What is the "Sensory Layering" technique of writing/storytelling?

Sensory layering is a writing device that engages the reader on a multi-sensory level (touch, sight, sound, smell, taste) by painting a picture that illustrates multiple details without taking up too much of their narrative time.

 

In copywriting, for instance, sensory layering looks like product descriptions or visuals that appeal to multiple senses of the customer, allowing them to “experience” what you are selling before they even touch it. Sensory layering allows the writer/creator to create something that will build a strong mental picture in the mind of the customer as well as a deeper connection with their emotional center, beyond just a logical decision making or emotional triggers.

 

Take the example of a high-end coffee, both while selling it through only written word, and through written word plus visuals.

 

Instead of just “Our coffee tastes good,” a sensory-layered description of this coffee would read something like this:

 

“Wake up to the invitation of the rich, roasted flavor of our heavy-bodied coffee, whose sweet, smoky aroma has been sourced from the fertile volcanic slopes of Kokopapa mountains. The coffee dances on your tongue in a smooth tapdance of dark chocolate and toasted nuts, with jazzy notes of caramel toffee married to the undertones of rum and whiskey.”

 

For visual-style storytelling, take the example of Nescafe’s commercial.

 

From the color of the boy’s tee shirt to the texture of the crushed roasted coffee beans as he scoops a spoonful from the jar, the colors add to the sense of sight. Added to this is the visual of this coffee powder dissolving into milk, forming a golden brown emulsion that exudes a velvety effect to the viewer’s eye. The bubbly, dribbly, gurgly sounds that pop in the commercial as the coffee pours into a glass, depicting a frothy liquid, the crystalline ice cubes bouncing in the air and plunging into the glass, the clink of the cubes as they touch the glass, as well as the cool bubbles of condensation on the glass’s surface – all these details are part of sensory layering that evoke reaction in the different sense of the viewer, thereby, prompting them to desire this coffee and have a sip.

 

By punctuating the copy or the commercial with hints of sensory material, the writer/creator creates a new sensory world that feels “undeniably real” to the consumer/viewer. The sensory elements will attract the person to experience the “pleasurable sensory feeling” and they will be inspired to purchase or consume this product. 

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What is the "Echoes through time" concept of Storytelling?

“Echoes through time” is a storytelling concept that revolves around a present-day character, object, idea, or experience that reverberates a long-forgotten event from history. This concept is used to add mystery to a story or a piece of writing that the reader unravels by piecing together these “echoes” and uncovering the full, poetic truth of the past. “Echoes through time” is an insightful tool that also makes the reader realize that the past isn’t truly gone. Rather, it is subtly imprinted on the fabric of the present and it reveals itself little by little through clues that lurk in the depths of the present moment.

 

Anushree works in an art renovation company called RenoKaro, based in New Delhi. Her boss sent her to an old, dilapidated library located in Delhi’s Khapchi Gali for a renovation project. As she stepped inside the library, the bag of tools slung from her shoulders, she coughed. The library was shrouded in a thick veil of dust and sprinkled with gossamer cobwebs. The spines of decaying books dangled from rickety bookshelves, whose wood seemed to be chipped and gnawed by mysterious mice. Seeing the ragged condition of the library, Anushree doubted whether she would be able to complete the renovation project. This is the first echo that the writer presents to the reader, unfolding one layer of the past.

 

Nevertheless, she started the work. Being a book-lover, she dipped her head into one of the bookshelves and was stunned to discover some perfectly-preserved peacock feathers laid flat between the pages of many books – not the vibrant blues and greens, but shimmering, almost translucent silver. For a faint period of time, she put down her tools and let her curiosity be immersed in the tales and trinkets that were hiding in these books. Each feather seemed to evoke an unsettling melody, a dim whisper, as if wind chimes played by ghosts of the past. One diary in particular was scrawled with an archaic script that detailed the tale of a visionary empress who commissioned a "Silver Peacock Garden" – a mystical garden where peacocks would guard her and her lover as they spent moments of romance. This is the second echo the writer shares to unravel the mystery of history.

 

The third echo hit the story as the diary recited the tragic ending of the empress’ love story, her empire, her lover, and the peacocks. Upon the curse of an evil sorcerer who desired to marry her, her garden was swallowed by an alien planet and the peacocks had to leave the fortress to become guardians of the legend of the emperor and the empress. After reviewing these books, Anushree realized the feathers were not just relics, but echoes of the past – the ancient songs that those peacocks whispered in the garden for the empress. She photographs the books and the feathers and the company retells the forgotten story to the world. And thus, the library turns into a popular sight-seeing spot visited by millions of curious tourists each year. The diaries and feathers are exhibited behind glass cases and the story is narrated by telescreens attached on the library walls.

 

The final echo by the writer will prompt the reader to take some action, to feel connected to RenoKaro. Basically, this final echo will act like a nail which will lock the reader’s mind into believing and trusting that this renovation company doesn’t just renovates old things, but also revives old art and unravels forgotten stories from history. The reader will either approach the company or save their name in their favorites list for the future. Thus, the story or the commercial will succeed in converting this customer for the company.

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What is the "Freytag's Pyramid" technique of writing? - The Magical Pink Diamond

Freytag’s Pyramid is a writing technique, crafted by the German novelist Gustav Freytag. The technique involves five key processes that writers can use to write everything from short stories to articles.

 

The first step is “Exposition.”

Exposition refers to the introduction of the subject, the setting up of the scene, and a comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory.

The second step is “Rising Action”

Rising Action refers to “The development of the central conflict, problem, or interesting aspect.” This is where the tension builds, complexities are revealed, and the "plot" of the story/article unfolds through scenes, characters, research material, and anecdotes.

The third step is “climax”

Climax is the turning point or the most significant moment of revelation, insight, or development within the article's scope. It's often where the core question posed in the exposition is addressed, or a major challenge is confronted.

The 4^th step, “Falling Action,” implies the series of events that follow the climax, showing immediate consequences or implications.

The 5^th and the last step is “Resolution or denouement.” It refers to the conclusion, which often provides closure, summarizes key takeaways, or offers a final thought, a lingering question, or a look to the future.

 

Let’s understand this technique with the example of a story “The Magical Pink Diamond.”

 

The story opens with the introduction of a young queen named Leela, whose kingdom is teetering on the brink of war. This introduction and elaborate character sketch is the “Exposition” through which the reader meets the primary character and understands the motivating force that will trigger their curiosity to read the story further.

Leela’s kingdom is in this dire warlike situation because, Andhakari, an evil king from a neighboring kingdom is demanding a precious artifact from her – the magical pink diamond. This diamond was passed on to Leela from her ancestors and had remained in their kingdom for hundreds of years. The ancient sages had locked within this pink jewel, magical powers that would protect the kingdom against evil and bless it with bounty and abundance.

 

Andhakari had brashly sent a messenger with a letter to Leela, demanding the magical jewel from her, threatening to attack and invade her kingdom if she refused. After reading his letter, Leela was jolted into a tailspin of fear, anger, and powerlessness. Andhakari, after all, was ten times more powerful than her. He had more wealth. He had more soldiers. And unlike her and her soldiers, he and his men didn’t have any conscience. He would go on to great lengths to exert his power and snatch anything he desired, even if it was at the cost of killing innocent masses. But Leela was not someone to give up. Her boundless courage prompted her to embark on a secret quest to retrieve the magical pink diamond, which was hidden in the ancient ruins of her empire. Once she got hold of it, she would secure it to some safe place and trick Andhakari into believing that it was lost. This marks the “Rising Action” part of the story.

 

Rising Action involves the scenes where tensions mount and the journey introduces challenges: treacherous mountain passes, cryptic riddles guarding the ruins, and a shadowy rival also seeking the jewel. Each hurdle Leela overcomes builds suspense, bringing her closer to her goal, yet further into danger.

 

Finally, deep within the crumbling ruins, Leela confronts the rival, a powerful sorcerer, in a desperate struggle for the magical jewel. This is the Climax, the story’s peak, where the conflict reaches its absolute zenith, and the outcome hangs in the balance. Leela, through wit and courage, outsmarts the sorcerer, securing the diamond, only to discover that he too was there to secure and protect the jewel from Andhakari’s influence.

 

The “Falling Action” sees Leela return to her kingdom, the pink diamond in hand. She uses its power not for war, but to create a shimmering barrier, protecting her people without bloodshed. Horrified by the supernatural barriers of fire and wild electric currents, Andhakari’s soldiers were horrified and forced to retreat.

 

Lastly, in the “Denouement” part of the story, peace settles over the land. Leela, now celebrated and lauded by the subjects, begins rebuilding her kingdom, forever transformed by this ordeal. The threat is gone, loose ends tied, and a stable, empowered kingdom established. 

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