke a range ⁣of⁢ emotions and help ​shape‌ the ‌overall tone of the narrative.

One way weather⁢ can portray mood is through the ‌use of contrasting elements.​ For⁢ example, a bright and‌ sunny day‍ with a gentle breeze can evoke feelings‍ of joy, happiness, ⁣and serenity. On the other hand, a‍ stormy setting, with⁢ dark clouds, torrential​ rain,‍ and howling ‍winds, can create a sense of ⁢tension,⁣ fear, or even chaos.‌ By juxtaposing these two extremes, ⁤writers can effectively highlight the sharp contrast between different emotions​ or events in⁣ the ​story.

• Lightning and Thunder: The sudden crack of thunder ‌or flash ‌of lightning ‌can ‍bring a dramatic⁣ and intense element to a ⁣scene,⁣ representing⁢ danger, power, or‍ even a⁣ turning point⁣ in the story.
• Fog and Mist: A ‍thick layer of⁣ fog or mist can create an eerie‌ and ‌mysterious atmosphere, ​shrouding the surroundings in uncertainty​ and ​making them seem otherworldly.
• Gentle Rain: Soft ‌rainfall can​ be used to symbolize renewal, growth, ⁤or a calming effect on the characters, often associated with reflection ⁤or introspection.

By leveraging the emotional impact of weather, writers ‌can effectively ⁤draw⁢ readers into ⁤their narrative, making them feel‍ as ‍though they are experiencing the story alongside the characters. From a ⁣sunny day⁤ that sets⁤ the stage for a‌ heartwarming‌ romance to stormy weather ‍intensifying a climactic scene, the use of weather as‌ a tool for ‌portraying ‍mood and setting⁤ is ⁣truly limitless. So, next⁢ time you find⁢ yourself writing a story,‍ don’t forget to consider the ⁢power of weather and how it can⁣ greatly enhance the depth and impact of⁢ your‍ storytelling.

If you’re looking ⁣to create tension and ‌conflict in ⁤your writing, why not turn to the powerful forces of nature for inspiration? These⁣ natural elements have an inherent ⁣ability to ‌evoke emotions, drive plots forward, and ⁤create an atmosphere⁣ of suspense that keeps readers gripped till the very end.

One ⁢way to⁢ harness the forces of ​nature is through the use of‍ extreme weather conditions. Incorporating a⁤ raging storm or a ‍bone-chilling blizzard into your story⁤ can instantly raise the ⁢stakes and intensify the conflict. Imagine your protagonist being trapped in a deserted cabin, battling the relentless⁣ wind and snow, while their adversary lurks outside. The ⁣turmoil ⁢and danger ⁤lurking outside ‍serve⁢ as constant reminders of ‍the imminent threat, keeping​ readers on the edge​ of their seats.

• Lightning strikes: Symbolic of sudden and⁢ unexpected events, lightning strikes can add an ⁣element‍ of surprise to your story.
• Tornadoes and hurricanes: These powerful natural disasters can create chaos‌ and destruction, offering a⁤ perfect backdrop for high-stakes confrontations.
• Severe heatwaves: Intense heat can quickly escalate tensions ⁢among characters, leading to explosive conflicts.

To‌ truly captivate your readers, it’s essential to​ delve beyond the superficial effects⁢ of nature and explore how they mirror the inner turmoil of‌ your characters. Consider using metaphors​ and symbolism to represent⁤ their internal conflicts through the external forces of⁢ nature. By weaving these elements together, you’ll create a powerful narrative ⁣that resonates with readers and leaves them ‌eagerly turning the pages.

Weather has long been used as a powerful symbol in literature, helping​ to ⁤convey emotions, foreshadow events, ⁢and add depth to⁣ the overall meaning of​ a​ story. Just as ‌stormy skies can symbolize turmoil and‍ conflict, sunny days can represent hope‍ and ​happiness. By incorporating ‍weather symbolism into your​ writing, you can create a ​more engaging and layered narrative that ⁢resonates⁢ with your readers on ‍a deeper level.

One of the key ⁤advantages of using weather symbolism is its ability to evoke specific emotions.⁣ Just think about how a ​gentle rain‌ shower can⁢ create a sense of calm and introspection, while ‍a fierce thunderstorm can heighten‌ tension and evoke a sense of impending danger. By carefully choosing the weather conditions in your scenes, you can enhance the mood ‍and atmosphere, guiding⁣ your readers’ ⁣emotions and reactions. ​Whether⁣ it’s using a sweltering heatwave to symbolize the intensity⁤ of ⁢a character’s desires‌ or ​a dense fog​ to​ represent ⁤confusion and uncertainty,​ the possibilities are endless.

Weather can ​be‍ more than just a backdrop ⁣in your narratives;‍ it can become a⁢ character itself, adding⁢ depth and emotion to your storytelling. Here are some tips​ for‌ transforming the​ atmosphere and⁤ bringing the weather to life in your writing:

• Setting the Stage: ‍Begin by establishing the⁤ current weather‍ conditions to immerse your readers in the‍ scene. Describe the ​temperature,‌ wind, or any unique ⁢meteorological ⁤phenomena to‌ create a vivid visual and sensory experience.
• Create Atmosphere: Don’t ‍limit yourself‌ to basic descriptions; delve deeper ⁢into the emotional impact of the ‌weather. For ​instance, ⁢a gloomy rainstorm could reflect feelings of sadness or hint at impending danger. Utilize metaphors and similes, comparing the weather to a state of mind, to⁢ evoke a stronger emotional response from your readers.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Rather than simply⁣ stating‌ the weather conditions, ⁢show how they⁣ affect your characters and‍ their surroundings. Highlight​ physical reactions, such as‍ hair blowing ⁣in the wind or​ clothes clinging to damp skin, to convey the⁣ intensity of ​the weather and its influence on the story.

Remember, the weather⁢ can‌ drastically shape ‌the mood, tension, and even plot progression in​ your narratives. Utilize these‌ techniques to harness the power of the elements and elevate your storytelling to new​ heights.

Q:‍ What are ⁤weather writing prompts? A: Weather writing prompts ⁤are creative prompts or ideas that ⁢encourage writers ⁤to ⁢explore atmospheric narratives inspired by elements ⁢of the weather.

Q: How do weather writing prompts work? A: Weather writing prompts ⁣provide⁣ a starting‍ point or‍ a theme related to ⁣weather. Writers can use these⁣ prompts ⁤as inspiration to write stories, poems, or descriptive narratives that revolve around⁤ the ⁢atmospheric conditions.

Q: Why‌ are ‍weather writing prompts ⁢beneficial? A: Weather writing prompts⁢ allow writers ‌to tap into their imagination and‌ create narratives infused with the power and‌ beauty of the weather. They⁣ offer a unique way to explore descriptive storytelling and evoke ​emotions through atmospheric elements.

Q: ​Can you provide examples of weather ‌writing prompts? A: Certainly! Here‍ are a few examples ⁤of weather writing prompts: 1. ‌Write a story that takes ⁢place​ during a torrential rainstorm. 2. Describe the setting of a coastal town during ‌a foggy morning. 3. Write a poem inspired by the tranquility⁢ of a gentle ‌snowfall. 4. Imagine‍ a character caught in a raging thunderstorm and write about their experience. 5. ‌Create ⁣a ⁤narrative in which ‌a heatwave⁤ plays a significant role.

Q: Are weather writing prompts suitable for‍ all genres? A:​ Absolutely! Weather ⁤writing⁣ prompts can be used in various genres, including fiction, poetry, and even non-fiction. ‌They can add depth, imagery, and atmosphere⁢ to any type ​of⁢ writing.

Q: Can weather⁢ writing prompts be used by writers of all skill ⁢levels? A:‌ Yes, weather writing prompts are suitable for writers​ of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner exploring your creativity or​ an experienced writer looking ⁢for ‍fresh ‌inspiration,⁣ these prompts can​ help you develop your writing‍ skills and ​spark your imagination.

Q: How ⁤can weather writing prompts improve my writing? 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.

Q: Where can I find weather⁣ writing⁢ prompts? A: Weather ‍writing prompts⁢ can be found‌ in‍ various places. ⁢You may discover them in writing resources, creative writing books , ​ online writing communities , or even by simply​ observing​ the weather⁤ around you and ‌letting it inspire your‍ own ideas.

Q: Is it necessary to stick strictly to the weather prompts? A: Not at‍ all! Weather writing prompts are meant to inspire your ⁣creativity. ‍While adhering to the prompt is one approach,‌ you can also use them as ⁣a springboard to create your ​unique narratives ⁣that⁤ incorporate elements of‌ the⁢ weather in imaginative ways.

Q:⁢ Can weather⁢ writing ‌prompts be used for collaborative writing exercises ? A:⁤ Certainly! ‍Weather‌ writing prompts can​ be an excellent tool for collaborative writing exercises. They provide a shared starting​ point and⁤ theme, allowing ​multiple ‍writers to explore different aspects of the weather and weave them ⁣together into‌ a cohesive narrative.

In conclusion,⁤ weather‍ writing ⁤prompts ​offer a⁣ unique opportunity to ⁢explore atmospheric narratives,⁤ allowing‍ writers​ to vividly depict ‍settings ⁢and evoke ⁣emotions.⁤ So, grab a pen and ⁣let your imagination soar with ⁤the power of weather!

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A blog about writing.

Power Your Fiction: Using Weather To Create Mood, Not Clichés

Angela Ackerman

Are you afraid of using the weather in your writing? If so, you're not alone. After all, if not careful, weather description can be a minefield of clichés. The sunny, cloudless afternoon at the beach. The gloomy rainstorm at a funeral. Overdone setting and weather pairings can lie flat on the page.

Then there's the danger that comes with using weather to mirror a character’s inner emotional landscape. Mishandling this technique can quickly create melodrama. We've all read a battle scene where lightning crackles as our protagonist leaps forward to hack down his foe in desperation. And how about that turbulent teen breakup where the character's tears mix with falling rain? Unfortunately these have been used so much that most readers tilt their head and think, Really? when they read a description like this.

Wow, weather sounds like a recipe for disaster, doesn't it? It’s no wonder that some writers are so nervous about using it they cut it from their manuscript. But here’s the thing… avoiding weather in fiction can be a fatal mistake.

Make Weather Your Friend

Weather is rich. Powerful. It is infused with symbolism and meaning. And most of all, weather is important to us as people. We interact with it each day. It affects us in many subtle ways. In fact, let’s test this by walking in a character’s shoes.

Think about walking down a street. It’s late afternoon, crystal bright, and a hot breeze blows against you. School’s out and kids run willy-nilly down the sidewalk, laughter ringing the air as they race to the corner store for a grape slush. Your sandals click against the pavement as you turn down between two brick buildings. The side door to an Italian restaurant is just past a rusty dumpster, and your fiancée’s shift is about to end. You smile, feeling light. You can’t wait to see him.

Now, let’s change the scene.

It’s sunset, and the weather has soured. Dark clouds pack the sky, creating a churning knot of cement above you. The sidewalk is deserted, and the wind is edged in cold, slapping your dress against your legs as you walk. You wish you’d worn pants, wish you’d brought a sweater. In the alley, garbage scrapes against the greasy pavement and the restaurant’s dumpster has been swallowed by thick shadow. The side door is only a few steps away. You can’t quite see it, and while all you have to do is cross the distance and knock, you hesitate, eyeing the darkness.

The same setting, the same event. Yet, the mood and tone shifted, all because of the weather I included in the backdrop. What was safe and bright and clean became dark and alien. This the power of weather--changing how people feel about their surroundings.

Steering Your Reader's Emotions

Readers bring the real world with them when they enter a story. Avoiding weather description will be noticed as it's  such a natural part of the everyday, and it becomes a missed opportunity to steer how our readers feel.

Weather is a tool to evoke mood, guiding the character toward the emotions we want them to feel, and by extension, the reader as well. By tuning into specific weather conditions, a character may feel safe, or off balance. Weather can work for or against the character, creating conflict, tension, and be used to foreshadow, hinting that something is about to happen.

Because we have all experienced different types of weather ourselves, when we read about it within a scene, it reminds us of our own past, and the emotions we felt at the time. So, not only does weather add a large element of mood to the setting, it also encourages readers to identify with the character’s experience on a personal level.

So how do we write weather in a clear way, and stay away from the pitfalls?

Use Fresh, Sensory Images. In each passage, I utilized several senses to describe the effects of the weather. A hot breeze. Garbage scraping against the greasy pavement. A wind edged in cold, slapping against the legs. By describing weather by sound, touch and sight, I was able to make the scene feel real.

Avoid Direct Emotion-to-Weather Clichés. There are some pairings we should avoid as I mentioned above, and with so many different types of weather elements we really need to think past the usual ones. Avoid mirroring and instead show the character’s reaction to the weather. This is a stronger way to indicate their emotions without being too direct.

Choose Each Setting With Care. Setting and Weather should work together, either through contrast or comparison. In the first scene, we have beautiful weather and an alley as a final destination. These two are contrasts—one desirable, one not, but I chose to show enthusiasm and anticipation for the meeting to win out. In the second, the weather becomes a storm. Now we have two undesirable elements, and as such, they work together to build unease.

Weather can have a positive or negative effect on setting and change the character’s reaction to it, so don’t be afraid to use it! Just remember that with something this powerful, a light touch is all that is needed.

Fog Image: Pixabay

Do you use weather in your stories? How do you go about it?

15 comments on “Power Your Fiction: Using Weather To Create Mood, Not Clichés”

I love your books! Wonderful post- thank you for sharing!

Thank you Alan--you made my day! Season's Greetings!

Thank you so much for the post! I have all 3 of your books and love them. I'm working on a novella that involves weather, Snowbound with the Stork, but I'm using a little twist. I'm using the "snow" event that crippled Atlanta and several other cities in the South with 1 to 1.5 inches of snow.

Carrie, so very glad our books are helping you as you write. And that sounds great! It is funny--I live in Canada, and well, we get SNOW if you know what I mean. I knew someone who lives in Vegas and a few years back they got an inch of snow and it completely paralyzed the city. Schools were closed, the whole deal. Haha, an inch of snow! But, when you are expecting it and don't know how to deal with it as a city, I can imagine it would cause havoc!

Great post, Angela! My WIP is a quest story, so weather (and nature in general) was something I tried to keep in mind when I was writing the first draft. Not only can it enhance or (literally) dampen the mood, but it can be an obstacle to the character's physical journey. At one point I wondered, "Why don't many quest stories have a scene where it rains?" So, I picked a scene where rain would be appropriate, and wrote it that way.

Yes, weather is great at creating conflict, so glad to hear you're bringing it into your story for that reason. Weather is unpredictable, and because we humans like to be in control, it is the perfect way to remind our protagonist that he is not. There are so many deep ways weather can bring more texture to any scene, so i love reading stories where it is used well. 🙂

Hello Angela. Fellow writer, Cathy Orzech, wrote to me saying, "Thought you'd be interested in this take on "Using weather to create mood…." I enjoyed your use and detail of weather in Amanda's Room." Cathy was right. I enjoyed your article very much and, with your permission, would like to reprint it on my blog, "Something Significant." In "Amanda's Room," I wanted to use the weather in a unique way, so I went beyond using it as a backdrop and instead turned it into a central character in the book. Following Ken Follett's example in "Code to Zero," I also led each chapter with factual quotes about the weather which later became linked to what was happening in the story and the lives of the characters. If you are interested, let me know and I would be happy to send you a complimentary copy of the ebook. In the meantime, warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season. Warmest Regards, Chuck Miceli

So glad you found this article helpful. It sounds like you really have a good handle on how to use weather, so good on you! Feel free to reprint, and if you could just link to this one here, people can follow it back to the original should they wish to (and discover a great blog while they are at it!).

Happy writing!

I do include weather. It's such an every day part of life, how can you not? But I try to remember that how I describe the weather needs to be through the prism of how my characters are feeling - a kid waking up on the first day of summer holidays is going to feel differently about a beautiful day than a kid being made to run laps in phys ed. The weather might be exactly the same but in one situation the sunshine is an invitation, in the other it's a merciless torturer.

This was a great post. Thanks for sharing it.

Yes, absolutely. All description should come through that emotional filter as it brings readers deeper into the mind and heart of the POV character. Glad you enjoyed the post!

[…] Ackerman discusses how to use weather to create mood, not clichés on Writers in the […]

Warmer weather and bright sunshine foreshadow the action in my YA winter adventure short story in this month's Cricket Magazine. Thank you for your insight on how to make weather integral to the plot and characterization.

Very happy to help, Victoria!

[…] Power Your Fiction: Using Weather To Create Mood, Not Clichés By Angela Ackerman […]

[…] “Power Your Fiction: Using Weather To Create Mood, Not Clichés” by Angela Ackerman (Wr… […]

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101 Words To Describe Weather

Writers know that using the weather in their descriptions is a great way to make stories more relatable. Use this comprehensive list of words that describe weather  when you write.

Writers Write is a resource for writers and we have written about words that describe taste , smell , sound , and touch  in previous posts. (We even have one for words that describe colours .) In this post, I have included words that describe weather.

Weather is a wonderful tool for writers. We can use it to foreshadow , create a mood , complicate a plot , show a character , and increase or decrease the pace of a story. We can even use it as a motif .

A setting without the weather is like a character without a wardrobe.

Remember that we need to describe weather through our characters’ interactions with their environments. We should not describe it like a weather report. You could show how cold it is by the clothes they choose to wear or mention the weather in dialogue.

Whatever you do, don’t leave it out. There are unintended consequences to a lack of setting , including a static character, a lack of atmosphere, an inability for the reader to relate to the place and time in the story, and a lack of details.

What Is Weather?

According to Oxford it is ‘the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time as regards heat, cloudiness, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.’

Words To Describe Weather

General words describing weather.

• climate – the type of weather that a country or region has
• climate change – changes in the earth’s weather, including changes in temperature, wind patterns and rainfall, especially the increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere that is caused by the increase of particular gases, especially carbon dioxide
• meteorology – the scientific study of weather
• seasonal – suitable or typical of the time of year it is now
• spell – a period when there is a particular type of weather
• weather forecast  – a report on likely weather conditions for a period of time in the future
• zone – one of the large areas that the world is divided into according to its temperature

Words Describing Warm Weather

• balmy – warm and pleasant
• blistering – extremely hot in a way that is uncomfortable
• dog days – the hottest days of the year
• heatwave – a continuous period of very hot weather, especially when this is unusual
• Indian summer – a period of warm weather in autumn
• scorcher – an extremely hot day
• sunny – not stormy or cloudy
• thaw – ice and snow turns into water
• the heat – very hot weather
• tropical – like weather near the equator, climate that is frost-free

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 unpleasant
• icy – very cold, like ice
• raw – cold and unpleasant
• snowy – covered with snow

Words Describing Pleasant Weather

• calm – very little wind
• clear – no clouds, rain, etc.
• clement – pleasant because it is neither very hot nor very cold
• cloudless – no clouds in the sky
• equable – does not change very much
• fair – pleasant and not raining
• fine – sunny and not raining
• pleasant – dry and neither very hot nor very cold
• still – without wind
• temperate – a temperate climate or region is never extremely hot or extremely cold
• windless – without any wind

Words To Describe Unpleasant Weather

• bone-dry – completely without water or moisture
• fierce – very strong or severe
• foul – unpleasant, with rain, snow, or wind
• gale-force – an extremely strong wind
• gusty – the wind blowing in gusts
• humid – hot and wet in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable
• muggy –  warm in an unpleasant way because the air feels wet
• murky – dark and unpleasant because of fog, clouds, etc.
• severe – extremely unpleasant and likely to cause harm or damage
• sultry – the air is hot and slightly wet
• threatening – clouds, skies, or seas show that the weather is likely to be bad
• torrential – rain falling in large amounts
• unseasonable – not the type of weather that you expect in a particular season
• windy – with a lot of wind

Words To Describe Wet & Cloudy Weather

• bank – a large mass of cloud or fog
• billow – a cloud that rises and moves in a large mass
• blizzard – a snowstorm with very strong winds
• cirrocumulus – small round clouds that form lines high in the sky
• cirrostratus – a thin layer of cloud found very high in the sky
• cirrus – a type of thin cloud found very high in the sky
• cloudy – full of clouds
• column – something that rises up into the air in a straight line
• cumulonimbus – a mass of very tall thick cloud that usually brings rain and sometimes thunder
• cumulus – a large low white cloud that is round at the top and flat at the bottom
• dull – when there are a lot of clouds and it is rather dark
• fog – a thick cloud that forms close to the ground or to water and is difficult to see through (fog is thicker than mist)
• fogbound – not able to operate normally because of thick fog
• foggy – full of fog or covered with fog
• gather – if clouds gather, they start to appear and cover part of the sky
• grey – when it is not very bright, because there is a lot of cloud
• hurricane – a violent storm with very strong winds
• inclement – unpleasantly cold or wet
• lower – if clouds lower, they are very dark, as if a storm is coming
• mist – small drops of liquid in the air
• misty – lots of mist in the air
• nimbus – a dark grey rain cloud
• overcast – a sky completely full of clouds
• pall – cloud that covers an area and makes it darker
• pea souper – thick low cloud that prevents you from seeing anything
• scud – clouds moving quickly
• sea mist – a thin low cloud that comes onto the land from the sea
• steam- the wet substance that forms on windows and mirrors when wet air suddenly becomes hot or cold
• storm cloud – a very dark cloud
• squall – a sudden violent gust of wind or localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow, or sleet.
• thundercloud – a storm cloud producing thunder
• tsunami – an extremely large wave in the sea
• typhoon – a violent tropical storm with very strong winds
• vapour – very small drops of water or other liquids in the air that make the air feel wet
• vog – smog that contains dust and gas from volcanoes

Words To Describe Changes In Weather

• break – if the weather breaks, it changes unexpectedly, and usually becomes worse
• break through – if the sun breaks through the clouds, it appears from behind them
• brighten up – if the weather brightens up, it becomes sunnier
• clear up – if the weather clears up, the clouds or rain go away
• close in – if the weather closes in, it becomes unpleasant
• cloud – to become darker because grey clouds are forming in the sky
• ease – if bad weather such as wind or rain eases, it becomes less strong
• fickle – weather that is fickle changes often and unexpectedly
• lift – if something such as cloud or fog lifts, the weather improves and you can see clearly again
• melt away – if ice or snow melts away, it changes into water as it gets warmer
• thaw – if the weather thaws, it becomes warmer and causes ice or snow to change into liquid
• track – if weather tracks in a particular direction, it moves in that direction

The Last Word

I hope these words that describe weather help you with your writing.

If you’re looking for help with describing setting, buy our Setting Up The Setting Workbook .

More Posts Like This One:

• 155 Words To Describe An Author’s Tone
• 140 Words To Describe Mood In Fiction
• 75 Words That Describe Smells
• 20 Words Used To Describe Specific Tastes And Flavours
• 209 Words To Describe Touch
• 204 Words That Describe Colours
• 106 Ways To Describe Sounds
• Cheat Sheets for Writing Body Language
• 350 Character Traits

If you liked this blogger’s writing, you may enjoy:

• How To Tell If You’re Writing About The Wrong Character
• The Unintended Consequences Of A Lack Of Setting
• Why Memoirists Are Their Own Worst Enemies
• Why Writers Should Create A Setting Like A Character
• The Ultimate Memoirist’s Checklist
• 40 Ways To Write About Empathy
• How To Choose Your Genre
• What Is An Analogy & How Do I Write One?
• 5 Ways To Write About Real People In Memoirs

Sources: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/general-words-for-climate-and-the-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/warm-and-hot-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/words-used-to-describe-cold-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/words-used-to-describe-calm-and-pleasant-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/words-used-to-describe-unpleasant-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/moisture-in-the-air-clouds-and-cloudy-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/changes-in-the-weather

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1 thought on “101 Words To Describe Weather”

And nowadays there’s also Pyrocumulonimbus.

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10 Words to Describe the Sky in a Storm

By Ali Dixon

Does your novel have a scene in which a storm puts some characters in danger? Do you need assistance in explaining this scene? The following 10 words to describe the sky in a storm will help you.

Lacking in light ; black or partially black.

“They had expected a clear day that day, but now as they looked out at the  dark  sky, they knew that they were about to have a big storm on their hands.”

“Aside from what little light the moon could cast through the clouds, the sky was completely  dark .”

How It Adds Description

As heavy rainclouds come in, this is going to make the sky during the storm in your story appear dark. This darkness could also serve to reflect any internal struggles that a character could be going through at this point in the story.

Overcast with clouds ; a sky that is filled with clouds; unclear.

“The  cloudy  sky threatened rain later.”

“She stared up at the  cloudy  sky through the rain, wondering when this storm was ever going to end.”

A stormy sky will naturally be cloudy, so it makes sense to  use the word  in this context. Cloudy can also mean unclear. If a character in your story is struggling to make a decision or to figure something out, then describing the sky during the storm as cloudy could reflect your character’s own state of mind.

Partially or completely dark ; depressing; lacking in promise or hope.

“He looked out the window towards the  gloomy  sky and wondered if his plan was worth trying at all.”

“The sky hung dark and  gloomy  overhead, and she pulled up her hood as the rain started to fall.”

Gloomy is one of those words with a little flexibility. You can use it to describe the literal darkness of the stormy sky. You can also use it to describe how depressing the sky may appear, and might make your characters feel in turn.

Showing listlessness or discouragement ; having nothing to provide comfort or cheer.

“The clouds had moved in quickly and as the rain started to pour, a  dreary  feeling began to sour the day.”

“She had planned on going out for a walk, but the storm and  dreary  sky made her feel much more inclined to stay in.”

Something that is dreary is gloomy or dismal. A stormy sky can be quite dreary because it makes it much more difficult to go outside and enjoy the day.

Having no hope or encouragement ; cold or lacking in warmth and life.

“She suggested a walk when they woke up, but then they took a look at the  bleak  sky and decided otherwise.”

“The storm clouds hanging overhead made it clear that they would have to expect a  bleak  day.”

Storms usually bring about a lot of cold and darkness, so it makes sense to use the word bleak to describe a stormy sky in your story. A character might also feel pretty bleak if they expected a sunny day and instead get a storm.

6. Tenebrous

Having no or little light ; causing gloom or dreariness.

“The  tenebrous  sky hung above them, and at the sound of thunder, they knew they had to get somewhere safe quickly.”

“Lightning cracked in the  tenebrous  sky and a few seconds later thunder sounded, startling all of them.”

Want to describe your stormy sky in a way that’s going to stand out to your readers? The word tenebrous doesn’t get used frequently, so it will catch your reader’s eye. This can be especially effective if there’s something particularly unusual about the storm itself.

7. Pitch-Black

Completely dark or black ; very difficult to see in.

“The clouds were dark and gray and soon the entire sky was  pitch-black .”

“She wanted to get back to the house, but she knew that navigating the winding trails in the rain and  pitch-black  sky would be next to impossible.”

Is the storm in your story making it almost impossible for your characters to see? Try describing it as pitch-black. If one of your characters is stuck in this storm, describing it as pitch-black and difficult to see through can make the scene feel much more dangerous.

Marked by or bringing rain.

“The sky was dark and  rainy , and she knew instantly that all of her plans to work on the garden would have to wait.”

“The  rainy  sky would make it impossible for him to walk all the way over to her house that afternoon.”

Storms and rain tend to come hand in hand. If there’s a storm, you can count on there being rain too. Describing the sky in your story as rainy could also help to increase an overall feeling of doom and desolation.

Lacking in or having no warmth ; marked by a temperature that is uncomfortably low.

“The sky was  cold  and unwelcoming, and she wondered if she would be able to take her bike to work that day after all.”

“The  cold  sky hung above them, and they all shivered as the rain began to fall heavily.”

The stormy sky in your story could literally cause sensations of cold. You can also use it to describe the way the storm can cause the sky to appear unwelcoming or even threatening to your characters and readers.

Shaded to the extent of darkness and gloom ; serious, dismal, or melancholy.

“The sky appeared quite  somber , and only a few minutes later it started to rain.”

“She had been so excited when she woke up to go on a long hike, but looking at the  somber  and rainy sky now, she knew that her plan wouldn’t be possible.”

Using the word somber to describe the sky in your story can make the overall atmosphere feel rather depressing. It can also help to add feelings of doom or claustrophobia.

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19,890 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,964 themes

storm at sea - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

• a hurricane
• death at sea
• sailing ship
• sea pebbles
• storm clouds
• storm debris
• Thunderstorm
• waves in the sea
• winter storm

A storm at sea brings a quickening sense of perspective and the relative size of the boat to the brine.

The storm at sea was wild airborne lace with the strength of Poseidon.

The storm at sea goes up tempo in a moment, every sense of pattern and direction would be lost were it not for the compass.

Never have I wished so much for the land, to feel the sweet brown soils of home. For on this sea I feel the rage within, as if the ocean is countless tears ready to pound at the feet of man, to teach he who has wanted yet not nurtured as he should. It is a gale that screams under dark and serious clouds. Yet the boat sails over these watery fists, perhaps with the intention of causing enough bruising for the sailors to remember her anger, enough for them to start a sweet serenade of sorrow and a promise of better care.

The gulls are tossed paper in a storm, flashes of white in the grey, tumbling as they struggle against the gale. Beneath them the sea rises as great mountains, anger in the form of water, turbulent and unforgiving.

As the universe was once a single point, so is my soul in this stormy sea. As the waves rock the ship almost to tipping point, everything I am, have been, or ever will be, is concentrated into this tiny string of moments - as if this is the moment in which I am truly born. The wind is strong enough to pick up a man and fling him to the briny waves. Every sense is maxed out, every muscle already working beyond normal capacity and still there is no end in sight. But I know the captain and crew, we will endure. Better storms than this haven't taken us down yet; this is how we discover what we are made of...

A storm at sea will give you the dial code to God, for in that wild brine true believers are born.

A squall at sea rises in a crumb of time, from calm to wild the breath of a moment.

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Describing Storms: Adjectives with Examples

Hey there! Ever been caught in the midst of a raging storm? The thunder rumbling, the lightning crackling, and the rain pouring down in torrents. It’s a powerful and awe-inspiring experience, isn’t it? But have you ever wondered how to describe a storm using the perfect adjectives? Well, look no further! In this article, I’ll be sharing a list of adjectives that will help you vividly paint a picture of a storm in your writing. From words that capture the intensity of the storm to those that evoke the emotions it stirs, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of adjectives for storms together!

Table of Contents

How to Describe storm? – Different Scenarios

When it comes to describing a storm, there are various scenarios that you may encounter. Each scenario requires a different set of words to vividly capture the essence of the storm and evoke the emotions it stirs. In this section, I will provide you with examples and adjectives that can help you paint a picture of a storm in different contexts.

1. Thunderstorm:

• Roaring : The thunderstorm was roaring, shaking the ground beneath us.
• Electrifying : The electrifying thunderstorm lit up the sky with flashes of lightning.
• Torrential : Drenched in the torrential downpour, we sought shelter from the thunderstorm.
• Frightening : The thunderstorm was so frightening that it sent chills down my spine.
• Powerful : The powerful gusts of wind accompanying the thunderstorm threatened to uproot trees.

2. Hurricane:

• Devastating : The hurricane left a trail of devastation in its wake, flattening houses and uprooting trees.
• Wreaking havoc : The hurricane was wreaking havoc, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
• Unpredictable : The path of the hurricane was unpredictable, making it difficult to know when and where it would strike.
• Fierce : The fierce winds of the hurricane howled through the night, rattling windows and doors.

3. Tornado:

• Twisting : The tornado was a twisting force of nature, tearing through everything in its path.
• Whirling : The whirling tornado created a deafening sound as it approached.
• Destructive : The destructive tornado ripped roofs off houses and tossed cars like toys.
• Terrifying : The sight of the tornado was terrifying, as it seemed like a monster devouring everything in its way.
• Blinding : The snowstorm created blinding conditions, making it nearly impossible to see.
• Freezing : The freezing temperatures during the snowstorm made us bundle up in layers to stay warm.
• Impenetrable : The snowstorm created an impenetrable wall of snow, blocking roads and causing travel disruptions.
• Peaceful : Despite the chaos it caused, there was a certain peacefulness to the snowstorm as everything was blanketed in white.

Describing Words for storm in English

When it comes to describing storms, it’s important to choose the right adjectives to paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Whether it’s a thunderstorm, hurricane, tornado, or snowstorm, each type of storm carries its own specific characteristics. By using carefully selected adjectives, you can effectively convey the intensity and emotions associated with these weather phenomena. Let’s explore some describing words for storms in English:

Thunderstorms:

• Sound:  Booming, crackling, deafening, percussive, electrifying
• Vision:  Flashing, illuminating, ominous, dark, swirling clouds
• Intensity:  Ferocious, raging, downpouring, torrential, volatile
• Emotion:  Fearsome, awe-inspiring, exhilarating, cleansing, chaotic

Hurricanes:

• Power:  Destructive, relentless, unstoppable, devastating, awe-inspiring
• Wind:  Howling, screaming, whipping, ferocious, gale-force
• Rain:  Torrential, relentless, blinding, sheets of, deluge
• Impact:  Flood-inducing, catastrophic, widespread, crippling, paralyzing
• Movement:  Twisting, swirling, churning, dancing, whipping
• Sound:  Roaring, deafening, shrieking, howling, unearthly
• Destruction:  Devastating, obliterating, leveling, pulverizing, merciless
• Fear:  Terrifying, awe-inspiring, paralyzing, unsettling, ominous

Snowstorms:

• Vision:  Blinding, whiteout, swirling, muffled, apocalyptic
• Sound:  Eerie silence, muffled, howling wind, crunching snow
• Intensity:  Blinding, relentless, heavy, blizzard-like, paralyzing
• Emotion:  Peaceful, serene, isolating, magical, treacherous

Remember, when describing storms, choose adjectives that accurately capture the intensity, movement, and impact of the weather phenomenon. Use descriptive words that engage the reader’s senses and evoke emotions. By carefully selecting your adjectives, you can create a powerful and engaging description of a storm.

Adjectives for storm

Positive adjectives for storm with example sentences.

When describing storms, it’s important to choose adjectives that capture their intensity, movement, and impact. Here are some positive adjectives that can be used to depict storms:

• Powerful : The storm unleashed its powerful winds, shaking the trees and rattling the windows.
• Fierce : The fierce storm pounded the coast, causing massive waves to crash against the shoreline.
• Majestic : As I stood on the hilltop, I marveled at the majestic storm clouds rolling in.
• Impressive : The storm displayed its impressive lightning show, illuminating the darkened sky.
• Thrilling : Despite the chaos, there was a thrilling beauty to the storm’s wild fury.
• Energizing : The storm’s energy filled the air, charging the atmosphere with excitement.
• Enchanting : The storm’s enchanting winds whispered secrets to the dancing leaves.
• Invigorating : I felt invigorated as the storm’s rain washed away all my worries.
• Dramatic : The storm put on a dramatic performance, showcasing nature’s raw power.
• Breathtaking : The storm’s breathtaking display of lightning painted the sky with streaks of brilliance.
• Glorious : The storm’s arrival was greeted with a chorus of thunder, announcing its glorious presence.
• Mesmerizing : I was mesmerized by the storm’s swirling clouds, hypnotized by their fluid motion.

Negative Adjectives for Storm with Example Sentences

While storms can be captivating, they can also bring destruction and chaos. Here are some negative adjectives that reflect the more turbulent aspects of storms:

• Destructive : The storm wreaked havoc, leaving a path of destruction in its wake.
• Menacing : The dark, menacing storm clouds hung low in the sky, foreshadowing the impending chaos.
• Violent : The storm unleashed its violent fury, tearing through the town with relentless force.
• Terrifying : The storm’s howling winds and booming thunder were absolutely terrifying.
• Disruptive : The storm disrupted everyday life, causing power outages and road closures.

When using negative adjectives to describe storms, it’s important to remember the awe-inspiring power and beauty they possess while also acknowledging their potential for danger and damage.

By carefully selecting descriptive words, we can create powerful and engaging descriptions that evoke emotions and engage the reader’s senses when talking about storms. Whether it’s positive or negative, the right adjective can make all the difference in bringing the storm to life in our writing.

Synonyms and Antonyms with Example Sentences

Synonyms for storm:

Example sentences:

• The tempest tore through the town, uprooting trees and knocking down power lines.
• We were caught in a fierce gale while sailing, and it was quite a challenge to navigate the rough waters.
• The coastal regions were devastated by the powerful hurricane that struck last night.
• A massive tornado touched down in the countryside, leaving a trail of destruction behind.
• The sudden squall caught us off guard, drenching us in heavy rain within seconds.
• The cyclone approaching the island is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rains.
• Residents are advised to evacuate as the typhoon is predicted to make landfall soon.

Antonyms for storm:

• After the chaos of the storm, the sea returned to a calm state, with gentle waves lapping the shore.
• The lake looked serene under the clear blue sky, devoid of any hint of a storm.
• The air was still , without even a whisper of wind, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
• The forest was peaceful , with birds chirping and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.
• The lake was so tranquil that it reflected the surrounding mountains like a mirror.
• The gentle rainfall provided a soothing sound, creating a tranquil ambiance.

Remember, when describing storms, the use of appropriate adjectives is essential in creating vivid imagery and engaging the reader’s senses. Whether you choose to depict the ferocity and power of a storm or the calm and tranquility after it has passed, selecting the right adjectives can greatly enhance your writing.

So whether you’re writing for young children or teaching them about storms, these synonyms and antonyms can help expand their vocabulary and understanding of different weather conditions.

Describing storms with the perfect adjectives is a crucial skill that can greatly enhance your writing. By carefully selecting words that accurately depict the intensity, movement, and impact of storms, you can create vivid and engaging descriptions.

Throughout this article, we have explored various synonyms and antonyms for the word “storm” and provided example sentences to illustrate their usage. These adjectives not only expand your vocabulary but also allow you to convey different weather conditions with precision.

In addition to accuracy, the right adjectives can evoke emotions and engage the reader’s senses. By choosing words that paint a vivid picture, you can transport your audience into the heart of the storm, making your writing more captivating and immersive.

Remember, the power of adjectives lies in their ability to bring your writing to life. So, the next time you find yourself describing a storm, be sure to select the perfect adjectives to create a truly impactful and memorable experience for your readers.

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WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

Weather Thesaurus Entry: Thunderstorm

April 21, 2011 by BECCA PUGLISI

WEATHER is an important element in any setting, providing sensory texture and contributing to the mood the writer wishes to create in a scene. With a deft touch, weather can enhance the character’s emotional response to a specific location, it can add conflict, and it can also (lightly) foreshadow coming events.

However, caution must accompany this entry: the weather should not be used as a window into a character’s soul. The weather can add invisible pressure for the character, it can layer the SCENE with symbolism, it can carefully hint at the internal landscape, but it must never OVERTLY TELL emotion. Such a heavy-handed approach results in weather clichés and melodrama (a storm raging above a bloody battle, a broken-hearted girl crying in the rain).

SENSORY DESCRIPTORS:

Sight: Heavy gray clouds obscuring the sky, trees/bushes/grassing bending and whipping in the wind, rain pouring down, drops bouncing off the pavement, water running downhill and pooling in low spot, drops racing down a window, flashes of…

Smell:  Moisture, humidity, earthiness (in rural areas), damp wood, hot asphalt being cooled, a fresh clean smell following the storm, ozone

Taste: water

Touch:  A sense of heaviness or weightiness in the air, wind whipping your hair and clothes, strong winds knocking you off balance so you have to lean into them, rain being driven into your face, sodden weight of soaked…

Sound: Booming thunder as the sound waves from the lightning reach your ears, windows rattling, rain pounding on the roof, rain pinging against glass windows, an overall elevated noise from the rain that causes you to turn up… EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS:

Mood: The air before a thunderstorm grows heavier and more ‘charged’ as a storm builds, giving many people (and animals, actually) an unsettled, antsy feeling. The air can get so heavy and humid that it feels weighted, as if it’s pressing down on…

Symbolism: Oppression, release, power…

Possible Clichés:  A clap of thunder signaling an important or ominous event…

Don’t be afraid to use the weather to add contrast. Unusual pairings, especially when drawing attention to the character’s emotions, is a powerful trigger for tension. A timid, weak person may be empowered by the force of a thunderstorm to take bold action. In contrast, a thunderstorm occurring in a place where storms are infrequent might bring about excitement or anticipation in an otherwise sedate character .

Weather is a powerful tool, helping to foreshadow events and steer the emotional mood of any scene.

Need more detail regarding this weather element? Good news!  This thesaurus has been integrated into our new online library at  One Stop For Writers . There, not only has the information in each entry been enhanced and expanded, we’ve also added scenarios for  adding conflict and tension.  The entire thesaurus is also cross-referenced with our many other descriptive collections for easy searchability. Registration is  free , so if you’re interested in seeing a sampling of the fully updated Weather and Earthly Phenomenon Thesaurus, head on over to One Stop.

Becca Puglisi is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of The Emotion Thesaurus and its sequels. Her books are available in five languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her Writers Helping Writers blog and via One Stop For Writers —a powerhouse online library created to help writers elevate their storytelling.

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Reader Interactions

April 23, 2011 at 9:19 pm

I’m adding in the ozone which, if you can believe it, I’ve never smelled. But I have a TERRIBLE sense of smell. I could be playing with my babies for half an hour and my husband will walk in the room and say, “Who’s poopy?” I’m like, “Huh?”

So thanks for the reminder!

April 23, 2011 at 6:17 pm

Petrichor is the word for “the smell after rain” in case anyone ever wants to get technical.

April 22, 2011 at 10:13 pm

Love the weather angle. I’m fascinated by clouds and storms. I have a hurricane and tornadoes on my dance card as well. Weather is definitely a player!

April 22, 2011 at 8:43 pm

I love thunderstorms too — BUT we just had a thunder-snowstorm on April 19. 9.5 inches. Fortunately, it’s almost all gone already. But, really?

April 22, 2011 at 6:53 pm

Good post. I have lots of thunderstorms in my MG manuscript. Lightning,thunder, fallen trees, flooded roads, wind swishing, hiding in caves, rain pounding on tin roof, and seeing shadows among the trees when lightning streaks across the sky.

April 22, 2011 at 5:59 pm

I have to say “congrats” on spelling lightning properly. Some folks mess that up 😉

Good post too, guys.

April 22, 2011 at 12:44 pm

Great post. I love the thunder and lightening as long as ALL family members are in the house. I will use this thesaurus for sure. Awesomely wicked!

April 22, 2011 at 12:15 pm

hi miss becca! cool post. mostly im scared of thunder and lightening storms and i get my head buried in a blanket. ha ha. i like these weather posts cause for sure they could help make a story way more alive. …hugs from lenny

April 22, 2011 at 6:59 am

Great job! I love thunderstorms! Especially right before one when there is a warm muggy wind and the sky is dark. Love it!

April 21, 2011 at 8:46 pm

I love thunderstorms. Just as long as the lightning doesn’t come near my house.

We watched a house in my neighbourhood burn a few years ago after it was struck by lightning.

This is an amazing resource. And thanks for reminding writers NOT use weather to show the character’s emotions. 😀

April 21, 2011 at 8:19 pm

I am writing a scene now, and you know, I suddenly have the urge to add a thunderstorm! Who knew? Thanks for all your great info! 🙂

April 21, 2011 at 5:52 pm

My YA WIP features the god of thunder, so this is a timely, wonderful resource. Thanks!

April 21, 2011 at 5:49 pm

GREAT point… looking back through my WIP, I realize I could use this tip in my work to give the settings more realism, and sharpen the mood.

April 21, 2011 at 3:55 pm

Oooo, I like that. I am always affected by the weather and I need to remember my characters should be too. Thanks!

April 21, 2011 at 3:33 pm

Oooo, good one! As always, I love it. 🙂

April 21, 2011 at 3:22 pm

I like to use weather to support my characters’ moods, but I worry about cliches. There’s a fine line between using a storm to create tension and ending up with dark-and-stormy-night obviousness.

April 21, 2011 at 12:45 pm

I’m just loving these because I use weather a lot (more than I thought until I saw this). 😀

April 21, 2011 at 9:37 am

Great job, Becca! Matt I love that ozone smell too & love to watch storms!

April 21, 2011 at 9:34 am

My favorite thunderstorm related smell is that slight ozone like aroma that tells you lightning is coming.

Another great entry, thanks Becca!

April 21, 2011 at 9:23 am

Love scenes during thunderstorms are nice 🙂

April 21, 2011 at 9:21 am

Boy, could we use some thunderstorms here in Texas. We are burning up both literally and figuratively. Something like a million acres up in smoke, hundreds of homes destroyed.

April 21, 2011 at 9:05 am

Spooky picture. Brings ideas to mind…

April 21, 2011 at 9:01 am

Great post! Needed this today.

[…] Thunderstorm […]

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The Storm - A story mat to aid creative writing

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

5 December 2019

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The story mat is designed to spark off ideas in children and to give them confidence to write independently. It should also help to extend their vocabularies. It is in PPT format so that it can be shown to the whole class at the beginning of the lesson as well as being printed out. This was originally designed to fit in with a topic on Greek Myths but then adapted to other storm descriptions – hence the 2 versions, which are the same but with different pictures. Fully editable. Tips: Talk about the pictures and their own storm experiences Test them on some of the vocab e.g. describe the ocean waves using a simile or find three words to describe the sound of the wind Can they find any other words to add to any of the lists? Discuss how a storm can build up from a cold dark sky to torrential rain with thunder & lightning. You can illustrate this by getting the class to make sound effects – gentle patter with fingers, building up to clapping, whistling, then howling wind, thunder clap. Challenge them to use vocabulary from each section in their descriptions. For further resources see - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Jazel

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Bundle- 3 Double Story Mats - Stormy, Spooky & Pirate

3 story mats to improve children's vocabulary and to help them to write with more independence. All fully editable. Some plans etc also included. Feedback and suggestions welcomed. See more in my shop: www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Jazel

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This is a rip off! It's the same vocab with different photos.

I'm sorry you were disappointed. However, it says clearly in the description: 'This was originally designed to fit in with a year 5 topic on Greek myths but then adapted to other storm descriptions - hence the 2 versions.' You can also clearly see what you are getting so to say it is a 'rip off' is unfair. The vocab actually does differ slightly too.

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This is an informal  creative writing workshop for adults . Writing prompts will be provided at the beginning of the 1 hour program to help your ideas to flow. But you may start writing with your own prompt or own creative idea(s). This will be a space for all writing levels to come together to peacefully write and share ideas, ask for feedback, etc. Writing materials will be provided. Please be aware this is not an instructional program. Please view flyer for more information. Thank you.

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Estelle Erasmus

How to Resist the Temptation of AI When Writing

Whether you're a student, a journalist, or a business professional, knowing how to do high-quality research and writing using trustworthy data and sources, without giving in to the temptation of AI or ChatGPT , is a skill worth developing.

As I detail in my book Writing That Gets Noticed , locating credible databases and sources and accurately vetting information can be the difference between turning a story around quickly or getting stuck with outdated information.

For example, several years ago the editor of Parents.com asked for a hot-take reaction to country singer Carrie Underwood saying that, because she was 35, she had missed her chance at having another baby. Since I had written about getting pregnant in my forties, I knew that as long as I updated my facts and figures, and included supportive and relevant peer-reviewed research, I could pull off this story. And I did.

The story ran later that day , and it led to other assignments. Here are some tips I’ve learned that you should consider mastering before you turn to automated tools like generative AI to handle your writing work for you.

Identify experts, peer-reviewed research study authors, and sources who can speak with authority—and ideally, offer easily understood sound bites or statistics on the topic of your work. Great sources include professors at major universities and media spokespeople at associations and organizations.

For example, writer and author William Dameron pinned his recent essay in HuffPost Personal around a statistic from the American Heart Association on how LGBTQ people experience higher rates of heart disease based on discrimination. Although he first found the link in a secondary source (an article in The New York Times ), he made sure that he checked the primary source: the original study that the American Heart Association gleaned the statistic from. He verified the information, as should any writer, because anytime a statistic is cited in a secondary source, errors can be introduced.

Jen Malia, author of  The Infinity Rainbow Club  series of children’s books (whom I recently interviewed on my podcast ), recently wrote a piece about dinosaur-bone hunting for Business Insider , which she covers in her book Violet and the Jurassic Land Exhibit.

After a visit to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Malia, whose books are set in Philadelphia, found multiple resources online and on the museum site that gave her the history of the Bone Wars , information on the exhibits she saw, and the scientific names of the dinosaurs she was inspired by. She also used the Library of Congress’ website, which offers digital collections and links to the Library of Congress Newspaper Collection.

Malia is a fan of searching for additional resources and citable documents with Google Scholar . “If I find that a secondary source mentions a newspaper article, I’m going to go to the original newspaper article, instead of just stopping there and quoting,” she says.

Christopher Null

Nena Farrell

Adrienne So

Matt Jancer

Your local public library is a great source of free information, journals, and databases (even ones that generally require a subscription and include embargoed research). For example, your search should include everything from health databases ( Sage Journals , Scopus , PubMed) to databases for academic sources and journalism ( American Periodical Series Online , Statista , Academic Search Premier ) and databases for news, trends, market research, and polls (t he Harris Poll , Pew Research Center , Newsbank , ProPublica ).

Even if you find a study or paper that you can’t access in one of those databases, consider reaching out to the study’s lead author or researcher. In many cases, they’re happy to discuss their work and may even share the study with you directly and offer to talk about their research.

For journalist Paulette Perhach’s article on ADHD in The New York Times, she used Epic Research to see “dual team studies.” That's when two independent teams address the same topic or question, and ideally come to the same conclusions. She recommends locating research and experts via key associations for your topic. She also likes searching via Google Scholar but advises filtering it for studies and research in recent years to avoid using old data. She suggests keeping your links and research organized. “Always be ready to be peer-reviewed yourself,” Perhach says.

When you are looking for information for a story or project, you might be inclined to start with a regular Google search. But keep in mind that the internet is full of false information, and websites that look trustworthy can sometimes turn out to be businesses or companies with a vested interest in you taking their word as objective fact without additional scrutiny. Regardless of your writing project, unreliable or biased sources are a great way to torpedo your work—and any hope of future work.

Author Bobbi Rebell researched her book Launching Financial Grownups using the IRS’ website . “I might say that you can contribute a certain amount to a 401K, but it might be outdated because those numbers are always changing, and it’s important to be accurate,” she says. “AI and ChatGPT can be great for idea generation,” says Rebell, “but you have to be careful. If you are using an article someone was quoted in, you don’t know if they were misquoted or quoted out of context.”

If you use AI and ChatGPT for sourcing, you not only risk introducing errors, you risk introducing plagiarism—there is a reason OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is being sued for downloading information from all those books.

Audrey Clare Farley, who writes historical nonfiction, has used a plethora of sites for historical research, including Women Also Know History , which allows searches by expertise or area of study, and JSTOR , a digital library database that offers a number of free downloads a month. She also uses Chronicling America , a project from the Library of Congress which gathers old newspapers to show how a historical event was reported, and Newspapers.com (which you can access via free trial but requires a subscription after seven days).

When it comes to finding experts, Farley cautions against choosing the loudest voices on social media platforms. “They might not necessarily be the most authoritative. I vet them by checking if they have a history of publication on the topic, and/or educational credentials.”

When vetting an expert, look for these red flags:

• You can’t find their work published or cited anywhere.
• They were published in an obscure journal.
• Their research is funded by a company, not a university, or they are the spokesperson for the company they are doing research for. (This makes them a public relations vehicle and not an appropriate source for journalism.)

And finally, the best endings for virtually any writing, whether it’s an essay, a research paper, an academic report, or a piece of investigative journalism, circle back to the beginning of the piece, and show your reader the transformation or the journey the piece has presented in perspective.

As always, your goal should be strong writing supported by research that makes an impact without cutting corners. Only then can you explore tools that might make the job a little easier, for instance by generating subheads or discovering a concept you might be missing—because then you'll have the experience and skills to see whether it's harming or helping your work.

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Is creative writing already a lost art? Kids show the joy of the written word still exists.

The request was simple enough: Please come and talk to 11 separate Southern Indiana grade school classes about writing . You know, the thing you do for a living. Rearranging the alphabet into words . Then lining up those words into thoughts and pictures to make a point, tell a story, make a difference.

The request was from Susan Stewart, advanced program coordinator for Greater Clark County Schools . It was instantly appealing. No one had ever come to my grade school to talk about writing. No one had ever told me early on about the absolute joy to be found in putting words and thoughts on paper. It took me 25 years to learn that.

Or, as Susan said in her letter asking me to give it a try:

“I truly believe your presentation will be one of those pivotal moments in some of these kids’ lives where they pinpoint this experience as discovering they are really good at writing and decide they want to pursue a career in writing.”

No pressure there.

So, about a month later I sat down in a low chair in a grade school in downtown Jeffersonville. I had always believed writing classes work best at eye level with the kids. The class sizes varied from two to nine. The kids, selected by aptitude and test scores, had been somewhat prepped, appeared eager to learn and were trying to figure me out.

Are kids so tied to social media that creative writing is already a lost art?

I did somewhat the same. I had no real idea what was on the minds of nine-, ten- and eleven-year-old kids these days. My fear was that they are so tied to social media games that pure creative writing is already a lost art. And what is artificial intelligence going to do to all that?

Follow Diane Porter's example. JCPS board chair was a fierce advocate for Black students.

On the other hand, as I quickly learned, almost all are avid readers. Books. Words used to paint pictures, make a point, tell a story. So there was hope.

But how to further connect? I began by discussing possibilities, the places newspaper writing has taken me in more than 40 years and 4,000 columns and stories, the places they could go.

I told them how I have been to the World Ice Skating Championship in Czechoslovakia, NCAA basketball championships in St. Louis and Indianapolis, being on the sidelines and in press boxes at NFL, NBA and major league baseball games.

Moving away from athletics, I explained how I wrote about classical dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, covered Broadway shows in Louisville, took a trip to Ghana to write of Louisville doctors on a medical mission, spent time inside the U.S. Supreme Court, got caught in the middle of a gun fight between police and a man holed up in his house and wandered Kentucky for a coupled years writing of great forests, country stores and mules.

I have now written or helped with 15 books, so I pushed the conversation a little deeper. I explained the work required over months and years to write a book, the satisfaction derived from holding such a finished product in my hands.

Kids love books and the writing it takes to tell stories

One fifth grader said she had already started.

We began to bond. Several of the kids were eager to answer all my questions, and quickly thrust their hands in the air. I was more interested in those remaining silent and mostly in the back row.

We talked some of keeping personal diaries – and many of them said they do. We talked of the need to write well and clearly at some point in almost any job. We talked about writing letters to friends and family. Many said they already do that. We talked of reading, of sharing books, and having their parents read to them.

Or maybe them reading to their parents.

Their questions about writing, the places I have been, were interesting, fun, welcome and spontaneous, my favorite being “What is your favorite genre?” 

That meant it was time – past time - for the basics. My writing suggestions were simple. I asked the kids to write them down and warned they will be asked to write something with pencil on paper afterward, then read it out loud.

The writer’s job to explain to people who are not there what’s going on

I told them writing is like being a foreign correspondent. It’s the writer’s job to explain to people who are not there what’s going on. That action could be fiction, whatever was on the writer’s mind, or something outside on a playground, or some place on vacation. Use details to make a point, tell a story, describe the situation. With only four simple rules:

Write what you see.

Write what you hear.

Write what you think.

Write what you feel.

That was it. At this point I didn’t get too far into the 10 or 15 revisions required for every paragraph, how excessive use of detail can get in the way of the story. Not to mention the years it can take to get this writing thing fully figured out. With no guarantees of ever being published.

Just write.

To help the process along, to focus them on a story subject, I asked them to describe me and my mission. Use those four simple rules: see, hear, think, feel. Write it for someone who is not there but needs to know the experience.

What are we going to do? Reading is the greatest civil rights issue of our time.

That got everyone involved, the entire class quickly offering descriptions of a deep voice, large body, a funky shirt, likeable mannerisms and yes, a bald head, although it took them awhile to get around to that.

When in doubt, write the truth

Then I went off point a bit, adding a little culture and sociology. I always on these writing missions bring along a big bag of very distinctive hats, cowboy hat, golfer’s hat, baseball cap, leprechaun’s hat. I put on each in succession and the kids, loving it, went crazy with apt descriptions, even those who had been silent – especially those who had been silent.

The kicker came when I explained they had each described me by the hat I was wearing, but underneath all that I am the same person. Only the hat changed. Point being the biggest mistake any writer can make is to judge a book by its cover.

Lessons learned they all began writing, cranking out words that became sentences that became descriptions and word pictures. Some more quickly than others, They were only allowed about 15 minutes. Afterward, mostly standing up proudly, they read to the others about a big amiable guy with no hair and a deep voice wearing funky clothes and hats as he talked about using see, hear, think and feel to become good writers.

Or words to that effect.

Some of them didn’t want to read their work aloud and I understood – been there, done that. But I did feel – as every teacher must hopefully feel at some point in their day – that I had made a difference, that some kids had learned of the absolute joy to be found in writing and would take that home with them.

And maybe beyond.

It’s a message that should be spread to all students with a hidden interest and ability in writing, not just those who test well. Some immediate satisfaction came when the students in one class offered me “high fives,” asked me to autograph their papers. My finest moment came while walking out of the school through the cafeteria, one of my students, a precocious second grader, walked over and gave me a big hug.

May all teachers find such a moment.

Bob Hill was a Louisville Times and Courier Journal feature writer and columnist for 33 years.

Craft the perfect creative writing prompt from Microsoft Designer's AI images

march 22, 2024

by Monica Jayasinghe

Hello, fellow educators! I recently discovered an exciting way to create engaging writing prompts for my students using AI and Microsoft Designer . The results were amazing, and I can't wait to share this fun and innovative approach with you!

Describing the Vision:

To get started, head over to Microsoft Designer . We'll use the power of AI to generate an image that will serve as the foundation for our writing prompt.

We'll use Image Creator , where you can describe the image you want to create. The goal is to generate an image that will capture your students' imagination and inspire them to write.

For this example, I entered the prompt, A spacecraft landing near a house, futuristic, mysterious.

Choose the image you want to work with

Once you select Generate , Microsoft Designer will provide you with a variety of AI-generated images. Since we're creating a writing prompt, look for an image that has space for adding instructions and is easy to read.

You'll be amazed by the number of options available! When you find an image you like, click on it and select Edit image .

Customize the image

After selecting your preferred image, it's time to customize it.

• Click on Resize in the top panel and adjust the dimensions to match a PowerPoint slide. This will ensure that the image fits perfectly when you're ready to present it to your students. You can also align the image anywhere on the page to create the perfect composition.
• In the box labeled AI tools , you'll see additional customization options. Consider playing with the filters to update the mood and color scheme of your image.

Add instructions and text

To make the writing prompt clear and easy to read, click on the existing text and customize it. To add a heading, click on Text in the left panel. The right panel will populate with even more ideas you can use.

In this example, I changed the color to white and added a story starter.

Engage your students

The possibilities for using AI-generated images as writing prompts are endless! Here are a few options:

Get inspired by the artwork

The most obvious way to use these images is as direct inspiration for student writing. Generate a bold, fantastical, emotional, or silly image and have students write a story about what's happening in the image.

Try this prompt: A whimsical classroom under the sea. The teacher is a wise old octopus. The classroom is decorated with shell desks and seaweed streamers .

Bring stories to life

Another great idea is to take an excerpt from a story you're reading in class and use the AI to generate an image that matches that specific part of the story. This will spark engaging discussions among your students and bring the story to life in a whole new way.

Bring units to life

Why stop at a story? You can also generate images that fit the theme of a unit you're working on, whether you're exploring weather patterns or reliving life on the Oregon Trail.

Consider setting aside some time each day or week for students to free write or journal. Kick off the writing session with an AI-generated image, then throw on some light classical music and let them write. Mix up the kind of images you show them, from lush landscapes to abstract pop art, and see what it inspires.

Try this prompt: An abstract painting in vivid colors

You can even include animated options. After you generate your image in Microsoft Designer, select the image and Create Design . In the right-hand panel that appears, you'll see several design options. Usually, one or more of these options will be animated. Select the animated option and add it to your PowerPoint!

Accessing your AI-generated images

One of the best features of Microsoft Designer is that all the images you create using AI are saved in the My Media section. This means you'll never lose your creations and can easily access them whenever you need them.

This feature enables educators to curate a collection of visuals for various writing themes, be it aliens, dragons, or any other imaginative scenario.

Wrapping up

Microsoft Designer is a game-changer for educators looking to inspire their students' creativity. The AI-generated images, customization options, and easy access to your creations make this a powerful tool for any classroom.

Head over to designer.microsoft.com today and start creating unforgettable writing prompts!

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• Post published: March 26, 2024

Professor Honored for Community-Engaged Creative Activity

For her outstanding work producing an equity-based art exhibition featuring more than 200 pieces of work from around the world, Nancy DeJoy , Associate Professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures at Michigan State University, is this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Partnership Award for Community-Engaged Creative Activity presented by MSU’s Office of University Outreach and Engagement . The exhibition, titled Creativity in the Time of COVID-19: Art for Equity and Social Justice , was held in April 2023 at four different Lansing locations. The month-long exhibition explored the use of creativity to cope with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. It featured art from all seven continents made by more than 100 artists, each from communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic, who responded with creativity as a personal outlet and tool for social change.

MSU Libraries now houses a repository of the Creativity in the Time of COVID-19 exhibition , making it available to people around the world and adding to the story of the pandemic while highlighting the voices and creative work of many who often go unheard.

“The idea was to try to add voices from people disproportionately affected by the pandemic and to give them a way to show how they use creativity to add to their stories,” DeJoy said. “We must make public spaces for these voices if we are to tell the full story of the pandemic and the inequities and structures of social injustice it exposes.” Supported by a $3 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s “Just Futures” Initiative, the exhibition was three years in the making by a team led by DeJoy and Fatima Konare, a graduate student at the time in the M.A. in Writing and Rhetoric program. The team sought to showcase the power of art to inspire, connect, and advocate for change, particularly in the face of a global pandemic.

While opening up spaces for international dialogue about creativity, health, well-being, social justice, and the effects of COVID-19 on everyday life, the Creativity in the Time of COVID-19 exhibition gave the artists a platform to assert agency in the face of oppressive social systems and to tell stories that elevate equity and social justice.

A diverse range of art forms were featured in the exhibition, including paintings, ceramics and glass sculptures, immersive digital displays, fiber art, poetry, and more. The collection represented a variety of voices, perspectives, and experiences during the pandemic. 

It revealed stories of loss, anger, and sorrow, as well as stories of generosity, strength, and resilience, and of maintaining community and personal connections during the global crisis. There also was a significant focus on racial diversity; LGBTQ+, immigrant, and refugee populations; those of Native American and Indigenous descent; and individuals with disabilities or chronic health issues.

The Distinguished Partnership Award values this kind of work along with a community-based creative activity that leaves positive and lasting impacts. DeJoy’s exhibition excelled in both these aspects.

“This award recognizes community collaborations that focus on opening spaces for voices that we need to listen to as we turn our hope for equity and social justice into inclusive action,” DeJoy said. “It is my honor to accept it and to share it with my local community partners. The many MSU students involved in the project also deserve a shout out, especially my co-curator Fatima Konare and student team leaders Kelsey Abner and Ben Lash.”

The Creativity in the Time Of COVID-19 emerged from DeJoy’s work with students. In early 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic when all MSU classes moved to remote learning, DeJoy gave her first-year writing students the opportunity to do creative final projects instead of writing traditional essays as one way to help them deal with the stress of the pandemic. 

“We started to realize how important creativity was becoming as we faced the realities of COVID-19,” DeJoy said. “We wanted to find a way to invite the voices of people who were both disproportionately affected by the pandemic and using creativity in their everyday lives to tell their stories. We envision a society in which creative acts of knowledge make open new spaces for equity and social justice.” To gather pieces for the exhibition, a survey was created and distributed in English and four other languages, along with sign language and Braille, to extend an international invitation to people from around the world to submit artwork created during the pandemic. The team also reached out to art organizations from all over the world to help distribute the survey.  Pieces featured in the exhibition underwent an inclusive selection process, with a group of 26 MSU students, faculty, and staff as well as members of the greater Lansing community reviewing all the art submissions and deciding which pieces to include in the physical exhibition.

To be chosen for the exhibit, a piece had to tell a powerful story about the artist’s inner truth regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the impact of the pandemic on people and communities who were disproportionately affected by this global crisis. DeJoy has a history of community-university partnerships at MSU that span 15 years. Focused on social justice issues related to identity, she has worked with survivors of sexual violence and several community partners. These partnerships have resulted in art exhibits/installations and conference presentations, expanding the public spaces for voices of people often not heard in the stories we tell about who we are as a community. One of those projects involved her Illuminating Survivor Voices poem, which was written about in the “’Illuminating Survivor Voices’ Makes Strides Across MSU” article . The Creativity in the Time of COVID-19 exhibit is her most recent collaboration. For that exhibit, she partnered with the Capital City Film Festival, Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center, REACH Studio Art Center, and the Refugee Development Center, which all either served as venues for part of the exhibit or hosted events related to the exhibit.

In partnership with the Capital City Film Festival, the Creativity in the Time of COVID-19 exhibition opening was held along with the film festival’s Red Carpet Premiere Party at the Frandor Sears Building in Lansing. The Capital City Film Festival was the major grant sub awardee for the exhibition. DeJoy was presented the Distinguished Partnership Award for Community-Engaged Creative Activity at the 2024 MSU Outreach and Engagement Awards Ceremony on March 21 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.

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These Spelling Bee Hint Writers Want to Help You Get to Genius

Four enthusiasts talk about why they wake up in the middle of the night to write hints for other Spelling Bee solvers.

By Elie Levine

In the early hours of the morning, a small but dedicated group of solvers log on to the Spelling Bee Forum to share hints for anyone who gets stuck on the way to Genius, the game’s official top score. They post shortly after the new Spelling Bee replaces the previous day’s at 3 a.m. Eastern time.

Their hints are short, clever phrases designed to help solvers find all of the words in the puzzle. As more solvers wake up and hit the “Recommend” button on the lists they like, the hint posts rise to the top of the Reader Picks feed. The hint creators have developed their own writing styles, and each has a community of fans.

New York Times Games peeked behind the curtain of the thriving Spelling Bee subculture to understand the independent word lovers who bring so much joy to solvers’ lives. Four volunteers, who post under the screen names Jenn E., Steve G., Kitt Richards and Kline, joined The Times from their homes on Feb. 16 for a virtual round table — or in a nod to the hints that players love, a “nonsquare dining surface,” as Ms. Richards wrote in an email ahead of the event.

The hint writers talked about where they found inspiration, how the Bee affects their sleep and the words they would like to see included in future installments. Jenn E. and Steve G. called in from Los Angeles, Kitt Richards from Cambridge, Mass., and Kline from Chicago.

Do you have a word you would like to see in the Hive? Email us at [email protected] .

This discussion has been edited for brevity and clarity.

When did you start writing hints?

STEVE G.: I’m coming up on my anniversary, on April Fools’ Day, almost two years ago. That’s when I started doing it . I was in Ormond Beach, Fla., at the time, during the pandemic. I lived with my daughter, and we’ve always played the Crossword. I have not missed the Crossword. My streak has lasted 1,673 days.

I am a Crossword-first person. I love getting my daughter involved. She’s a 20-something. We would race Monday nights. She could beat me on Mondays easily because she’s a digital native. I think I’m faster at solving than she is, but not faster in typing.

We found the Spelling Bee. I’d always ignored it. Like, OK, what is there to it? We started doing it, and then I started texting her little clues.

Then I saw that hints existed. The challenge for me was to get them out as fast as possible and to have them be as original as I could make them.

I don’t do this as a favor to the Spelling Bee community. It’s a symbiotic relationship where I get to have my little creativity session with the words. And no, I don’t solve the puzzle when I’m doing hints, but I have solved the puzzle.

When I make the hints, it’s like, How can I make Monday-level crosswords? Everybody is getting hints that I’m writing for my daughter. That’s why they’ll sometimes be educational, or have a little morality play.

KLINE: I started a year or two before Steve. I think brevity is better when you’re providing a hint or a clue. My professional life had me being very direct. I don’t mince words.

I have fun playing. I like to solve the puzzles without looking at your clues. But oftentimes I’ll be stuck on one or two, and it’s like, I could see what my friends have said.

KITT RICHARDS: I used to be an avid crossword puzzler. My point of pride was that I would always do the Crossword in pen.

It’s been about a year since I started writing hints. From September until June 2023 I was working 18 to 24 hours a day. It was the worst experience I’ve ever had of deadlines and multiple projects. I often found myself staying up all night, too. At the same time, I was like, I’ve got to do the Bee!

I lost the job because I couldn’t keep up. I don’t want to tell myself that it was the Bee that caused me to lose the job, because I would never admit that, but it could be.

I don’t know if you remember this, Steve. I thought your hints were hilarious and so well done. I would write in the replies, “I can’t get this word! Help!”

STEVE G.: Replies to me? I don’t remember those.

KITT RICHARDS: I would write to you! Other people would weigh in. They were very helpful. Eventually I got better at solving the puzzle. I saw how often words repeat, and so I started getting faster and better at it. Eventually, my competitive streak kicked in and I wanted to start writing clues.

When I first started writing them, people would make comments in the replies, like, “You write clues like Kline did.” They’re succinct, they’re short and that’s the way I think and speak anyway.

How does crafting hints fit into your sleep schedule?

STEVE G.: I was getting up at 3 a.m. Now, in Los Angeles, I’m like, How can I make it to midnight? That’s the challenge.

KITT RICHARDS: I would give anything to have it at midnight.

STEVE G.: I’m running on fumes because I still work mostly for the East Coast, so my day begins at 6 a.m.

I’ll maybe hit the hay at 10 p.m. and then wake up at midnight, and then go back to sleep if I can. Sometimes you want to see what the people are saying, you know?

JENN E.: It would be nice to be able to sleep seven or eight hours straight through. I’m falling asleep at 7:30, 8 p.m., and waking up again at midnight. I tried staying up until midnight and I just couldn’t do it.

What is your creative process like?

STEVE G.: I have dictionaries, Wikipedia and a lot of other sources ready to go. I’m a very fast researcher.

I try not to give the word away. If the word were “feline,” I probably wouldn’t want to write “beeline.” I want people to have to work, but not too much. I aspire to show them a nonobvious way to see the word, and for some people, that seems to resonate. To others, it’s annoying. That’s why I think diversity among hint writers is strength.

I do like to have some evocative trivia because again, I’m trying to write it for my daughter. In fact, I’m still trying to get her to take me to some of these trivia places in Los Angeles, because that is also my first love.

KITT RICHARDS: I probably don’t have anywhere near as many resources as Steve. I keep my emojis on my desktop for quick reference because I like to decorate my posts .

My brain thinks in textures and colors. For me, the words have to be somewhat alliterative or have a textural quality to them, so if you said them out loud it would lead you to the word.

JENN E.: All those years of teaching taught me that what I could teach one way I quickly learned didn’t work for everyone else. Everyone’s mind works differently, right?

My sentences have been called cheating many times … sorry! For other people, they need context. They need something to kick that word right out of the back of their brain.

What do you want the Spelling Bee community to know about you?

KLINE: Well, for one, that I’m on the face of the earth again. I did have somewhat of a sudden departure last year. Given that I am very short with words, I didn’t feel the need to explain my disappearance, especially since there were other people giving the clues.

JENN E.: Anything I’d want them to know about me I think they already know, because I wrote a lot of personal stories and a lot of my hints come from my experiences and life.

My Midwestern roots are well known in the forum. After I started writing the hints, I did notice that people started popping up in Minnesota, Illinois and Ohio.

What makes a good hint writer?

KLINE: The characteristics that we share seem to be best described as competitive, insomniac, addictive, self-challenging — yet we want to help others succeed. I love it when people say, “Your hints got me to Genius,” or, “I finally got to Queen Bee. Thank you for your help.” And there’s a certain rush that comes with playing “beat the clock.”

I would like to see more hinters. It would be great to have more people step up and take a shot at it. If they can’t get all 50 words, they can do the front 25 or the back 25.

What are your other favorite games?

JENN E.: Wordle, Connections and the Crossword.

KLINE: Connections, the Mini — because I don’t have time to do the Crossword — and Wordle.

STEVE G.: The Crossword. I think Connections is a great game. I hate Wordle. Don’t print that.

KITT RICHARDS: You can say that. Why not? It’s a free press.

STEVE G.: I never liked Wordle.

KITT RICHARDS: I love Wordle and Connections. I loved Tiles. I always do Wordle and Connections as my dessert after creating Spelling Bee clues.

What’s your favorite Bee word of all time?

STEVE G.: I’m not going to answer your question. I’m going to give the two words that I want in the Bee tomorrow, which are “caracal” and “birria.”

KITT RICHARDS: What are the words?

STEVE G.: “ Caracal,” the cat with the tufted hair.

KITT RICHARDS: What was the other one?

STEVE G.: “Birria.” It’s something you put in tacos. Oh, you’ve got to try it.

JENN E.: It originally was goat, but it’s meat that’s been chopped up and in a sauce. You can have it in tacos and on rice. It tends to be made of beef or pork now, not goat, unless you go to Mexico.

STEVE G.: I don’t know my favorite regular Bee word, so maybe you all can answer and it’ll come to me.

KITT RICHARDS: I can’t think of a single one.

KLINE: I don’t think I have a favorite one.

JENN N.: Well, it wouldn’t be “acacia” or “açaí,” and it wouldn’t be the Hawaiian goose.

KITT RICHARDS: I actually wrote a poem about the nene because I had such an affection for it.

STEVE G.: I do like “rococo.” It’s a good word.

What do you love most about the Spelling Bee Forum?

JENN E.: The sharing of people’s days or ideas or experiences. I do love the rush that Kline mentioned, when somebody says, “Because of you, I got to Queen Bee” or “I got to Genius.” The forum is a place where I learn a lot about people. It’s cool to read posts from somebody in South Africa, Sydney and Perth, and Singapore — places I’ve lived, visited and wanted to go.

STEVE G.: I’m afraid that my most memorable moments are various controversies. People try to school me or to set me right. I call myself a free speech absolutist, and I mean it.

Occasionally, in my clues, I’ll reference an Italian or foreign speaker who has an accent, and people will take me to task because they think I’m deriding that accent. They couldn’t be farther from the truth. As a person who loves language and linguistics, I love accents. My Italian grandmother never learned to speak English in 90 years in this country, but I know she really did speak English.

When I feel like I’ve broken through, I feel like there’s hope for humanity. I don’t care about helping people become Queen Bee, but if somebody says, “I spit out my coffee,” that makes me feel like I made somebody happy today. I don’t tend to make a lot of people happy in my profession as an actuary.

KITT RICHARDS: One of the really stellar elements in the forum is the poetry. I always read the poems, especially the ones that float to the top.

I wrote a poem about being up at 3 a.m. That was a lot of fun, and I got some responses from other forum poets. We’ve never met or exchanged any kind of private communication, but I think of them as friends because we communicate on the forum.

Elie Levine is part of The Times’s Games team, working on editorial and social media initiatives. More about Elie Levine

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