We all have summer memories. Some might be good, some bad, some in between. But generally, summer brings memories to the surface because it’s a very distinct time of year. A time of warmth (depending on your hemisphere), a time of freedom (depending on your age and circumstances), a time of exploration, a change of pace, a new way of seeing things.
Summer is more than just months on a calendar. It’s more than a time of year. Summer is a feeling. It’s emotion. Vivid memories. Sounds, sights, textures, scents, tastes. Your readers connect with those sensory emotions. They take your summer experience and weave it into their own memories. They connect around those feelings.
When you write a summer scene, you can actually capture memories, experiences, conversations, lessons learned without even using the word summer. Your reader will probably know exactly what season you’re capturing. They will relate. Your writing will become part of their own summer reflections.
So, how do you write summer? Capture the five senses for your reader. Convey emotions. Choose specific details. And really place yourself into the scene, so your reader will be drawn into the scene too.
Writing the Five Senses of Summer
Summer is a great time of year for those sensory details:
- The scent of a lawn freshly mowed, an outdoor grill, sunscreen at the beach.
- The sound of children playing in the yard, a porch rocker creaking, water splashing, tree frogs singing.
- The feeling of hot pavement under bare feet, beach sand between toes, the coolness of water splashing in the creek.
- The taste of watermelon, lemonade, homemade ice cream, burgers on the grill.
- The green of a backyard canopy of trees, the glare of bright sunshine, the lazy swirl of a porch fan, the smiles of children planning adventures, the evening glow of fireflies.
When you weave summer imagery into your writing, your readers will ease right into the summer season without even reading the word summer.
Capturing the Emotions of Summer
Every season creates emotions. Summer memories are often filled with them. They’re often shared in common with readers, as genuine childhood memories or as adult wishes and longings:
- Free time to relax and slow down.
- Longer days, more light, an easier pace.
- Travel, exploration, visiting new places.
- A sense of daring and new adventures.
- Childhood memories, nostalgia, awareness of how time slips away.
- Excitement at seeing new and old faces.
- A sense of identity, hope, possibility.
As you capture those emotions in your writing, your readers will ease into a summer, regardless of what time of year they read your words. The emotions in your story might feel similar to them. If not, they can certainly appreciate the ideal.
Choosing Specific Details
To write about summer in a way that connects with readers, you’ll want to paint a picture. Invite them in. Let them move around and enjoy the experience. Instead of “It was a peaceful summer day at the lake,” bring the reader into the moment. Immerse yourself in the scene so you can recreate it for them:
I eased back into the Adirondack chair as the warm air soothed my skin. The kids splashed in the lake, their laughter carefree. I smiled at the joyful memories they were creating: new friends, old friends, daily adventures, evenings on the porch, sharing homemade strawberry ice cream. I breathed in deeply as the breeze whispered of wonderful possibilities just ahead.
Your Turn
Close your eyes and remember a good moment that feels like summer. Immerse yourself in that moment. Engage all your senses.
Then get out your pen and paper, or your computer. Write a paragraph describing what you’re feeling. Write it without using the word summer.
Focus on what you saw, heard, smelled, tasted, felt, and experienced emotionally in that moment.
Invite your reader into that scene, and let them recognize they are in summer.
Janet Eriksson 