how to describe a fire creative writing

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500+ Ways to Describe Fire: A Word List for Writers

Fire, Flames, Inferno …

Since ancient times, humans have known about fire. We have feared it, welcomed its warmth , and harnessed its power.

John Wesley said that if you catch on fire, people will come for miles to see you burn. He understood the intrinsic attraction flames represent for most people.

The Greek philosopher Plutarch said that the mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.

One of Ray Bradbury’s characters in Fahrenheit 451 voiced his thoughts about fire: “It’s perpetual motion; the thing man wanted to invent but never did. … If you let it go on, it’d burn our lifetimes out. … It’s a mystery. … Its real beauty is that it destroys responsibility and consequences. … Antibiotic, aesthetic, practical.”

Would your WIP benefit from a few flames?

Careful selection of adjectives reveals opinions .

An arsonist might refer to a structure fire as irresistible, majestic, or resplendent. However, a fire fighter might view it as catastrophic, devastating, or uncontrolled. Maybe a couple in love would gaze at the flames in a fireplace and consider them beautiful, cheerful, or romantic. An ancient priest?  Perhaps his fire is ceremonial, holy, or sacred.

Choose descriptors with care, researching the definitions if necessary. For example, pyrotechnic refers to grandiose displays such as fireworks or a rock band’s lightshow, while pyrotechny , although sometimes used interchangeably with pyrotechnic , more correctly refers to the use of fire in alchemy.

Beware flammable and inflammable . Some readers will think the first word means “to catch fire easily” while the second means “impervious to fire.” But these words share the same definition: “easily set on fire.” Better to stick with straightforward words such as combustible and fireproof.

In addition to the words in the following list, you can create many adjectives by adding -ing or -ed suffixes to verbs.

A and B ablaze, accidental, aflame, alight, angry , benign, beautiful , blinding, bright, brilliant, brisk, brutal

C capricious, catastrophic, celestial, ceremonial, cheerful, cheery, chemical, clean-burning, cleansing, close, coal, cold, concentrated, constant, contained, cozy, cruel

D dangerous, dead, deadly, deliberate, deliberately set, dense, destructive, devastating, disastrous, distant, divine, dormant

E effulgent, electrical, elemental, empyreal, endless, enraged, erratic, ethereal, everlasting, evil, expansive, explosive

F to H feeble, fiendish, fierce, forked, furious, gas, ghostly, glorious, greedy, harmless, hazardous, heavenly, hellish, historic, holy, huge, hungry

I impure, incandescent, incessant, indefatigable, ineffectual, inefficient, infernal, infinite, innocuous, insatiable, intense, invincible, invisible, irresistible

L and M latent, life-threatening, liquid, live, luminous, magical, majestic, malevolent, malignant, massive, memorable, merciless, molten, monstrous, murderous, mystical

N to P noiseless, noisy , open, out-of-control, Pentecostal, perpetual, persistent, phantom, phosphorous, pitiless, pleasant, portentous, potent, purgatorial, purposeless, pyrotechnic

Q and R quenchless, radiant, radioactive, random, rapid, ravenous, raw, red-hot, relentless, resplendent, righteous, rolling, romantic, ruthless

S sacred, sacrificial, savage, silent, sinister, slow, sluggish, small, smokeless, sporadic, subterranean, sulfurous, suspicious, swift

T and U terrible, thermonuclear, thick, torrid, unceasing, uncontrollable, uncontrolled, unending, unexpected, unholy, unquenchable, unremitting, untamed, useful, useless

V and W vehement, vicious, vigorous, volatile, volcanic, wanton, warm, wasteful, wayward, welcome, white-hot, widespread, wild, wondrous, wood-burning, wrathful

Similes and Metaphors

Many similes and metaphors border on cliché. Try to replace them with more direct terms ( except in dialogue ). For example:

hot as fire: blistering, boiling, broiling, searing, sizzling, torrid

like a house on fire: fast, speedy; dynamic, robust, vigorous

spread like wildfire: disseminate or circulate rapidly

fire of passion: ardor, fervor, fever, hunger, lust

fiery anger: fury, outrage, rage, wrath

Many fuels produce colorful flames. Pyrotechnic displays take advantage of this fact.

blue: butane, copper chloride (cuprous chloride)

green: borax, (laundry additive, ant traps), boric acid, copper sulfate (cupric sulfate)

orange: calcium chloride, sodium chloride (table salt)

pink: potassium chloride

red: lithium chloride, strontium chloride, strontium nitrate

yellow: barium chloride

Carbon monoxide burns orange or yellow, whereas a properly functioning gas stove will burn blue. Hot candle flames are light blue, cooling to yellow, then orange, and finally, red.

See also 1000+ Ways to Describe Colors .

Characters and/or objects might:

• add paper, coal, or wood to a fire
• blow on a fire
• build a fire
• bury a fire, embers, or coals
• cast fireballs
• cloak a fire
• conceal a fire
• cook over a fire
• cuddle next to a fire
• discharge tendrils of fire
• douse a fire with water, dirt, or sand
• dry hair, body, or clothing in front of a fire
• escape a fire
• extinguish a fire with water, dry chemicals, or sand
• feed a fire
• fight a fire
• find a fire (perhaps by monitoring thermal images from an aircraft)
• fireproof an object
• fling fireballs
• fling tendrils of fire
• gaze into a fire
• hurl fireballs
• ignite a fire
• kindle a fire
• light a fire
• nestle next to a fire
• put out a fire
• quench a fire
• set fire to something
• set something ablaze, aflame, or afire
• shoot fiery arrows
• snuff out a fire
• snuggle in front of a fireplace
• spit-roast meat over an open fire or hot coals
• squat next to a fire
• stare into a fire
• stir a fire
• stoke a fire
• tend to a fire
• throw wet sacks over a fire
• torture someone with fire
• toss something into a fire
• warm oneself by a fire
• watch a fire
• worship fire

Fire or flames might:

A and B advance, ascend, assault, attack, bake, belch, besiege, blacken, blanket, blast, blaze, blister, blossom, blow out, boil, burn (down, out), burst (out, through)

C carbonize, cascade, cast a glow, catch, cavort, char, chase, cleanse, combust, confuse, consume, cook, coruscate, cover, crackle, creep, cremate

D and E damage, dance, decimate, deflagrate, deluge, destroy, devour, die, eat, embrace, engulf, enkindle, explode

F fizzle (out), flame (out, up), flare (up), flash, flicker, fly, follow, frighten, fulgurate

G to I glare, gleam, glow, gorge, grope (for), gush (up), harden, heat, hiss, hurdle, hurtle, ignite, illuminate, immolate, incinerate, inundate, invite

K to M kill, kindle, lap, lash, leap (into life), lick, light (up), linger, loom, mesmerize, move

O to R overtake, overwhelm, play, pop, purify, race, radiate, rage, rampage, reach (for), retreat, rip through, roar, roast

S scintillate, scorch, sear, shoot, simmer, singe, sizzle, smoke, smolder, snake through, snap, spark, speed, spill, splutter, spread, sputter, start, surge, swallow, sweep (over, through), swelter, swirl

T to W tear through, threaten, twinkle, wander, whip, whisper

Many water words can also be applied to fire.

There is a huge difference between a campfire and a wildfire, a fireball and a firestorm. A few nouns that could replace fire include:

A to W avalanche of flames, ball of fire, blaze, bonfire, brushfire, bushfire, campfire, conflagration, curtain of flames, fireball, firestorm, flames, forest fire, grassfire, inferno, sea of flames, sheet of flames, tsunami of flames, wall of flames, wildfire

Props, whether objects, events, or people, add to a storyline:

A accelerant, alarm, alert, ambulance, arson, arsonist, ash, ax

B backdraft, barbecue, barricade, bellows, blister, blowtorch, boiler, bomb, bottle bomb, brazier, broiler, bucket brigade, burns, bush, butane

C C-4, candle, chain reaction, charcoal, chemicals, chimney, cigarette butt, cinders, clinkers, coal, combustibles, combustion, cookstove, cremation

D and E dynamite, embers, EMT, explosives

F fire brigade, fire department, fire eater, fire escape, fire extinguisher, fire hose, fire insurance, fire pumps, fire ring, fire screen, fire striker, fire trench, fire triangle, fire warden, fire watch, firebrand, firebreak, firebug, firecrackers, firedamp, firefighter, fireplace, firestop, fire-suppression system, fireworks, flame-keeper, flamethrower, flammability, flash, flashover, flashpoint, flint, foam, fuel, fumes, furnace

G and H gas, gas lamp, gas leak, gas stove, gasses, glare, glow, grill, halon, hearth, heat, heat sensor, heat signature, heater, heat-resistant clothing or uniform, hellfire, hoops of fire, hose, hose nozzle, hydrant, hydrazine

I to K IED, ignition, illusionist, incandescence, incendiary device, infrared energy, insurance adjustor, insurance investigator, intensity, investigation, jet, jet fuel, kerosene, kerosene heater, kiln, kindling

L to N laser, lava, lighter, lighter fluid, lightning, logs, luminosity, magician, magnesium, matches, meth lab, microwave oven, Molotov cocktail, napalm, natural gas, necromancer, nitroglycerine

O and P oast, odor, oil, oil drum, oil tanker, origin, oven, paramedic, petrol, petrol bomb, petroleum, plasma, police, potassium, prevention, propane, propane tank, pyre, pyromania, pyrophobia, pyrotechny

R rescue vehicle, retardant, risk, rocket, Roman candle

S sacrifice, shovel, siren, smell, smoke, smoke detector, smoke signals, soot, sorcerer, sparks, sparkler, speed, spontaneous combustion, sprinkler system, sprinklers, suppressant, swath

T to V thermal camera, thermal imager, thermal images, thermal radiation, tinder, TNT, toaster, toaster oven, torch, trees, trench, victims, volcano, volunteers

W to Z warlock, water main, welder’s mask, wick, witch, wizard, wood, woodpile, zip fuel

Clichés and Idioms

Too many repetitions of fire in your WIP? Locate phrases such as the following and replace them with shorter alternatives.

fire in one’s blood: ardor, fervor, passion, zeal

fire of life: elan, enthusiasm, gusto, vigor, vivacity

to fight fire with fire: counter, fight back, get even, retaliate

to go up in flames: be destroyed, burn, combust, disappear, explode

to light a fire under: coerce, impel, induce, prod, push, urge

to pass through the fire: desensitize, harden, inure, test, toughen

to play with fire: endanger, gamble, jeopardize, risk

too many irons in the fire: inundated, overwhelmed , swamped

trial by fire: gauntlet, ordeal, stress, test

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14 thoughts on “ 500+ Ways to Describe Fire: A Word List for Writers ”

Kathy, this is wonderful. I’m not a writer (maybe I’d like to start) but I love words and want a way for my loved ones to feel seen through what I say. I’ve decided to write a story for my best friend for her birthday about her – a coming of age tale about navigating life as a girl finding feminism – starting as an ember, through the stages of a fire. Your page just inspired me so much. Thank you

Thanks, Chloe. Here’s hoping that your story will inspire your friend. All the best!

I’m trying to create the right atmosphere for a character who escapes a burning facility as the last survivor of a great tragedy, and the flames she’s watching in the distance are a bright, neon green color.

She also has to listen to the factory workers and her previous Master and Creator burn to the death, the latter of which she feels deserves it.

Good luck with your scene, Rhonda. I hope you found a few words and phrases here that helped you.

Thanks for stopping by, and stay safe!

Wow, so helpful. Writing a fantasy, involving many fire related ceremonies. Thanks so much, you truly are a saviour.

Thanks, Ana. Good luck with your fantasy, and stay safe!

It’s great to see all these words related to fire in one place, but I don’t see the sense in putting them in alphabetical order. Surely ordering them in any other way would be more productive?

Thanks for stopping by, Peter.

How would you reorder them? 🙂

I love word lists. Thank you!

🙂 Any words you’d like me to research, Leslie?

Gee, Kathy, you are an angel- the Cheraubim kind with a flaming sword. Just last evening, my husband and I were discussing ideas for my next murder mystery, involving the third husband of his great aunt, The poor man died in a bonfire in his back yard. (His two predecessors passed away under rather questionable circumstances as well.) I’m book-marking your post. Thanks!

Thanks, Mary! Your novel sounds intriguing. I hope you find a few ideas here.

As ever, a great post and a great resource. Thank you 🙂

Thanks, Simone. This post got me all fired up. 😉

Comments are closed.

Igniting Passion: Describing Fire Creative Writing

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

Finding inspiration: Exploring the power of fire in creative writing

Understanding the essence of fire: symbolism and its impact on storytelling, embracing the elements: techniques to bring fire to life in your writing, fueling creativity: using fire as a catalyst for character development, creating vivid imagery: descriptive writing techniques to depict fire effectively, mastering the art of tension: utilizing fire as a source of conflict and suspense, unleashing your inner fire: exercises to ignite passion in your writing, crafting powerful endings: the role of fire in symbolism and resolution, frequently asked questions, future outlook.

The hypnotic dance of flickering flames has captivated human beings for centuries, inspiring countless tales of courage, destruction, and rebirth. Fire, in all its forms, possesses a raw power that can evoke a wide range of emotions and ignite the imagination of writers. Whether it represents warmth and comfort, fierce determination, or uncontrollable chaos, fire has the ability to add depth and intensity to any piece of creative writing. Below, we delve into the multifaceted aspects of fire and explore how it can become a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled writer.

1. Sensory experience: When writing about fire, vividly describe the sights, sounds, and smells associated with it. Let readers feel the radiating heat on their skin, hear the crackling of burning wood, and catch a whiff of the smoky aroma lingering in the air. Such detailed sensory descriptions transport readers into the scene, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the story.

2. Symbolism and metaphor: Fire carries a wealth of symbolic meaning in literature. It can embody passion, transformation, or destruction, depending on the context. Use fire as a metaphor to convey intense emotions or to illustrate significant changes within your characters or plot. By skillfully utilizing this powerful imagery, you can tap into the subconscious associations readers have with fire, enriching the layers of meaning in your writing.

Fire, an enigmatic force that has fascinated humanity for centuries, possesses a profound symbolism that permeates numerous literary works. Its multifaceted nature has made it an essential element in storytelling, crafting narratives that captivate and resonate with readers. Symbolizing both destruction and rebirth, fire serves as a powerful metaphor, igniting a range of emotions and shedding light on various aspects of the human condition.

1. Fuel for Transformation: Fire’s transformative power lies in its ability to consume and renew. Just like a phoenix rising from the ashes, fire symbolizes growth and change in storytelling. It represents the cyclical nature of life, the destruction of the old to make way for the new. This symbolism can be seen in characters who undergo profound transformations, as they face intense trials and emerge stronger, like a blazing flame unhindered by obstacles.

2. Purity and Cleansing: Fire’s mesmerizing dance often denotes a purifying force, a means to cleanse or purify the world around it. Just as flames consume impurities, fire can serve as a symbolic tool for characters to confront their flaws and redeem themselves. It represents the journey of characters who rise above their past mistakes and find a sense of redemption or closure. In this way, fire’s symbolism reminds us that through struggle and introspection, our characters can find inner peace and achieve personal growth.

Techniques to Bring Fire to Life in Your Writing

Fire has always held a mysterious allure, captivating our senses and igniting our imagination. As writers, embracing the element of fire in our storytelling can add depth, intensity, and a touch of magic to our words. Whether you’re looking to describe a blazing inferno that engulfs a village or a flickering candle that illuminates a dimly lit room, here are some techniques to help bring fire to life in your writing:

• Use vivid imagery: Paint a vivid picture in your reader’s mind by using descriptive words that evoke the sensation of heat, brightness, and movement. Engage all of the senses by describing the crackling sound of the flames, the acrid scent of burning wood, and the scorching touch of fiery heat on the skin.
• Evoke emotion: Fire is an element that often stirs strong emotions in people. Tap into these emotions by exploring the power and symbolism of fire. Highlight how it can bring warmth and comfort, but also destruction and chaos. Use metaphors and analogies to convey the raw intensity and transformative nature of fire.
• Inject tension: Set the stage for your fiery scene by building anticipation and suspense. Describe the mounting pressure, the crackling anticipation, and the gradual intensification of the flames. Use short, punchy sentences and dynamic language to convey the escalating drama and keep your readers on the edge of their seats.
• Utilize fire-related symbolism: Fire is often associated with concepts such as passion, rebirth, destruction, and purification. Incorporate these symbols into your writing to add layers of meaning and depth. Explore the contrasts between the destructive and creative aspects of fire and how it can serve as a catalyst for change or transformation in your characters.

Mastering the art of bringing fire to life in your writing requires practice, attention to detail, and a keen imagination. By employing these techniques, you can captivate your readers and transport them into a world where flames dance and flicker, illuminating the path to unforgettable storytelling.

When it comes to developing compelling characters , writers are constantly seeking new and innovative tools. One often overlooked method is harnessing the power of fire to ignite and shape the essence of a character. Fire has long been a powerful symbol of transformation and rebirth, and when used deliberately, it can drive the evolution of our characters in fascinating ways.

By incorporating fire into the narrative, writers can introduce a multitude of character-building scenarios. Here are a few ways to utilize fire as a catalyst for character development:

• Burning Away the Past: Just as fire purifies and consumes what once was, it can serve as a conduit for a character to let go of their past traumas or mistakes. The act of willingly facing their demons in the flames can allow them to emerge stronger, liberated, and ready to embark on an exciting new path.
• Fanning the Flames of Passion: Fire signifies not only destruction but also passion and desire. By incorporating fire as a catalyst, writers can kindle intense emotions within their characters, pushing them to pursue their dreams with vigor and determination. The blaze of ambition fueled by the undying spirit can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for our protagonists.
• Forging Resilient Heroes: As fire molds and tempers metal into strong and resilient forms, it can also shape our characters into heroes. Through trials by fire, characters can be tested, pushing them beyond their limits physically, mentally, or emotionally. These transformative experiences force them to confront their fears, hone their strengths, and emerge from the flames as heroes with unwavering resolve.

Embracing the symbolic power of fire within storytelling offers endless possibilities for character development. By infusing your narrative with the transformative nature of fire, you can ignite a journey of growth, self-discovery, and triumph for your characters that will keep readers mesmerized until the final page.

In order to effectively depict fire in writing, it is crucial to use descriptive techniques that create vivid imagery and engage the reader’s senses. By employing these techniques, you can transport your audience to the scorching heat and flickering flames of a fire, making the experience come alive on the page.

Here are some powerful descriptive writing techniques that can help you depict fire effectively:

• Similes and metaphors: Compare the fire to other objects or experiences to highlight its intensity and nature. For example, you could describe the flames as “dancing like wild serpents” or “consuming everything in their path like a ravenous beast.”
• Sensory details: Engage the reader’s senses by incorporating detailed descriptions of sight, sound, smell, touch, and even taste. Describe the flames as “licking the air with vivid hues of orange and red” and the crackling sound they make as “a symphony of snapping twigs and popping embers.”
• Personification: Grant the fire human qualities to create a deeper connection with the reader. The fire could be described as “hungry for destruction” or “dancing in rapturous joy.”
• Emotive language: Use words that evoke strong emotions to intensify the portrayal of fire. Phrases like “roaring inferno,” “devouring heat,” or “scorching fury” can help the reader feel the intensity and power of the flames.

By using these descriptive writing techniques, you can effectively depict fire in your writing, enabling your readers to experience the heat, ferocity, and mesmerizing beauty of a burning flame.

Fire, an element that has captivated humanity since its discovery, holds immense potential as a tool in storytelling. When harnessed correctly, fire can be the catalyst for gripping conflict and suspense, intensifying the emotional rollercoaster for readers and viewers alike. In this post, we will explore various ways to master the art of tension using fire as a powerful narrative device.

1. Symbolism and metaphor: Fire can be more than just a physical entity; it can represent deeper themes and evoke powerful emotions . Utilize fire as a metaphor for destruction, purification, or rebirth, depending on your narrative’s needs. Symbolic imagery of fire engulfing a crucial object or location can create a sense of impending doom, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

2. Setting the stage: Fire’s natural intensity and ability to spread quickly make it the perfect tool for building suspense. Whether it’s a raging wildfire consuming a forest or a single candle flickering ominously in a dark room, use the environment to heighten tension. Describe the crackling sound, the swirling tendrils of smoke, and the searing heat, immersing your audience in the moment and making them feel the protagonist’s fear and desperation.

Writing is an art form that requires a certain level of passion and creativity to truly captivate an audience. If you find yourself in need of a little spark to reignite your writing prowess, look no further! Here are some exhilarating exercises that will help bring out your inner fire and inspire a renewed sense of passion in your words:

• Unleash your imagination: Take a moment to close your eyes and let your mind wander. Visualize scenes, characters, and emotions that make your heart race. Allow your thoughts to drift and flow without any constraints. Jot down the vivid images that come to mind and use them as fuel to infuse your writing with passion.
• Explore unfamiliar territories: Step out of your comfort zone and dive into unfamiliar genres, subjects, or writing styles. Challenge yourself to write a poem, a short story, or an article on a topic you’ve never considered before. Embrace the unknown and let the excitement of discovering new avenues fuel your writing with an electrifying energy.
• Find inspiration in everyday life: Look around you and absorb the beauty of the world. Pay attention to the intricacies of nature, the emotions of the people you encounter, or the little moments that often go unnoticed. Allow these experiences to seep into your writing, infusing it with a renewed zest for life and a sense of authenticity that resonates with readers.

By engaging in these invigorating exercises, you can rekindle the flame within and unleash your inner fire onto the pages of your writing. Remember, passion is contagious – if you write with fervor and enthusiasm, your readers will undoubtedly feel it, making for an unforgettable reading experience.

In literature, fire has long been a powerful symbol, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions, themes, and ideas. Whether it appears as a destructive force or a source of warmth and illumination, fire serves as a catalyst for change and transformation in storytelling. Through its association with destruction, rebirth, and purification, fire often plays a central role in shaping the resolution of narratives.

One of the primary symbolic functions of fire is its ability to represent destruction and chaos. As flames consume everything in their path, they mirror the conflicts and challenges that characters face. The destructive power of fire can serve as a metaphor for the inevitable destruction of old ways of thinking or outdated institutions, paving the way for new beginnings and fresh perspectives. Moreover, fire’s capacity to reduce objects to ash signifies the eradication of the old and the opportunity for growth and renewal.

• Rebirth: Fire’s ability to destroy not only represents the end of a story but also allows for new beginnings.
• Purification: Fire purges and cleanses, serving as a transformative force for characters and their surroundings.
• Light and Illumination: Fire’s warm glow and flickering flames provide a source of light and enlightenment, guiding characters towards resolution.

As readers, we are captivated by the symbolism of fire and its profound impact on storytelling. By understanding the multifaceted role of fire in literature, we can appreciate the intricate layers and themes that authors strive to convey. So next time you encounter flames dancing across the pages of a book, take a moment to reflect on the power of fire as it shapes the resolution and symbolism of the story.

Q: What is “Igniting Passion: Describing Fire Creative Writing” all about? A: “Igniting Passion: Describing Fire Creative Writing” is an article that delves into the art of describing fire through creative writing. It explores various techniques and tips to bring the essence and intensity of fire to life on paper.

Q: Why is fire such a fascinating topic for creative writing? A: Fire has always held a deep fascination for humans since ancient times. It represents both destruction and creation, power and warmth. As a symbol, fire evokes a wide range of emotions, making it an ideal subject for creative writing.

Q: What are some key elements to consider when describing fire? A: When describing fire, it’s important to tap into the sensory details such as the colors, textures, and sounds associated with fire. Additionally, exploring the feelings and emotions evoked by fire can create a powerful impact on the reader.

Q: How can one effectively convey the visual aspects of fire through writing? A: To effectively convey the visual aspects of fire, writers can use vivid and descriptive language. They can illustrate the flames’ dance, the shimmering glow, and the way fire throws long shadows. Incorporating similes and metaphors can also help readers visualize fire more vividly.

Q: How does sound play a role in describing fire? A: Sound is a crucial element in describing fire. The crackling of flames, the hissing of wood, or the rhythmic popping can create a soundscape that transports the reader into the scene itself. Choosing words that mimic these sounds will help engage the reader’s auditory imagination.

Q: How can writers capture the emotions associated with fire in their descriptions? A: Writers can capture the emotions associated with fire by exploring the varied feelings that fire evokes. It can symbolize warmth, vitality, and passion, or represent danger, destruction, and chaos. Describing the emotions of characters impacted by fire can also immerse the reader in the scene.

Q: What are some writing techniques that can enhance the description of fire? A: Metaphors, personification, and onomatopoeia are a few techniques that can enhance the description of fire. Metaphors compare fire to other elements, making the description more evocative. Personification can give fire a life force, attributing human characteristics, while onomatopoeia can recreate the sounds of fire through words.

Q: Can you provide any writing prompts related to the topic? A: Certainly! Here’s a prompt: “Describe a scene where a bonfire illuminates a group of people. Explore the colors, sounds, and emotions associated with the fire, and its impact on the characters.” Staying true to the theme of fire, this prompt encourages writers to ignite their imagination and experiment with their descriptive skills.

Q: Any final tips for writers looking to master the art of describing fire? A: Practice is key! Writers should take time to observe fire in various settings – from a cozy fireplace to a raging wildfire – and jot down their observations. Additionally, reading written works that beautifully describe fire can be a source of inspiration and guidance. Embrace experimentation and let your creativity fuel your descriptions.

In conclusion, exploring the art of describing fire through creative writing allows us to ignite our own passion for storytelling, drawing readers into a world of warmth, intensity, and wonder.

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27 Ways to Describe a Forest Fire: Words and Tips

Last Updated: September 19, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Lydia Stevens and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA . Lydia Stevens is the author of the Hellfire Series and the Ginger Davenport Escapades. She is a Developmental Editor and Writing Coach through her company "Creative Content Critiquing and Consulting." She also co-hosts a writing podcast on the craft of writing called "The REDink Writers." With over ten years of experience, she specializes in writing fantasy fiction, paranormal fiction, memoirs, and inspirational novels. Lydia holds a BA and MA in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 29,892 times.

Forest fires are among nature’s greatest spectacles, which means that describing them can pose some challenges. How do you capture their color, heat, and intensity on the page? What words should you use? We’ll give you 27 strong words and synonyms to use when describing a blaze, as well as tips and samples to help you tame that fire and put it into writing.

Things You Should Know

• Use strong adjectives to convey the scene, like "blazing" or “scorching.”
• Including descriptions of the fire based on the 5 senses can help ground a reader. Describe how the fire and the area around it looks, smells, feels, sounds, and tastes.
• Study how other writers write about forest fires to inform your own writing and give you inspiration.

Words to Describe a Forest Fire

• You can also compare the forest fire to a place like Hades, a mythical setting that really establishes a vibe for a reader.

• Other good words are “conflagration” and “combustion.”

• “Searing” is a similar word that conveys the heat and damage a forest fire can do.

• Other effective figurative phrases like “ocean of fire” or “wall of flame.”

• Try something like “The forest fire devoured everything in its path” brings it to life and makes it more animated, like it has a mind of its own.
• Also try describing the fire as “hungry” or “greedy,” to give it a sense of personification and action.

• A similar term is “apocalyptic,” which is a strong adjective that offers a sense of doom.

• Words like “renewing” or “natural” help to convey a forest fire’s beneficial aspects.

• Another idea is to describe the trees or embers as “exploding,” to lend a more violent tone to the scene.

• Forest fires also “gleam” or are “blinding.”

• For example: “The forest fire’s smoke emitted a smoggy haze over the city that sat downwind of the blaze.”

• “The smoke from the fire stifled the fleeing animals and caused them to choke.”

• You might also say a fire “glowed” or “churned.”

Tips to Describe Fire in Your Writing

• Make a list of adjectives for each of the senses and try to incorporate some of these into your writing to really bring the scene to life.
• A fire might look bright or intense.
• A forest fire might smell like charred wood, or even just like a campfire.
• The area around a forest fire can taste like ash or smoke.
• Forest fires roar and crackle, which are great words to describe the sound.
• Finally, a forest fire is hot, of course–so hot it can scorch or sear whatever it touches.

• If you want the fire to come across as scary, try using words like “devouring” or “apocalyptic.”
• If you’re trying for a lighter or more optimistic mood, try words like “cleansing” or “renewing.”

• Readers make the best writers, because you're learning vocabulary that you may not have known before.

Example Descriptions of Fire

Expert Q&A

• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/inferno
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/blaze
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/scorching
• ↑ https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/sea%20of%20flames
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/cataclysm
• ↑ https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ecological-benefits-fire
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/burst
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/glare
• ↑ https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/experts-forest-fires-and-smog-332148
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/smolder
• ↑ https://cpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/portfolio.newschool.edu/dist/2/14941/files/2017/06/WRITTING_5enses-209gmgv.pdf
• ↑ https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/mood
• ↑ https://selfpublishing.com/setting-of-a-story/
• ↑ https://reporter.rit.edu/views/does-reading-really-improve-your-writing
• ↑ https://www.google.com/books/edition/Shardik/exKEDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover
• ↑ https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/08/20/1007478/california-wildfires-climate-change-heatwaves/
• ↑ https://www.gutenberg.org/files/178/178-h/178-h.htm
• ↑ https://freakonomics.com/podcast/how-to-be-better-at-death-ep-450/
• ↑ https://files.gabbart.com/200/little_house_on_the_prairie__pdfdrivecom_.pdf

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A to Z Collection of Describing Words

100 Best Words to Describe Fire, Adjectives for Fire

Fire, a force of nature that has captivated humans since the dawn of time, holds a mesmerizing quality that terrifies and enchants. From its primal allure to its destructive power, fire has been central to myth, storytelling, and human survival for centuries.

Table of Contents

As we delve into the world of adjective words to describe fire, we uncover an array of adjectives that evoke the diverse manifestations of flames. From intense and fierce to soothing and radiant, these words offer us glimpses into the multifaceted nature of fire.

Exploring these adjectives enhances our ability to communicate about fire and allows us to tap into the symbolism, energy, and raw power associated with this primal element. Join us on a journey through evocative language as we seek to discover the perfect adjectives for capturing the essence of fire in all its blazing glory.

Here are the 30 most common adjectives for fire:

Words to Describe Fire

Here are all useful words that describe Fire:

• Blazing : Emitting flames or a strong, bright light; extremely hot or intense.
• Burning : Engulfed in flames; experiencing intense heat or sensation.
• Fiery : Characterized by a passionate, intense, or spirited nature; resembling fire.
• Glowing : Emitting a steady, warm light without flames; radiating heat, or a healthy appearance.
• Hot : Having a high temperature, often to the point of causing discomfort or burning.
• Warm : Moderately high in temperature in a pleasant way; slightly hot.
• Bright : Emitting or reflecting a large amount of light; vivid or intense in color.
• Flickering : Displaying a light that is unsteady or rapidly changing in brightness.
• Flaming : Engulfed with flames; exhibiting a bright, fiery color.
• Scorching : Extremely hot; capable of causing burns or parching.
• Radiant : Emitting heat or light; glowing brightly and healthily.
• Sizzling : Making a hissing sound when in contact with heat, indicating extreme temperature.
• Sparkling : Shining brightly with flashes of light; lively and vivacious.
• Roaring : Making a deep, loud, and continuous sound, often associated with a large fire.
• Smoldering : Burning slowly with smoke but no flame; showing suppressed feelings of anger or hatred.
• Incandescent : Emitting light as a result of being heated; glowing with intense heat.
• Luminous : Bright or shining, especially in the dark; full of light.
• Scalding : Very hot; having a temperature that can cause burns or pain.
• Red-hot : Extremely hot; glowing with heat.
• Blistering : Very hot; intense enough to cause blisters.
• Illuminating : Emitting or providing light; making something clear and understandable.
• Enflamed : Set on fire; inflamed or aroused to a high degree of emotion or excitement.
• Crackling : Making a series of small, sharp, sudden noises, as of something burning or breaking.
• Flaring : Burning or shining with a sudden intensity; spreading outward from a source.
• Searing : Extremely hot or intense; causing a burning sensation.
• Intense : Of extreme force, degree, or strength; very strong or powerful.
• Infernal : Relating to or resembling hell, especially in heat; fiendishly diabolical.
• Smoky : Filled with or emitting smoke; having the aroma or taste of smoke.
• Charred : Partially burnt, causing a dark or blackened surface.
• Ashen : Resembling ashes; pale, typically due to shock, fear, or illness.
• Emblazing : Making more visible or noticeable with light or color; adorning brightly.
• Torrid : Extremely hot and dry; full of passionate or highly charged emotions.
• Ardent : Very enthusiastic or passionate; burning with intensity.
• Combustible : Capable of catching fire and burning; inflammable.
• Explosive : Liable to lead to sudden outbursts or bursts of fire or violence.
• Volcanic : Relating to or resembling a volcano; capable of erupting in violence or anger.
• Raging : Very intense, violent, or fierce; uncontrolled or unrestrained.
• Sweltering : Uncomfortably hot and humid; oppressively hot.
• Consuming : Engulfing completely; very intense.
• Glaring : Shining with a harsh, blinding light; staring fiercely.
• Kindle : To start a fire; to light up, or to inspire.
• Ablaze : In flames; glowing with light and heat.
• Ignited : Set on fire; caused to burn.
• Heated : Made hot or hotter; inflamed with passion or anger.
• Feverish : Having a temperature above the normal; displaying a frenetic excitement or energy.
• Pyretic : Relating to or causing fever; feverish.
• Molten : Made liquid by heat; melted.
• Broiling : Subjected to intense heat; extremely hot.
• Toasty : Comfortably warm and cozy; slightly toasted or warmed up.
• Blazingly : In an extremely bright, fiery, or intense manner.
• Candlelit : Illuminated by the light of candles; having a soft, warm glow.
• Caustic : Capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue; severely critical or sarcastic.
• Sultry : Hot and humid; sexually attractive in a way that suggests a passionate nature.
• Thermal : Related to heat; designed to retain body heat.
• Conflagrant : On fire; burning.
• Fervent : Having or displaying a passionate intensity; extremely hot.
• Flamy : Resembling or characteristic of flames; ardently passionate.
• Gleaming : Shining brightly, especially with reflected light.

Adjectives For Fire (List)

Here is a Huge list of Fire related Adjectives:

Positive Adjectives for Fire:

Negative Adjectives for Fire:

Unique Adjectives for Fire

Explore More:

Adjectives for Fireplace | Sun | Fire Fighter | Dragon  | Rage

Other Words to Describe Fire

Words to describe fire burning.

• Ignite : To set on fire; to start burning.
• Consume : To destroy or burn something completely.
• Engulf : To surround or cover completely, often used in the context of fire.
• Incinerate : To burn or reduce to ashes.
• Blister : To cause the surface to become damaged due to intense heat.
• Char : To partially burn to blacken the surface.
• Combust : To catch fire and burn.
• Scald : To burn with hot liquid or steam.
• Smolder : To burn slowly with smoke but without flames.
• Inflame : To set on fire or to excite to an excessive degree.
• Cremate : To burn a corpse as part of a funeral ceremony.
• Kindle : To start a fire or ignite.
• Torch : To set fire to; to cause to burn brightly.
• Enkindle : To light up; to make bright with fire.
• Flare : To burn with a sudden and unsteady light.
• Raze : To destroy by fire.
• Devour : To consume destructively, engulf.
• Aflame : In flames; burning.
• Cinder : A small piece of partly burned coal or wood.
• Sear : To burn or scorch the surface of something with a sudden, intense heat.

Beautiful words That Mean Fire

• Pyre : A heap of combustible material, especially one for burning a corpse as part of a funeral ceremony.
• Inferno : A large fire that is dangerously out of control; often used to describe intense situations.
• Phoenix : A mythical bird that is reborn from its ashes, symbolizing renewal or rebirth through fire.
• Solstice : Either of the two times in the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator, often associated with rituals involving fire.
• Ember : A small piece of burning or glowing coal or wood in a dying fire.
• Flambeau : A flaming torch, especially one used in nighttime ceremonies or processions.
• Beacon : A fire or light set up in a high or prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration.
• Brazier : A portable heater consisting of a pan or stand for holding lighted coals.
• Lantern : A lamp with a transparent case protecting the flame or electric bulb, used to illuminate or signal.
• Candle : A cylinder or block of wax or tallow with a central wick that is lit to produce light as it burns.
• Luminary : A body that gives light; used metaphorically for someone who inspires or influences others.
• Spark : A tiny shining particle or a small fiery particle thrown off from a fire.
• Illumine : To light up; brighten.
• Radiance : Light or heat as emitted or reflected by something.
• Glow : A steady light without flames; warmth of color or feeling.
• Flare : A sudden burst of flame or light.
• Lustrous : Shining, glowing.
• Incandescence : Light from heat; the phenomenon of glowing due to high temperature.
• Flicker : A small, quick wave of light; often used to describe the unstable light of a small flame.
• Aurora : The dawn or a natural light display in the sky, particularly in the polar regions, caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the high-altitude atmosphere.

Poetic Words to Describe Fire

• Ethereal : Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not of this world; often used to describe the delicate nature of flames.
• Celestial : About the sky or visible heaven, or to the universe beyond the earth’s atmosphere, often used metaphorically for fire’s untouchable quality.
• Ephemeral : Lasting for a very short time, capturing the transient nature of flames.
• Ineffable : Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words; often used to describe the indescribable beauty of fire.
• Seraphic : Characteristic of or resembling a seraph or seraphim, known for their fiery passion.
• Ablaze : Full of strong emotion; passionate, or in literal terms, caught in fire.
• Scintilla : A tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling, reminiscent of the spark before a flame.
• Vivid : Producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind; as bright flames do.
• Lambent : Glowing, gleaming, or flickering with a soft radiance, typically used to describe gentle flames.
• Iridescent : Showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles, much like the dynamic colors of fire.
• Incandescent : Emitting light as a result of being heated, often used to describe passionate or brilliant qualities.
• Ardor : Enthusiasm or passion, often used to describe the fervor of fire.
• Vestal : Pure, chaste, or virginal; historically associated with the vestal virgins who tended sacred fires.
• Pyrotechnic : Relating to fireworks or their manufacture, capturing the spectacular and artistic aspect of fire.
• Luminiferous : Emitting or reflecting light, reminiscent of fire’s ability to illuminate.
• Ignis Fatuus : A phosphorescent light seen at night over marshy ground, often attributed to combustion; used poetically to describe misleading or elusive lights.
• Conflagration : A large and destructive fire, often used in literature to describe intense and catastrophic fires.
• Candescent : Glowing with heat; becoming incandescent, used to describe the intense brightness of a fire.
• Prismatic : Relating to or having the form of a prism, often used to describe the spectrum of colors in flames.
• Fulgent : Shining brightly; resplendent, often used in poetry to describe the brilliant light of fire.

Fire Description Words

• Blistering : Extremely hot to the point of causing blisters.
• Crackling : Making a series of small, sharp noises as wood burns.
• Dancing : Flames move lightly and quickly in a way that resembles dancing.
• Devouring : Consuming everything in its path with great intensity.
• Flickering : Flames moving unsteadily; shifting rapidly in brightness.
• Glowing : Emitting a steady, soft light; the embers of a dying fire.
• Hissing : The sound of fire as it consumes wet wood or other materials.
• Illuminating : Casting light over an area, making things visible in the dark.
• Intense : Extremely strong or concentrated; describing the heat or power of the fire.
• Leaping : Flames moving upwards rapidly as if jumping.
• Mesmerizing : Captivating or hypnotizing, often used to describe the allure of watching fire.
• Pulsating : Expanding and contracting with regular movements, like the heartbeats of the fire.
• Radiating : Emitting energy, especially heat or light, in all directions.
• Raging : Very intense or violent; describing a fire that is out of control.
• Roaring : Making a deep, loud, and continuous sound, indicative of a large, intense fire.
• Scorching : Burning or charring something to affect its color or composition.
• Searing : Extremely hot; burning or scorching the surface of something.
• Smoldering : Burning slowly with smoke but without flame, often indicative of an impending flare-up.
• Soothing : Offering a sense of calm or comfort, often used to describe the effect of a gentle fire in a fireplace.
• Warming : Giving off heat; making the surrounding area warmer.

Synonyms of Fire

How to Describe Fire in Creative Writing?

• Sensory Details : Use the five senses to describe fire, such as the crackling sound it makes, the warmth it radiates, the bright colors of the flames, the smell of burning wood, and even the taste of smoke in the air.
• Emotional Response : Describe the emotional impact the fire has on characters or the scene, such as feeling comforted by a cozy fireplace, terrified by a raging wildfire, or mesmerized by a campfire’s dancing flames.
• Metaphorical Language : Use metaphors and similes to compare the fire to something else, making its description more vivid and imaginative. For example, “The flames danced like wild spirits” or “The fire roared like an angry beast.”

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WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

Setting Thesaurus Entry: House Fire

April 24, 2010 by ANGELA ACKERMAN

Smoke (light & white, drifting at the ceiling level in a haze to start, then billowing plumes darkening to sooty black as plastics, oils, chemicals, varnish and paint etc are consumed), flame, coals, flames licking the walls and sweeping across the ceiling, fire ropes chewing…

The crackle of flame, the woof sound as something catches fire quickly, plastics melting and dripping into hissing puddles, the creak and groan of timbers contracting, cries for help, glass breaking, roof caving in, floor groaning, someone banging on a door, shouting…

Smoke will pick up the smells of what’s burning and at what stage. Walls, wooden furniture, etc will have a smokey campfire-ish smell at first, plastics a sharp, acrid smell that will burn the nose and throat, but as the fire progresses the smoke will grow…

Gummy, acrid ash coating the tongue, phlegm, the occasional gulp of fresher air if leaning out a window to breathe on a second story or above window

rubble underfoot, cutting feet on glass or wood splinters, searing burns, intense heat, blistering palms from touching something too hot, pressing a towel or shirt to the mouth and nose in an attempt to breathe cleaner air, wrapping shirts around hands to protect..

Helpful hints:

–The words you choose can convey atmosphere and mood.

Example 1: I crammed myself tight into the corner so the flames couldn’t find me. Mr. Bear’s hard plastic nose dug into my chest but I didn’t dare loosen my grip on him. Across from me, the dolls on my shelf began to change, their fine blond ringlets shrinking into black frizz and then crumbling into dust. They stared at me, black bristles poking out their heads, their smiling faces shifting and drooping, crying plastic tears. I pushed my face into the soft fur of Mr. Bear and pretended I was at Grandma Hiller’s, hiding in the linen cupboard, waiting for her to find me…

–Similes and metaphors create strong imagery when used sparingly.

Example 1: (Simile) As Mary lay there, her face pressed to the warm floor boards, she pulled in a final, reedy breath. Time slowed, and darkness began to close in on her like the heavy velvet curtains that signalled the end of a theatre performance…

Think beyond what a character sees, and provide a sensory feast for readers

Angela is a writing coach, international speaker, and bestselling author who loves to travel, teach, empower writers, and pay-it-forward. She also is a founder of One Stop For Writers , a portal to powerful, innovative tools to help writers elevate their storytelling.

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Reader Interactions

May 31, 2021 at 11:17 pm

Thank GOD I found this!! I was searching high and low for ways to help me describe what a character was smelling when it came to a burning building (and the internet was NOT being helpful!). I have the Setting books and one of your others as well. So when I saw this was by you guys and it had the other stuff with it, too, I rejoiced!

April 26, 2010 at 12:08 am

*shivers* I can hear, smell, and see this. You are amazing! Thank you for the list.

April 25, 2010 at 8:33 pm

I think it’s cool how you called out the different smells for different materials – you have such a well-rounded approach to description

April 25, 2010 at 6:36 pm

Bish, Ouch is right. I would never wish fire upon anyone. Such a terrible force.

Shannon, you crack me up. And yes, do send it on–I’d like to see how it turned out. 🙂

Julie, I’m glad I got this one right. I’ve asked a few people to look it over in the field to make sure I didn’t miss anything huge.

Martha, so glad you found your way over here and the post is just what you needed. 🙂

Dean, you are on a roll! Buy a lottery ticket!

Mary, Thanks!

Stina, LOL!

April 25, 2010 at 4:03 pm

Gee, where were you when I was working on my last book? I had to torch my house just to figure it all out. 😉

April 25, 2010 at 10:52 am

This is another great post, Angela. I’m impressed by all the good work you put in on these.

The image of melting dolls’ faces will stay with me for a long time!

April 25, 2010 at 9:59 am

Am I lucky today!! first, I got paid for some drawings, then a friend I haven’t seen for a long time called and this!! I found a blog really worth following..

So I’m now a follower and bookmarked this page so I can come back anytime I want… easily.

More Power!!

April 25, 2010 at 7:17 am

I was referred over here by a gal in RWA during a discussion on desription and the senses. Wow, am I glad I made the trip.

Just in time too! The opener on my new ms is a fire scene… and look what to my wondering eyes should appear?? lol.

Awesome post! I’ll be stalking your blog for sure.

April 24, 2010 at 9:51 pm

My husband is a firefighter and can relate to your mood words. Great stuff!

April 24, 2010 at 8:44 pm

See how you are? You post things like this, and I become utterly dependent upon you! ha ha ha. You really are a blog I couldn’t live without.

P.S. I have 1-2 more days worth of work and then I think I’m ready to query. If you want to see the final version (just for fun – no crit. obligation) I’d be happy to send it to you. 🙂

April 24, 2010 at 7:08 pm

• Education and Communications
• Writing Techniques
• Descriptive Writing

27 Ways to Describe a Forest Fire: Words and Tips

Last Updated: February 2, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Lydia Stevens and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA . Lydia Stevens is the author of the Hellfire Series and the Ginger Davenport Escapades. She is a Developmental Editor and Writing Coach through her company "Creative Content Critiquing and Consulting." She also co-hosts a writing podcast on the craft of writing called "The REDink Writers." With over ten years of experience, she specializes in writing fantasy fiction, paranormal fiction, memoirs, and inspirational novels. Lydia holds a BA and MA in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 7,280 times.

Forest fires are among nature’s greatest spectacles, which means that describing them can pose some challenges. How do you capture their color, heat, and intensity on the page? What words should you use? We’ll give you 27 strong words and synonyms to use when describing a blaze, as well as tips and samples to help you tame that fire and put it into writing.

Things You Should Know

• Use strong adjectives to convey the scene, like "blazing" or “scorching.”
• Including descriptions of the fire based on the 5 senses can help ground a reader. Describe how the fire and the area around it looks, smells, feels, sounds, and tastes.
• Study how other writers write about forest fires to inform your own writing and give you inspiration.

Words to Describe a Forest Fire

• You can also compare the forest fire to a place like Hades, a mythical setting that really establishes a vibe for a reader.

• Other good words are “conflagration” and “combustion.”

• “Searing” is a similar word that conveys the heat and damage a forest fire can do.

• Other effective figurative phrases like “ocean of fire” or “wall of flame.”

• Try something like “The forest fire devoured everything in its path” brings it to life and makes it more animated, like it has a mind of its own.
• Also try describing the fire as “hungry” or “greedy,” to give it a sense of personification and action.

• A similar term is “apocalyptic,” which is a strong adjective that offers a sense of doom.

• Words like “renewing” or “natural” help to convey a forest fire’s beneficial aspects.

• Another idea is to describe the trees or embers as “exploding,” to lend a more violent tone to the scene.

• Forest fires also “gleam” or are “blinding.”

• For example: “The forest fire’s smoke emitted a smoggy haze over the city that sat downwind of the blaze.”

• “The smoke from the fire stifled the fleeing animals and caused them to choke.”

• You might also say a fire “glowed” or “churned.”

Tips to Describe Fire in Your Writing

• Make a list of adjectives for each of the senses and try to incorporate some of these into your writing to really bring the scene to life.
• A fire might look bright or intense.
• A forest fire might smell like charred wood, or even just like a campfire.
• The area around a forest fire can taste like ash or smoke.
• Forest fires roar and crackle, which are great words to describe the sound.
• Finally, a forest fire is hot, of course–so hot it can scorch or sear whatever it touches.

• If you want the fire to come across as scary, try using words like “devouring” or “apocalyptic.”
• If you’re trying for a lighter or more optimistic mood, try words like “cleansing” or “renewing.”

• Readers make the best writers, because you're learning vocabulary that you may not have known before.

Example Descriptions of Fire

• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/inferno
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/blaze
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/scorching
• ↑ https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/sea%20of%20flames
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/cataclysm
• ↑ https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ecological-benefits-fire
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/burst
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/glare
• ↑ https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/experts-forest-fires-and-smog-332148
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/smolder
• ↑ https://cpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/portfolio.newschool.edu/dist/2/14941/files/2017/06/WRITTING_5enses-209gmgv.pdf
• ↑ https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/mood
• ↑ https://selfpublishing.com/setting-of-a-story/
• ↑ https://reporter.rit.edu/views/does-reading-really-improve-your-writing
• ↑ https://www.google.com/books/edition/Shardik/exKEDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover
• ↑ https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/08/20/1007478/california-wildfires-climate-change-heatwaves/
• ↑ https://www.gutenberg.org/files/178/178-h/178-h.htm
• ↑ https://freakonomics.com/podcast/how-to-be-better-at-death-ep-450/
• ↑ https://files.gabbart.com/200/little_house_on_the_prairie__pdfdrivecom_.pdf

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19,908 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,965 themes

campfire - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

• forest fire

The campfire lit a glow in all of us that night. Between the songs and jokes, between the smiles and stories, our bonds became a kind of palpable ever-glow.

Our campfire appeared to echo the starlight, as if the flames so close and so distant had so very much to say to one another.

As rivers in full flow, flames made their way upward toward the stars. Only this was water that made the light in the night rather than reflecting the dayshine.

The campfire glowed with the hearty memories of years past, inviting them to enter the present moment as bright as the sparks that leaped.

The night brought such a silence that the crackle of the campfire was all that could be heard, a natural music in the black-duvet night. Flames sent red sparks dancing into the breeze. River sat close on a mossy log, his face toasted warm, mesmerised, relaxed. The smoke twirled heavenward charming his worries away.

Campfire heat warmed the wintry air. Mac close, feeling the radiating warmth, holding his hands toward it and watching them glow golden.

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Freshman Humanities

A Collection of Important Things     These Are Links To Things That Might Be Useful     How grades work in Freshman Humanities     Ask a question.     Submit a post

This is just a place for putting things that may or may not relate to Mr. Neff's Freshman Humanities class. This is a link to our classroom wish list . Word of the day .

great sentences describing fire written by some of you

Red and yellow ribbons of scalding heat intertwine while sparks jump and dance.

Fire is the element essential to life in every form; from the smallest bacteria to the largest blue whale, fire keeps us from freezing in the coldness of space.

Fire is like a hot hand reaching up to the sky with sparks and embers raining down like the winter snow.

Fire crackles and snaps, looks alive but is not, dances and sways in the wind.

The flames blow around in the wind like the noodle man at a car sale.

Fire sizzles like bacon with red-orange stripes that pick at your flesh.

Fire is hell, but small.

The orange, blue, yellow, tiny ghosts dance across a log, and tiny snaps of their feet against the wood.

Flickering licks of light twitch toward the crystal filled sky above.

Bright hot flames flicker, lighting up the dark world around its molten core as the embers dance around in the sky above.

Fire, fire has that magnetic pull, that hypnotizing dance it does to lure you in, the dance that catches souls in its flame, the dance that makes you wish you dazzled and shined as bright as that.

25+ of the Best Words to Describe Fireworks in Writing

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Vocabulary Boosters

You will need to find the right words to describe fireworks if you want to create a picture in people’s minds.

If you’re looking for words to describe something, good descriptive adjectives are necessary.

Fireworks can create an awe-inspiring sight and you don’t want the words you use to describe them to fall short. Here are some words and sentences describing fireworks.

8 of the best words to describe New Year’s Eve firework shows

  Some of the New Year’s Eve fireworks shows around the world are quite spectacular. They are bright, beautiful and loud.   Here are words to describe fireworks when they create an extraordinary display, watched by many people.  

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7 words to describe small firecrackers and wedding sparklers

  Small firecrackers and wedding sparklers create a different effect to a large fireworks display.   They tend to have an appeal in a more intimate setting like a family celebration or a wedding. Here are some words to describe fireworks like firecrackers and wedding sparklers.  

5 words to describe the sound of fireworks

  The sound of fireworks adds to the atmosphere created by the colors and movement. Here are words to describe fireworks when you’re thinking about the noise they make.  

30 of the Best Words to Describe Smell in Your Writing

5 words to describe fireworks and their movements

  Fireworks move in many different ways – shooting straight up into the sky, twirling, spiraling and spinning. Here are words to describe fireworks when you think about their movement.  

4 words to describe the colors of fireworks

  The colors of fireworks dazzle and inspire us. Here are words to describe fireworks when you’re thinking about their colors.  

A final word

  When looking for words to describe fireworks, some of the above examples will help you improve your writing.   They will help you describe the colors, sounds and movements the fireworks make as they light up the sky and create an impression on everyone who sees them.  

BRYN DONOVAN

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How to Describe Pain in Writing

What’s the worst pain you’ve ever felt? And how would you describe it?

Describing physical pain in writing is a challenge that most writers face at one time or another. A character might have a headache, give birth, or get injured in an accident or a battle. (By the way, if you’re reading this, you might also want to check out my writer’s guide to serious injuries and calamities .)

When I was writing my book The Equinox Stone , I did a lot of thinking about ways to describe pain since my characters get pretty banged up over the course of the book. Near the end (spoilers), one of them has several injuries, and I wrote: “His adrenaline was burning off, leaving him in a symphony of pain, one part of his body screaming, the other parts answering with agony of their own.” I really liked the “symphony of pain” idea.

Since so many writers look for ways to describe pain in creative writing, I figured I should do a master list of words and phrases to use. I’ve also suggested ways that the character can react to the pain, which you could use whether you’re writing from the point of view of the person in pain or the point of view of someone with them. Some of these could probably be adapted to emotional rather than physical pain.

In most cases, you probably won’t use these ways to describe pain verbatim (although you’re certainly welcome to, even with the longer phrases.) You’ll adapt it for the paragraph you’re writing. You might also combine one or two ideas. Like all my master lists, it’ll probably make you think of even more ideas.

Save the post as a bookmark or a Pinterest pin so you’ll have it when you need it!

she braced herself for the pain

a dull ache

a deep ache in his bones

a throbbing ache

his head throbbed

pain filled her head

pain squeezed her head

a jab of pain

a burst of pain

a flash of pain

prickles of pain

a blaze of pain

a stinging pain

a spike of pain

white-hot pain

a sharp pain

a shooting pain

a stabbing pain

a piercing pain

a corrosive pain

a crippling pain

a searing pain

a grating pain

a grinding pain

a drumbeat of pain

pain shot up her leg

pain surged through her body

pain lashed across his lower back

pain ripped through her chest

pain branched across their back like lightning

pain lacerated her shoulder

pain twisted his belly

a cramp seized her foot

pain exploded behind her eyeballs

the pain flared in his leg

a flaming pain in her wrist

a burning pain in her neck

pain coursed through his body

pain like a sharp knife in his gut

pain lanced through him

pain went through her like a sword/spear

blinded with pain

dizzy from the pain

disoriented from the pain

the pain blossomed in his midsection

the pain spread through her bowels

a wave of pain rolled through her

pain crashed through his body

he let out a gasp from the pain

she panted with pain

she hissed with pain

he grimaced in pain

he managed to grin through the pain

he winced at the pain

she cringed at the pain

they strained against the pain

she curled up in pain

he doubled over with agony

she writhed in pain

he moaned in pain

she sucked in a sharp breath at the pain

he howled in pain

she grunted from the pain

he let out a cry of pain

she bit back a cry of pain

she yelped with pain

he let out a shriek of pain

he screeched in pain

she screamed in pain

the pain brought tears to his eyes

he quivered with pain

he was wracked by pain

she trembled from the pain

she was shaking from the torment

she convulsed with pain

his breathing was shallow

the pain took her breath away

they tried to breathe through the pain

she tried to focus on something other than the pain

he clutched his head in agony

she clamped her hand around her stubbed toe

he cradled his wounded arm

he grasped her hand tightly as the pain hit

she gritted her teeth against the pain

he clenched his teeth when the pain hit

his face was drawn with pain

her face was twisted with pain

she stiffened with the pain

he went rigid with agony

her back arched off the bed with the pain

she spoke haltingly from the pain

his voice was tight with pain

her voice was rough with pain

it hurt too much for him to speak

pain like he’d never felt before

the pain robbed her of rational thought

he was out of his mind with pain

she was delirious with pain

he prayed for an end to the suffering

she wished for the release of death

he blacked out from the pain

the pain abated

the pain eased

the drugs softened the pain

the pain faded

the pain diminished

the pain evaporated

the pain dissolved

the pain released her

the pain subsided

the pain dulled

the pain drained out of her body

Okay, I could do this all day, but I’ll stop it here! Do you have other thoughts about creative ways to describe pain? Let us know in the comments!

And if you’re not following the blog already, go ahead and subscribe below for more writing resources. Thanks so much for reading, and happy writing!

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35 thoughts on “ how to describe pain in writing ”.

These are fantastic references for even a causal writer like myself! Thanks a bunch!

Glad you like the post, Poppy! Have a great week!

This is a the most thorough list I’ve seen on this subject, and I will be referring to it often. Do you have an upcoming list for how to describe crashes—cars, planes, and snowboards in particular? ?

Hi MJ! You know, I haven’t done that yet…but it’s a great idea! Maybe sometime I will 🙂

Wow! Thank you for this exhaustive list. That’s really helpful. It is a great challenge in writing to describe pain accurately.

Aw thanks, Naomi! Hope everything’s going well with you 🙂

Bryn, you asked for the worst pain we had ever felt. I have been through childbirth – the memory of that pain has faded with the years. The abscessed tooth has no power of recollection. It whispers only from the gap between my molars. But the pain of betrayal still bears the image of suffering. Like a poisonous plant – dark and barbed – wrenched from my heart tearing away at life and ripping holes in my soul. Healing has come. The trauma is tamed. My life is no longer dominated by the toxic relationship, but in my memory, there remains the image of the event that nearly ended my life.

Hi Jessie! I never gave birth, but I have had an abcessed tooth, and that is definitely one of the worst physical pains I’ve ever felt… You write so well about a different kind of pain. That is so wrenching and powerful. Some of the worst scars aren’t the ones we can see.

Thank you Bryn.

My absessed tooth could not be numed so I endured 15 seconds of pain while he drilled into the pulp to relieve the pressure and ingect pain killer into the pulm.

It hurts just reading all of those ahahaha KIDDING! Thank you for sharing!

Hi, R.L.! Hahaha, that is honestly why I added the ones to the end about the pain going away!! Thanks for reading 🙂

This is such a wonderful list. Then again, all your lists are wonderful. They always help spark my brain when I’m looking for the right words.

Aww thank you Erin! Hope everything’s going well with you this week!

1 I was screaming before i hit the ground. 2 the X-ray tech Turned my foot to the side and tried to strangle her. Real experience

Donald—OWWWWW. And “I was screaming before I hit the ground” is an amazing sentence!

Those are great examples.

Aw thanks. Thanks for reading, Denise! Have a good rest of your week 🙂

“I was screaming before I hit the ground” LOVE IT!!

True experience, the best kind.

I haven’t really experienced a lot of pain. So I guess that the worst pain I’ve ever felt would be breaking my ankle- although walking with a orthopedic boot was pretty bad too, or even just wearing. You try wearing one for more than a couple of hours when there is a literal metal plate pushing against the pad of your foot.

This is an excerpt from the first book in my Chronicles of Undying series, Garden of Soul (which is currently unfinished and unpublished). I got a bit frustrated trying to find a creative way of conveying that she was experiencing a phantom pain from having her head busted open.

At first, there was only darkness and pain; something that I had gotten used to in my short life. I could see nothing but the dark corners of my mind, and the shadowy beings that dwell within them. But then I slowly forced my eyes to open, struggling to think through the mind-numbing pain which made me want to find a nail to ram into my eye to relieve it.

Have you ever had a doctor ask you to rate your pain on a scale of one to ten? Well, those numbers can’t even begin to describe the terrific pain that I am trying to relate. It felt almost like an intense headache; except that it was not localized to any specific part of my brain, nor did it spread across my head in dull, severely-debilitating waves of pain like many migraines. Instead, it felt like someone had taken a blowtorch to my skull before systematically removing my brain piece by piece with an ice pick.

A bit late to this post, but must say it’s a great list that will be very useful to me as I do the rewrite and revisions of my screenplay and finally get around to making headway on the novel.

A technique I kind of ripped off the Jason Bourne series, and probably a lot of other works out there, is having my main character show a degree of stoicism outwardly with minimal reaction to major injuries. That, combined with her flattened affect (that she has due to a mental illness) that she’s been able to override at will through practice.

Below is a scene from the screenplay that takes place during her escape from an assassination attempt on her in a crowded train station after losing her heels and crossing a subway train pit to get away.

Being that a screenplay is a recipe for filmed exposition, I’ll need to apply things similar to your suggested descriptions and those suggested by others above for the novel version so I can put readers in the mind of my character (I’m not quite skilled at that yet).

“As she’s going up the Outbound Green Line stairs, she hunches down, takes her light coat off, turns it inside out and puts it back on, ties her hair back in a ponytail with a couple of rubber bands, and puts on her sunglasses. Her feet ache from her rapid crossing of the subway pit and the rocks of the track ballast.

As she gets to the top of the platform a ROLLERBLADES GUY, wearing large studio headphones, crosses her path and runs over her exposed left foot, creating a bloody gash. She winces, ever so quickly.

The guy looks at her.

ROLLERBLADES GUY “God lady, I’m so sorry.”

ZOEY “Rollerblades. AND headphones. In the subway. Keep it up buddy, you know; shame I won’t get to see it someday.”

And on she walks on with a slight limp.”

Zoey’s no superhero and she doesn’t have a belt or watch with a million jaw-dropping tools like 007 (though at times I give her a collapsable baton and a Leatherman like tool). I suppose her superpower is her ability to withstand and overcome pain to complete her objective.

There’s a show (not the feature film) on Amazon Prime called Hanna, I was watching late last year, where one of the lead characters, Marissa, seems to constantly get shot, afflicted by enemies and torturers, injured in car accidents and left for dead, or otherwise beaten to a pulp.

Like Zoey, Marissa is an intelligence officer (this genre seems to be getting too crowded), and despite her ability to pass as a forty-ish soccer mom, she fights like hell to achieve her objectives. My best analogy would be that she’s a human Terminator, who would march on until she had no legs and even then would crawl with her last.

I’m eager to watch the next season as well as find a script of the show floating around, if I can, to see how they described what we see on screen and what I can learn from it to create my own unique story.

Another valuable resource. Thanks, Bryn!

Shared with my writer friends! Thanks, Bryn! -n

All of the ones you used.

The doctors last words were, “We’re going to amputate your foot.” // I, in my drug induced euphoria, blithely said Okay.” I woke up and the bastard quacks hadn’t done it.

In my current wip I have a birth scene where the young woman is unused to pain and makes a lot of fuss. This will be a great resource for that. Many thanks. I’ve bookmarked it!

Hi Vivienne! Thanks for reading, and I hope it’s useful. And hope the writing’s going well! 🙂

My MC assists in an appendectomy in the amazon where there is no narcotics. A paralytic was used. The MC demands to know if the doctor knows how much pain he caused.

I screamed while still flying across the intersection and landing did nothing to stop the explosion in my leg.

I have had basically 2 different worst pains, one for most intense, and one for longest lasting.

My most intense pain was from an intestinal blockage I had many years ago. I had chronic constipation for years, but this was different, I couldn’t pass anything. I woke up in pain and I was crying, the pain was easily an 8 or more on the pain scale, worse than any abdominal pain I had before or since. I texted my momma telling her that I had some really bad intestinal pain and I needed an enema. After a while of letting the enema work, I was able to pass it and the pain was gone.

My longest lasting pain started one day when I slipped on the stairs. My back and my tailbone were both hurting. The back pain went away quickly. The tailbone pain however lingered. And not just for hours or a day, it stayed there for 6 weeks. The first 3 weeks were incredibly painful for me, I was grimacing every time I got up or sat down because it hurt so much at that moment. And I naturally did it slower to try to minimize the pain, but, it didn’t work. When I was going to sleep, I had to sleep on my stomach. I generally start sleeping on my side, but that was too painful, so I went to sleep on my stomach with my head turned to the side so I could breathe fine. However, every day, I would wake up on my back. It didn’t immediately hurt when I woke up, but just like getting up from a chair, getting up from my bed hurt, and I had to do a certain maneuver to minimize pain when getting up from my bed.

The last 3 weeks weren’t as painful as far as sitting and getting up from a chair was concerned, but sleeping on my side was still too painful and getting up from my bed was still quite painful. Finally, 6 weeks after my tailbone injury, it finished healing and the pain was gone.

I’ve had a lot of pain, but those 2 are my worst. And I will find this page useful, as my stories almost always involve pain at some point.

The only pain that I’ve experienced was when I tripped and fell on to a metal separator for a garden and nearly lost my left thumb. when it happened, I couldn’t feel any pain, but somewhere in me, I knew I was in pain. I just couldn’t at the time.

This was maybe seven years ago, but I still remember the pain when the doctors stuck a needle in my hand to numb the pain to stitch up my hand. now that hurt, maybe even worse than me splitting open my hand. It felt like my hand was on fire and that it was spreading up my arm to the rest of my body. I screamed like I never had before, almost blacking out. I wished that I had.

When they put the stitches in, it felt like someone was poking and tugging at my skin. I didn’t look. I hadn’t wanted to because I knew what I would have seen. Blood, my blood, sweeping out of my hand and onto the table it was laying on. thinking about it new gives me chills and to this day I have slight pricks of pain every now and again from the wound.

I hope this helps with your writing or for anyone else who reads this. Thanks for the advice too. I’m trying to write a novel and was having trouble, but this blog really helped me.

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“My life is pain”

As someone who has struggled with chronic neck pain, I appreciate the emphasis on proper posture and regular stretching. For anyone looking for more detailed guidance on physiotherapy treatments for neck pain, I highly recommend checking out PhysioEntrust. They offer a wealth of information and practical advice that can make a real difference.

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How to Describe an Explosion in a Story

By Rebecca Parpworth-Reynolds

Are you writing a scene where two armies are at battle with each other? In this post, you’ll get some tips on how to describe an explosion in a story through 10 descriptive words.

• An explosion.
• A sudden strong rush of air.
• A sudden loud noise.

“His ears ringing from the blast , he scrambled through the rubble to try to find the rest of his comrades.”

“The loud blast of the firework at the end of the sequence seemed to take the crowd by surprise.”

How it Adds Description

“Blast” can not only be used as a synonym for an explosion but also helps you to illustrate to your reader just how loud or forceful it was. Usually a “blast” is unexpected, so it is likely to be a shock to both your characters and your reader when it occurs.

A deep and loud sound.

“There was a loud and echoing boom from the bottom of the quarry before the rock walls began to crumble down into the pit below.”

“The men covered their ears as the TNT went off with an almighty boom , clearing the mineshaft ahead.”

Who doesn’t love a good onomatopoeia? Sometimes describing an explosion by its sound can be just as impactful as describing it visually to your reader. The “boom” from your explosion can be as loud, quiet, or forceful as you want it to be to illustrate its effects.

3. Catastrophe

A sudden event that causes destruction.

“The explosion was a catastrophic event that left a trail of destruction in its wake.”

“The aftermath of the explosion was a scene of utter catastrophe , with rubble and debris scattered everywhere and the sound of sirens wailing in the distance.”

“Catastrophe” helps you to be able to describe the devastating effect of an explosion to your reader. Often, they can be life-changing events either on a personal, local, or global scale, and usually guarantee that nothing will be the same afterward.

4. Conflagration

A large, destructive fire .

“The explosion sparked a conflagration that quickly engulfed the entire building.“

“The conflagration caused by the explosion was so intense that it could be seen from miles away.”

“Conflagration” helps you to be able to describe the destructive aftermath of an explosion to your reader. Sometimes the most damage is caused after the explosion has happened, so it could be that your characters are initially safe, but then need to escape further danger.

5. Detonation

The act of exploding something.

“The bomb disposal team performed a controlled detonation on the unexploded grenade they had found in the backyard.”

“The team in the control room readied themselves for the nuclear detonation.”

“Detonation” is a great word to use when you are looking at describing an explosion for a more scientific or official setting. It makes the explosion almost seem clinical, which can sometimes make it contrast with the devastating effects that it has.

6. Eruption

• Sudden and violent .
• The explosion made by a volcano.

“The volcanic eruption spewed hot lava and ash into the sky, creating a spectacular yet dangerous natural phenomenon.”

“The sudden eruption of the geyser took everyone by surprise, shooting boiling water high into the air.”

If the explosion in your story comes from a natural source such as a volcano rather than a manmade device, consider describing it as an “eruption”. This can help you to be able to illustrate the raw power of nature to your reader and how formidable it can be.

• Burning brightly for a short time.
• Becoming wider.

“The firework lit up the sky in a flare of light and color.”

“There was a sudden flare as the crashed car suddenly burst into a raging fireball.”

Describing an explosion as a “flare” helps you to be able to demonstrate how bright it is, and also how it expands outwards. Often, a “flare” is a quick event, so could describe a sudden explosion in your story that is over just as soon as it has started.

• Shining brightly and suddenly.
• Moving quickly.

“The bright flash hit their eyes long before the force of the explosion knocked them off of their feet.”

“When the bomb went off, it produced a bright flash and a massive cloud of dust and debris that threatened to fill their lungs.”

“Flash” illustrates to your reader the brightness of an explosion, which is particularly important when you realize that the visual light of an explosion happens much quicker than it creating any sound. You can even use this word to help to slow the explosion down, showing how your characters react to the explosion before it truly hits.

9. Mushroom

Growing quickly .

“The nuclear explosion created a mushroom cloud that billowed out over the horizon.”

“The explosion mushroomed out, spreading destruction across the city.”

Not only describing the physical shape of an explosion, “mushroom” helps you to be able to describe how quickly its effects can spread outwards after a blast. This could either be fire, force, or even fear that spreads across the area.

10. Outbreak

The sudden appearance of something.

“The sudden outbreak of the explosion sent shockwaves throughout the neighborhood.”

“The authorities were quick to respond to the outbreak of the explosion, rushing to the scene to assess the damage and ensure the safety of the public.”

An explosion can be described as an “outbreak” because it is a sudden and violent event that can quickly spread and cause widespread damage, much like a disease or a fire. Additionally, the word “outbreak” implies something rapid and unexpected, which is often the case with explosions.

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Flashfire07 Active Member

Describing firearms and gunfights.

Discussion in ' Research ' started by Flashfire07 , May 15, 2011 .

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); While writing my story recently I encountered a hitch when describing firearms, because the character has an extensive knowledge of firearms but when I write I find myself just putting down the name of the gun, instead of describing it as I don't know how to describe firearms! My other issue is that I don't know how to describe a gunfight from this characters perspective as I have never fired a firearm before and he is supposed to be highly trained. I've included an example if my issue below. "I fell down on one knee, drawing my Llama M-82, I rolled aside as his leg swept out in an effort to catch me, I fired two shots upwards into his groin and abdomen, his Protecta clattering the down as my third shot took him in the head. I leaped to my feet and immediately dove for the car as his companion filled the air with pellets behind me"  

barnz New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); The motherland has your answers. http://world.guns.ru/main-e.htm tons of detailed info on guns, that should be a bookmark for anyone writing with guns playing a major part. Watch videos on youtube, see if there's a gun range near you where you can try it out for size. This isn't quite the right section for workshop, but for the piece you included, i don't think technical knowledge is very necessary here, as it's a fast paced gunfight. The character's aren't going to be admiring their pieces and giggling at the technical specifics while blowing each other away. Or would they? "I fell down on one knee, drawing my Llama M-82. The knurled grip felt at home in my palm, the trigger biting into the calloused pad of my first finger. It felt all too comfortable in my palm for me, but nevertheless I couldn't wait to feel that ear-shattering roar as it the .45 ACP bullet snickered through the air and into his flesh. I rolled aside as his leg swept out in an effort to catch me, I fired two shots upwards into his groin and abdomen, his Protecta (I mean, come on, a Protecta? This guy, did his mother pick out his guns for him? Those little .22 LR it shoots couldn't punch through a leather jacket.) clattering the down as my third shot took him in the head. I leaped to my feet and immediately dove for the car as his companion filled the air with behind me." Yeah, I feel the technical aspects just get in the way here. Even naming the guns in this instance feels a bit much. "I drew my piece" or "his handgun clattered to the ground" works better IMHO.  

Mxxpower New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); I generally describe equipment that is used over and over throughout the story as if they were another character sort of. Meaning, when I introduce the weapon into the story I give it two or three sentences of description and from there just use the name of the gun or equipment going forward. This is what I do for most things a reader may have no familiarity with but are crucial to understand through the story. As for never having shot a firearm, well I guess youtube is your friend. I would bet there is shooting footage of any real life weapon you searched for on there, including military vehicles and weapons.  

psychotick Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); Hi, I don't know much about firearms either. New Zealand doesn't allow them for the most part and we may be one of the last countries on Earth where our police are unarmed. However when it comes to fantasy weapons I check out the Fantasy Forum and there's loads of stuff about them including making them, using them, what they can do etc. I would imagine there would be a similar forum for writers of modern warfare etc, as well as loads on particular handguns. Google away. Cheers.  

Velox Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); Mxxpower said: ↑ I generally describe equipment that is used over and over throughout the story as if they were another character sort of. Meaning, when I introduce the weapon into the story I give it two or three sentences of description and from there just use the name of the gun or equipment going forward. This is what I do for most things a reader may have no familiarity with but are crucial to understand through the story. Click to expand...

muscle979 Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); If you stick with pretty common weapons I wouldn't think you'd need to describe them much at all. Most books I can recall reading with firefights spend little to no time talking about the weapons. As a former military guy I can tell you that most people don't realize how hard it is to fire accurately while moving. Even at close range. It is surprisingly difficult. Keep that in mind if you're going for realism. Of course at point blank it is not unrealistic to think he'd make the groin shots.  

Forest Girl New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); My kid is a peace officer, soldier, and gun owner. He knows quite a bit about guns. I know nothing. I've read a couple of books by a bestselling writer about a vampire killer. And she ALWAYS goes on and on about how the female MC puts on her guns and other gear and she names the types of guns over and OVER and OVER. I don't need that. Rather than adding to the story it is a big distraction, I skip over it. Unless all the readers are expected to know all about guns I agree that too much information and detail isn't going to help much.  

dizzyspell Active Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); psychotick said: ↑ Hi, I don't know much about firearms either. New Zealand doesn't allow them for the most part and we may be one of the last countries on Earth where our police are unarmed. However when it comes to fantasy weapons I check out the Fantasy Forum and there's loads of stuff about them including making them, using them, what they can do etc. I would imagine there would be a similar forum for writers of modern warfare etc, as well as loads on particular handguns. Google away. Cheers. Click to expand...

VegasGeorge New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); As a person who actually knows a thing or two about guns, I just wanted to say that every now and then it becomes painfully obvious to me that the writer I happen to be reading at the time doesn't. I find my reaction to that sort of interesting. I don't normally expect others to know about firearms. But when I'm reading a novel that makes a point of describing or talking about guns, I get really contemptuous and dismissive of an author who apparently doesn't know his guns. It almost seems like a betrayal, as if someone shouldn't write about such an important subject without the necessary background and understanding. For me it's a touchy subject. I wouldn't feel the same about an author botching up the description of cooking a soufflé. Thanks for posting this question. It has given me increased personal insight!  

Lord Malum New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); Flashfire07 said: ↑ While writing my story recently I encountered a hitch when describing firearms, because the character has an extensive knowledge of firearms but when I write I find myself just putting down the name of the gun, instead of describing it as I don't know how to describe firearms! My other issue is that I don't know how to describe a gunfight from this characters perspective as I have never fired a firearm before and he is supposed to be highly trained. I've included an example if my issue below. "I fell down on one knee, drawing my Llama M-82, I rolled aside as his leg swept out in an effort to catch me, I fired two shots upwards into his groin and abdomen, his Protecta clattering the down as my third shot took him in the head. I leaped to my feet and immediately dove for the car as his companion filled the air with pellets behind me" Click to expand...

SeverinR New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); I was at one base that decided they wanted every person to be able to give a indepth report on the weapon they were assigned too. This is an M16A1, it is a gas operated air cooled, magazine fed weapon... Trust me, if I wanted too, I could still repeat the specifics of the weapon. It is long, drawn out and does nothing to help in the daily scheme of things. I would suggest learn the basics of the weapons your story uses. Learn the weaknesses of the weapon. The AK is a great weapon for the untrained to use, it can take severe abuse and still function. Its weakness is found in its strength. It is generally not as accurate as other weapons, because the moving parts are not as precise. Before someone jumps on this, the AK is accurate, but if a marksman uses an AK and a tighter weapon, the tighter weapon will deliver tighter groupings. But dirt in the tighter weapon will render it useless. ----disclaimer: All firearms should be properly maintained to prevent misfire or deadly mishaps.(dirt in the barrel can cause extreme pressure in the barrel causing the barrel to expand or rupture.) -------  

StrangerWithNoName Longobard duke

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); SeverinR said: ↑ I was at one base that decided they wanted every person to be able to give a indepth report on the weapon they were assigned too. This is an M16A1, it is a gas operated air cooled, magazine fed weapon... Trust me, if I wanted too, I could still repeat the specifics of the weapon. It is long, drawn out and does nothing to help in the daily scheme of things. I would suggest learn the basics of the weapons your story uses. Learn the weaknesses of the weapon. The AK is a great weapon for the untrained to use, it can take severe abuse and still function. Its weakness is found in its strength. It is generally not as accurate as other weapons, because the moving parts are not as precise. Before someone jumps on this, the AK is accurate, but if a marksman uses an AK and a tighter weapon, the tighter weapon will deliver tighter groupings. But dirt in the tighter weapon will render it useless. ----disclaimer: All firearms should be properly maintained to prevent misfire or deadly mishaps.(dirt in the barrel can cause extreme pressure in the barrel causing the barrel to expand or rupture.) ------- Click to expand...

Lothgar New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); Flashfire07 said: ↑ My other issue is that I don't know how to describe a gunfight from this characters perspective as I have never fired a firearm before and he is supposed to be highly trained. I've included an example if my issue below. "I fell down on one knee, drawing my Llama M-82, I rolled aside as his leg swept out in an effort to catch me, I fired two shots upwards into his groin and abdomen, his Protecta clattering the down as my third shot took him in the head. I leaped to my feet and immediately dove for the car as his companion filled the air with pellets behind me" Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); ^That was incredibly helpful, Lothgar, for the OP I'm sure, as well as myself.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); I'm here to help if I can.  

AvihooI Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); In a short story (well, don't think it's going to end up 'short' by standard convention - already 5k+ words and it's just the beginning of the story) that I write, which is about the military: I try to actually depict the sound that firearms make. I know it may not be correct traditionally to use text that isn't words. However, do check this out as an example: Dwight and his men were then running for the burning Humvee. Trrr, tata, tata. Returning fire as they go. As they reached the vehicle, it was already too late. I have fired and heard many firearms in my life and it's impossible to miss out on these sounds. They are a language of their own.  

Porcupine Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); Lothgar said: ↑ The Uzi sang its song of death as it emptied its 32 word vocabulary from its magazine. The flying 9mm slugs punctuating the obituaries of the would be kidnappers, as they fell from the balcony and were no more. Click to expand...

Jessica_312 New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); Lothgar said: ↑ The sound of a gunshot is a lot louder than most people who've never fired a weapon realize. A 9mm pistol makes a deafening BANG that will leave your ears ringing for a short while. A .45ACP pistol makes a deeper BOOM than a 9mm and leaves you equally deafened. By deafened, I mean that after firing a weapon without hearing protection, you WILL NOT be able to hear the sound of footsteps making the leaves crinkle as a bad guy sneaks up behind you. The ringing in your ears will go away after a short while. If you are writing a story about "old timers", veteran pros who have fired a lot of weapons in combat, it wouldn't be unrealistic to describe them as suffering from a life long bout of tinnitus (Lord knows after years of service as a combat vet, I've certainly had my share of tinnitus related issues). Click to expand...

martial_wolf New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); Wow Lothgar! Just plain wow! And OP, really the best advice anyone could ever give in this exact circumstance to help out with your lack of gun knowledge is the shooting range and the internet are your friend. Shooting ranges (at least here in the U.S.) will let you rent a gun for the day. Everyone who said it is right, you run out of bullets quickly. Even if you are target shooting you run out faster than you realize. Guns can be so loud. I fired my first gun when I was thirteen, it was a 12 gauge shotgun. Pretty standard. I decided I was too manly to have ear protection on. Six years later I still hear better from my left.  

Sang Hee New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_7a60c5d347ae7cdfd0ef064f1872889c'); }); Lothgar, I've read everything that you had written and it's awesome. I wish I could figure the same depth of knowledge about medieval fighting. The world I'm writing about has no guns :/  

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