Describing a black sky: how to put oomph into setting description

ARE ALL BLACK SKIES EQUAL?

The answer is no! Not all black skies are equal – well, not in creative writing.

When your child next puts pen to paper and includes a sky description, have a chat about this.

Learn these few simple compound adjectives so they can easily be inserted into the description or story writing; it will elevate a simple sky sentence from the 'OK' to the 'WOW!'. These adjectives will add detail and create mood and tension.

Who knew that two little words could be so powerful?!

Example of a dull sentence lacking in detail:

The black sky made them feel worried.

Here are some 'WOW!' alternatives.

Cauldron-black 

Why? A cauldron suggests witches, potions, magic and the supernatural. Moreover, it adds a sense of foreboding.

Example: A gash of radiant light broke through the cauldron-black sky.

This sentence suggests optimism as the light is radiant and is painfully breaking free in this scary sky.

Cobra-black 

Why? The cobra is a threat to humans. Its movement is unpredictable, and its body shape changes under threat. It can poison.

Example: The seething starless sky was cobra-black.

This sentence suggests a snake filled with spite; the sky is waiting, ready to pounce.

Carrion-black   

Why? This is a bit of an icky one, but carrion means the decaying flesh of an animal. A vulture is a carrion-feeding bird. Tempest means a violent, windy storm.

Example: A tempest of caterwauling creatures descended through the carrion-black sky.

This sentence suggests an onslaught (tempest) of shrieking creatures coming out of the sky. The use of 'carrion-black' implies that they are looking for blood.

Enjoy using them!

Anna