creative writing about a desert

The Emotion Amplifier Thesaurus , a companion to The Emotion Thesaurus , releases May 13th.

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Setting Description Entry: Desert

August 30, 2008 by BECCA PUGLISI

A landscape of sand, flat, harsh sunlight, cacti, tumbleweeds, dust devils, cracked land, crumbing rock, sandstone, canyons, wind-worn rock formations, tracks, dead grasses, vibrant desert blooms (after rainfall), flash flooding, dry creek…

Wind (whistling, howling, piping, tearing, weaving, winding, gusting), birds cawing, flapping, squawking, the fluttering shift of feasting birds, screeching eagles, the sound of one’s own steps, heavy silence, baying wild dogs…

Arid air, dust, one’s own sweat and body odor, dry baked earth, carrion

Grit, dust, dry mouth & tongue, warm flat canteen water, copper taste in mouth, bitter taste of insects for eating, stringy wild game (hares, rats) the tough saltiness of hardtack, biscuits or jerky, an insatible thirst or hunger

Torrid heat, sweat, cutting wind, cracked lips, freezing cold (night) hard packed ground, rocks, gritty sand, shivering, swiping away dirt and sweat, pain from split lips and dehydration, numbness in legs, heat/pain from sun stroke, clothes…

Helpful hints: –The words you choose can convey atmosphere and mood.

Example 1: When I started my journey across the winding dunes of sand, the sky was clear blue glass. Now, as I stagger toward mountains growing no bigger despite three days of walking, that blue glass is marred by flecks of swirling ash…vultures waiting for their next meal…

–Similes and metaphors create strong imagery when used sparingly.

Example 1: The dust devil swirled across the canyon like a rattlesnake on the hunt. (Simile)…

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

Setting is much more than just a backdrop, which is why choosing the right one and describing it well is so important. To help with this, we have expanded and integrated this thesaurus into our online library at One Stop For Writers . Each entry has been enhanced to include possible sources of conflict , people commonly found in these locales , and setting-specific notes and tips , and the collection itself has been augmented to include a whopping 230 entries—all of which have been cross-referenced with our other thesauruses for easy searchability. So if you’re interested in seeing a free sample of this powerful Setting Thesaurus, head on over and register at One Stop.

On the other hand, if you prefer your references in book form, we’ve got you covered, too, because both books are now available for purchase in digital and print copies . In addition to the entries, each book contains instructional front matter to help you maximize your settings. With advice on topics like making your setting do double duty and using figurative language to bring them to life, these books offer ample information to help you maximize your settings and write them effectively.

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

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Reader Interactions

March 10, 2020 at 4:15 am

Wow this helped me so much on my essay thanks I have altleast 20 things down for it from this website 😊❤️✨

October 7, 2019 at 5:11 pm

this is a very helpful extract where I could pick out some descriptions of the desert and how the climate is Thank you very much for doing this because it gives me the feel and the imagination that I am there now in the desert

February 23, 2019 at 9:35 am

helpful school work !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October 7, 2018 at 1:43 pm

this has helped me so much for my gcse exams.that i am glad that somebody helped me

September 7, 2017 at 1:56 am

Such vivid descriptions creates a desert picture in my mind. Feel like am already there. Was doing last chapters of my novel wanted to write something about cold deserts. I come from the tropics and have no idea about cold deserts, any information will see me through.

May 6, 2017 at 3:13 pm

This was very helpul for my essay, love it.

May 7, 2017 at 3:41 pm

I’m so glad it was timely!

September 4, 2008 at 8:08 am

I do have one story that’s set in a desert land. But the greatest influence on me – in terms of living in so many different places – is that I always have people of different cultures and species having to live together, cooperate or deal with the various tensions that arise from their varying natures and customs. It’s a lot of fun. And because these stories are fantasies, they can be bizarre while still being realistic.

September 1, 2008 at 6:20 pm

Wow Marian–what a great culture to draw on. Does your work ever reflect where you lived?

And yes please–if you have descriptiors to add, go for it. Often I think of stuff after the fact, and each setting is so vast, there are infinite ways to describe!

Thanks everyone as always for visiting and commenting!

September 1, 2008 at 1:26 pm

I liked the low crime rate (because of the draconian penalties). It was so low that once, when my mom arrived at work to find the office open and burgled, 21 police officers showed up in response to her call (probably the most excitement they had had all week). The forensics people had to shove their way through the crowd.

There’s also the lack of taxes. So provided you’re an indoor person, which I am, you might find it tolerable. Oh, and women always got to go to the front of any line (e.g. at the post office), and had the front seats of buses reserved for them.

One thing I didn’t like was the censorship, which at times bordered on the ridiculous. For instance, the single government-owned ISP wouldn’t let you access the site http://www.ralan.com , which contains lots of useful information about markets in publishing. Why? Because there’s some prominent Israeli whose last name is Ralan. It’s not the same person, but no one bothered to check before blocking the site.

Television programs censor kisses or references to making love, and when I bought a scientific book on human anatomy, the naughty bits were blacked out with a Magic Marker. I once smuggled a Boris Vallejo book into the country and felt very daring. 🙂

So it wasn’t a completely unpleasant experience, but I escaped to Canada as quickly as I could, and I prefer it here.

September 1, 2008 at 6:17 am

Am starting to catch up on these wonderful posts! Is it OK to mention things I would include in your list of sights? Reptiles: snakes, lizards etc. Insects: spiders, biting ants, beetles etc. And sounds? The slither of sand sliding under the belly of a snake or lizard.

Great stuff. Bish

August 31, 2008 at 8:52 pm

Gosh, Marian, that sounds intense. Did you like it there?

August 31, 2008 at 4:56 pm

I actually lived in a desert (well, in the Middle East) for twelve years. Unbearable heat during the summer, up to 45 degrees Celsius, and equally unbearable humidity, since we were on the Gulf Coast.

Since I didn’t have a car, I used to go grocery shopping after sunset, thinking it would be cooler. But the pavement had been baked in the sunlight, so the heat rose off it like a solid wave. And during the day, objects in the distance shimmered, it was so hot. Sometimes I would walk past stores just so their automatic doors would open and I’d feel cool air for a moment.

The least little wind would raise puffs of dust, and a full-out sandstorm was a nightmare. Of course, one good thing about the heat and dryness was that the place was remarkably sterile. You don’t get too much insect or rodent life in an oven. The few plants that grew wild tended to be small, shrubby and tenacious.

Now, of course, I am living in a country that is the exact opposite and I shiver my way through the endless winter months. 🙂

August 31, 2008 at 10:05 am

Thanks for all of your detailed posts!

August 31, 2008 at 12:04 am

I love how I feel like I’m getting mini lessons here! Do ya’ll give out diploma’s? ;0)

thanks for all your work!

August 30, 2008 at 8:42 pm

Angela thanks you, Pema! Or, I’m sure she will when she gets back ;).

And PJ, thanks for the reminder. When Angela’s gone, this place just goes to pot…

August 30, 2008 at 10:18 am

Perfect! I have deserts, too! And how I remember to spell it right – with dessert you always want more, so there are two s letters. With desert, you want less, so there is only one. Hey – Please add this to your sidebar! I know you will, but I use your blog like every day and never want to forget something. It ROCKS!

August 30, 2008 at 8:33 am

Your words are so descriptive, it almost sounds like you’re posting this entry from the Arabian desert! 😉

Sands of Creativity: Mastering the Art of Describing Sand in 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.

Unleashing Your Imagination: The Intriguing World of Describing Sand

Capturing the essence: exploring the texture and color of different sands, painting a picture with words: crafting vivid descriptions of sand, playing with metaphors: infusing emotion and depth into sand descriptions, mastering the art of sensory detail: evoking sights, sounds, and feelings of sand, choosing the right words: enhancing descriptions through precise vocabulary, going beyond the obvious: uncovering the unique qualities of various sands, inspiring your readers: techniques to bring sand descriptions to life, frequently asked questions, concluding remarks.

Have you ever stopped to truly observe the mesmerizing qualities of sand? This omnipresent substance that effortlessly slips through our fingers is more fascinating than meets the eye. Its texture alone can transport us to a multitude of landscapes, from silky smooth shores to rough and grainy dunes. But describing sand goes far beyond its mere sensation. Join us as we embark on a journey to unravel the intriguing world of sand and let your imagination run wild .

Sand, with its infinite variety, holds a treasure trove of colors. From dazzling white beaches to golden desert expanses, it embraces shades that beckon the wanderlust within us. Each grain tells a unique story, composed of minerals, rocks, and even seashells. Imagine the soft, powder-like feel of finely ground quartz sliding through your fingers, or the coarser, uneven grit of volcanic ash-shaped particles. The diversity of sand is as astounding as the landscapes they form. Palettes of ochre, beige, caramel, or ebony awaken our senses and paint vivid pictures in our minds.

Welcome to a captivating journey where we delve into the mesmerizing world of sands! Join us as we uncover the diverse range of textures and colors found in sands across the globe. From sun-kissed beaches to arid deserts, each grain has its own story to tell.

The texture of sands can vary significantly, providing a truly unique tactile experience. Fine sands, with their powdery consistency, effortlessly slip through your fingers, creating a velvety sensation. In contrast, coarse sands offer a grainier touch that exudes a sense of rawness and ruggedness. Embark on an adventure of touch, allowing your fingertips to explore the vast differences that sands have to offer.

• Jagged Sands: Some sands display jagged edges, formed from elements like crushed shells or volcanic rocks. These rough textures not only add intrigue but also depict the turbulent history of their origin.
• Silky Sands: As smooth as silk, these ultra-fine grains are like caressing a cloud. Often found on serene beaches, their velvety texture feels luxurious beneath your toes.
• Glistening Sands: Certain sands shimmer like precious gems under the sunlight. Infused with tiny crystal fragments, they create a mesmerizing spectacle that sparkles and captivates all who behold their beauty.

Colors also play a significant role in the allure of sands. Some beaches boast pristine white sands, where the pureness reflects the surrounding sunlight, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Other shores embrace warm golden tones, reminiscent of endless summer days. Certain volcanic regions unveil striking black sands, drenched in mystery and history. The kaleidoscope of colors found in sands truly invites us to observe the fascinating tapestry of our planet.

Color: The sand sparkled like golden silk under the bright rays of the sun, spreading hues of warmth and radiance. As the coastline stretched far into the distance, the sand gradually lightened to a delicate shade of beige, reminiscent of a creamy cappuccino. In some areas, where the sea gently lapped against the shore, the sand appeared damp and darker, contrasting beautifully with the dry, powdery texture surrounding it.

Texture: Running your fingers through the sand felt like sifting through thousands of tiny, velvety granules. It was as if nature had taken the softest down feathers and transformed them into a flooring of delicate particles. The sand was cool to the touch, offering a refreshing respite from the heat of the sun. With each step, the sand gently yielded beneath your weight, leaving behind little footprints and revealing its resilient nature.

When it comes to describing sand, the use of metaphors can add a whole new dimension of emotion and depth to your writing. Metaphors allow you to create vivid imagery and engage the reader’s senses, making your descriptions more captivating and memorable.

One way to infuse emotion into sand descriptions is by comparing the texture of the sand to something familiar yet evocative. For example, you could liken the softness of the sand to a baby’s skin, instantly conjuring feelings of tenderness and delicacy. Alternatively, you might compare the roughness of the sand to a warrior’s calloused hands, evoking a sense of strength and resilience. By using metaphors, you can transform a mundane description into a powerful visual experience that resonates with your readers.

• Compare the warmth of the sand to a cozy fireplace on a winter’s night.
• Describe the color of the sand as golden, like an ethereal sunbeam at sunset.
• Portray the sound of the sand as a gentle whisper, reminiscent of secrets shared between loved ones.

Ultimately, the key to infusing emotion and depth into sand descriptions lies in the artful use of metaphors. By carefully selecting metaphors that resonate with your intended emotions and creating a sensory experience, you can transport your readers to the sandy shores and make your descriptions come alive.

Evoke the beauty and essence of a sandy landscape by mastering the art of sensory detail. By incorporating vivid sights, sounds, and feelings, you can transport your readers to a world of sun-kissed shores and shifting dunes.

When describing the sight of sand, imagine the golden grains glistening in the sunlight like a million tiny stars. The fine texture and undulating patterns create a mesmerizing sight, painting a picture of tranquility and endless possibility. Picture the way the sand stretches out before you, seemingly infinite, inviting you to explore and lose yourself in its soft embrace. To amplify this visual imagery, consider using descriptive adjectives like “powdery,” “radiant,” or “undulating.”

• Sound: Close your eyes and listen closely to the soundscape of sand. As you walk, the grains gently shift under your feet, creating a soothing, rhythmic sound – a gentle dance of nature. The sound of sand blowing in the wind is a whispered melody, harmonizing with the symphony of crashing waves in the background. To convey these auditory sensations, incorporate words like “whisper,” “rustle,” or “murmur.”
• Feelings: The sensation of sand beneath your toes is an unparalleled experience. As you sink your feet into its warmth, you can almost feel its soft caress against your skin. The playful texture lends itself to building sandcastles or creating intricate patterns with your fingertips. Let your readers feel the sensation of sand slipping through their fingers, the gentle exfoliation as it meets their skin. Use words like “gritty,” “grainy,” or “velvety” to transport your audience to the tactile wonderland of sand.

Incorporating sensory detail in your writing enables you to paint a vivid and immersive picture of the sandy landscape. By harnessing the sights, sounds, and feelings of sand, you can evoke a sensory experience that resonates with your readers, enticing them to embark on their own journeys through the mesmerizing world of sand.

The art of effective communication lies not only in the ideas we express but also in the words we choose to convey those ideas. When it comes to descriptions, the use of precise vocabulary can elevate the impact and clarity of our message. By carefully selecting the right words, we can paint a vivid picture in the minds of our readers, capturing their attention and evoking specific emotions.

First and foremost, precision in vocabulary allows us to be more specific with our descriptions. By utilizing words that are exact and concrete, we provide the reader with a clear image of what we are describing. Rather than simply stating that something is “big,” we can use words like “monstrous” or “towering,” providing a much more evocative and memorable depiction. Additionally, precise vocabulary helps us to express nuanced differences. For example, instead of describing an object as “old,” we can choose words like “antique” or “vintage” to convey a sense of history and value. These subtle word choices add depth and richness to our descriptions, making them more engaging and captivating.

• Precision in vocabulary provides clarity and specificity in descriptions.
• Exact and concrete words create clear mental images.
• Evocative vocabulary helps capture the reader’s attention.
• Subtle differences can be expressed through nuanced word choices.
• Precise vocabulary adds depth and engages the reader.

In conclusion, choosing the right words is key to enhancing descriptions. By incorporating a precise vocabulary, we can ensure clarity, evoke emotions, and captivate our readers. So, let us dive into the vast sea of words and select those that best convey our intended meaning, creating descriptions that truly come alive in the minds of those who read them.

When it comes to sand, we often take it for granted as simply a gritty substance beneath our feet. However, delve deeper into the world of sands, and you’ll be amazed by their diverse characteristics and rich histories. From the serene beaches of the Caribbean to the mystical deserts of Africa, sands hold unique qualities that set them apart. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the hidden wonders of these fascinating granules!

1. The Singing Sands of Lovers Beach, Mexico: Have you ever heard sand sing? Well, you can experience this enchanting phenomenon at the pristine Lovers Beach in Cabo San Lucas. As you step on the sand, the friction between the tiny grains produces a gentle melody resembling the sound of a distant flute. This extraordinary occurrence is due to the silica-rich content of the sand particles. It’s truly a magical experience cherished by locals and visitors alike.

2. The Magnetic Sands of Tenerife, Spain: Prepare to be amazed by the magnetic sands of Tenerife’s Playa de las Teresitas. Unlike ordinary sand, these unique black grains are formed from volcanic materials, giving them their magnetic properties. Locals believe that the sand possesses healing powers, and visitors flock to this stunning beach to relax and indulge in its alleged therapeutic benefits. So, next time you’re in Tenerife, don’t miss the opportunity to lounge on these captivatingly magnetic sands!

When describing sandy landscapes, it is crucial to paint a vivid picture in your reader’s mind. By incorporating sensory details and using descriptive language, you can transport your audience to the breathtaking beauty of sandy shores. Here are some techniques to infuse life into your sand descriptions:

• 1. Appeal to the senses: Engage your reader’s senses by describing the texture of the sand – is it powdery, fine, or gritty? Highlight the scent of the ocean breeze as it mingles with the salty sea air. Captivating your reader’s senses creates a more immersive experience.
• 2. Evoke emotions: Describing the sand in a way that elicits emotions can create a deeper connection with your readers. A phrase like “the golden sand shimmered under the sun, inviting you to feel its warmth beneath your toes” sparks feelings of comfort and tranquility.
• 3. Use vibrant comparisons: Enhance your descriptions by drawing comparisons to relatable objects. For instance, you could compare the color of the sand to “pale vanilla” or liken its texture to “sifting through a thousand crushed pearls.”

By employing these techniques, you can revitalize your descriptions of sandy landscapes and transport your readers to coastal paradises. Remember to be creative and let the sand come alive in their minds, enabling them to feel the warmth, smell the sea, and hear the gentle whisper of the waves in the distance.

Q: What is the importance of describing sand in creative writing? A: Describing sand in creative writing can add depth and realism to your storytelling. It helps create vivid imagery and transports readers to different settings, whether it’s a tropical beach or a desert landscape.

Q: How can I effectively describe sand in my writing? A: To describe sand effectively, use sensory language to engage readers’ senses. Focus on the texture, color, temperature, and even the sound of sand to make your description come alive on the page. Be specific and pay attention to small details that can enhance the overall atmosphere of your writing.

Q: What are some ways to capture the texture of sand in descriptive writing? A: To capture the texture of sand, consider its graininess, roughness, or smoothness. You can compare it to other familiar textures, such as silk, granulated sugar, or even the rough skin of a lizard. By using descriptive adjectives and similes, you can effectively convey the unique properties of sand.

Q: How does the color of sand impact descriptive writing? A: The color of sand plays a significant role in setting the scene in creative writing. Whether it is white, golden, or even black, the color of sand can evoke different emotions and moods. For example, white sand may convey a sense of purity or tranquility, while golden sand can symbolize warmth and paradise.

Q: How can I describe the temperature of sand in my writing? A: Describing the temperature of sand can help readers experience the scene more fully. You can convey warmth by mentioning the hot sand beneath one’s feet, or alternatively, describe the coolness of sand in the shade. By incorporating the temperature element, you can accentuate the overall atmosphere of your writing.

Q: Is it important to describe the sound of sand as well? A: Absolutely! Incorporating the sound of sand can make your writing even more immersive. Describe the crunching sound underfoot as someone walks on dry sand, or the gentle swishing sound of sand slipping through fingers. By including auditory details, you engage another sense and make the scene feel more realistic.

Q: How can I avoid generic descriptions when writing about sand? A: To avoid generic descriptions, focus on using unique and specific details. Instead of simply stating “the sand was white,” you could describe it as “powdery white sand, so fine that it slipped right through my fingers.” By using more descriptive language, you make the description more engaging and memorable.

Q: Are there any pitfalls to avoid when describing sand in creative writing? A: One common pitfall to avoid is overusing cliches or generic phrases. Aim to create original descriptions that paint a vivid picture in readers’ minds. Additionally, be cautious of excessive description that might slow down the pace of your writing. Strike a balance between providing enough detail to engage the reader, while keeping the story flowing smoothly.

Q: Can you provide some examples of effective descriptions of sand in creative writing? A: Certainly! Here are a few examples: 1. “The sand, warm as freshly baked bread, cushioned my every step as I strolled along the beach.” 2. “Golden grains of sand shimmered under the scorching sun, creating a radiant tapestry as far as the eye could see.” 3. “As the wind whispered through the dunes, the fine sand rose and fell like dancing tiny diamonds in a desert waltz.”

Q: Any final tips for mastering the art of describing sand in creative writing? A: Practice observing sand in real-life situations , paying attention to its various characteristics and how it interacts with the environment. This practice will help you develop a keen eye for detail, enabling you to describe sand more authentically in your writing. Remember to engage the reader’s senses and use language that is unique, specific, and evocative.

In conclusion, mastering the skill of describing sand in creative writing is a powerful tool that can take your prose to new heights.

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Welcome to Creative Writing Prompts

At Creative Writing Prompts, we believe in the power of words to shape worlds. Our platform is a sanctuary for aspiring writers, seasoned wordsmiths, and everyone. Here, storytelling finds its home, and your creative journey begins its captivating voyage.

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Desert Writing Prompts

Embark on a literary odyssey with our Desert Writing Prompts.  Dive into the allure of endless dunes and oasis secrets, crafting characters that brave nomadic wanderings and encounter exotic desert creatures. Whether your learners are seasoned storytellers or novices seeking inspiration, this guide promises actionable prompts to elevate their writing skills.

Setting the Scene

The desolate dunes.

Describe the vast expanses of golden sand, sculpted by the ever-shifting winds into mesmerising patterns. The relentless sun casts long shadows across the dunes, creating an atmosphere charged with both beauty and harshness. As your characters traverse this arid expanse, the desolate dunes become a formidable yet alluring backdrop for their adventures.

The Dance of Sun and Sand

Describe the interplay between sunlight and sand, highlighting the dunes’ ever-changing shapes and the mesmerising patterns created by the shifting grains. The challenge is to capture the dynamic nature of the desert landscape in your descriptions, emphasising the sensory experience of heat, texture, and light.

Mirage Magic

Explore the phenomenon of mirages as a captivating element in the desert setting. As the writer you have to play with the illusions created by the intense heat, weaving them into the narrative to deceive or guide characters. The mirages add an element of uncertainty and mystery to the scene, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Oasis Mysteries

Transition to the oasis—a verdant sanctuary surrounded by seemingly endless desert. Picture characters stumbling upon this unexpected haven, the contrast between life and desolation stark and captivating. Hidden within the oasis are mysteries waiting to be unveiled—perhaps ancient ruins, a forgotten civilization, or the key to unlocking the desert’s secrets.

Reflections in the Waters

Consider the significance of the oasis’s waters. Reflective surfaces can be powerful metaphors, representing self-discovery or mirroring the characters’ internal conflicts. Use descriptive language to convey the stillness and depth of the oasis waters, adding layers of meaning to the scene.

Characters in the Desert

Nomadic wanderers.

Write about desert tales with resilient nomads navigating the vast expanse. Emphasise the importance of character traits such as adaptability, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to the desert environment. These nomadic figures become the embodiment of survival against the odds.

The Roaming Caravans

Delve deeper into the nomadic lifestyle by exploring the concept of caravans. Paint a vivid picture of characters traversing the desert in groups, their camels laden with supplies and treasures. Consider the dynamics within the caravan, from leadership struggles to alliances forged in the unforgiving landscape.

Solitude Seekers

Introduce the idea of solitary figures braving the desert alone. Highlight the internal conflicts and self-discovery that arise when characters face the vast emptiness without the support of a group. Delve into the psychological aspects of solitude and the challenges it poses.

Animal Companions

Explore the bond between characters and their animal companions. Whether it’s a loyal camel, a wise desert owl, or a mysterious sand serpent, these creatures become integral to the characters’ journey. Discuss the potential for mutual dependence and the emotional depth that animal companions can add to the narrative.

Plot Twists and Turns

Lost civilizations.

Incorporate the discovery of ancient civilizations buried beneath the desert sands as a compelling plot twist. Unravel the mysteries of these forgotten societies, introducing elements of history, archaeology, and perhaps even a touch of the supernatural. The characters’ journey becomes a quest through time as they navigate the remnants of a once-thriving culture.

Guardians of the Past

Introduce the concept of guardians or protectors of the lost civilization. These enigmatic figures, whether human or supernatural, add an element of challenge and conflict. Develop the relationships between the characters and these guardians, raising questions about motives, alliances, and the consequences of disturbing the past.

Sandstorm Chaos

Introduce the chaos and danger of a desert sandstorm as a dynamic plot element. Explore the sensory aspects of a sandstorm—blinding winds, swirling sand, and the deafening roar. The characters must navigate this natural obstacle, adding an element of urgency and unpredictability to the storyline.

Enigmatic Encounters

Encourage writers to introduce enigmatic characters or entities that the protagonists encounter in the desert. These beings could be wise sages, mysterious nomads, or supernatural entities tied to the desert’s essence. Challenge writers to explore the significance of these encounters and their impact on the characters’ journey.  Consider whether these enigmatic encounters offer guidance or deception. Are these beings allies assisting the characters on their quest, or do they pose challenges and tests of character? This twist adds layers of complexity to the narrative, keeping readers guessing about the true nature of these mysterious figures.

Adventure Themes

Quest for a hidden relic.

Embark on a thrilling quest for a legendary relic hidden within the vast desert.Create a narrative centred around deciphering cryptic clues, overcoming treacherous obstacles, and facing adversaries in pursuit of this coveted artefact.  Explore the significance of the hidden relic within   the desert’s lore. Discuss how it holds the key to ancient powers, historical revelations, or even the balance of the desert ecosystem. This theme adds depth and purpose to the characters’ quest, elevating it beyond a mere search for material wealth.

Rival Adventurers

Introduce the concept of rival adventurers vying for the same relic. Develop complex relationships, alliances, and conflicts among competing groups. The desert becomes the battleground for not only survival but also strategic manoeuvring and unexpected alliances in the race for the hidden treasure.

Survival in the Wilderness

Explore the theme of survival as characters brave the harsh conditions of the desert. Depict the characters’ resourcefulness, resilience, and adaptability as they navigate scorching heat, scarce resources, and the ever-present challenges of the arid landscape.

Character Evolution

Highlight the transformative journey of characters as they confront and overcome survival challenges. Discuss the psychological and emotional growth that occurs in the desert, shaping characters into resilient individuals capable of facing adversity head-on.

Wrapping Up Your Desert Adventure

Summing up your desert adventure writing journey, we’ve explored the intricacies of crafting compelling narratives in the vast and mysterious desert landscape. From the desolate dunes to oasis mysteries, and characters navigating nomadic life or encountering different creatures, the canvas is vast and rich with possibilities.

Recap of Key Insights

Reflect on the key insights gained, such as the importance of vivid descriptions, well-developed characters, and the dynamic interplay of plot twists. These elements collectively contribute to the immersive and captivating nature of desert adventure tales.

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

Desert - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

• Hot weather
• the Economy

The desert stood as God's own example on how to do so much with so little, to adapt and overcome in a way that brings life.

The desert was resown and regrown as trees, shrubbery and more, for as the techniques for land reclamation grew, so did those golden dunes turn green.

The desert is part of the golden soul for those who love big sky and the story of a resilient nature born to survive and thrive.

The desert was a warm and expansive golden brown, as wide open as it is ever possible to imagine.

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It is difficult to form a correct idea of a desert without having seen one. It is a vast plain of sands and stones, interspersed with mountains of various sizes and heights, usually without roads or shelters. They sometimes have springs of water, which burst forth, and create verdant spots.

The most remarkable of deserts is the Sahara. This is a vast plain, but a little elevated above the level of the ocean, and covered with sand and gravel, with a mixture of sea shells, and appears like the basin of an evaporated sea.

Amid the desert, there are springs of water which burst forth and create verdant spots, called oases. There are thirty-two of these that contain fountains, and date and palm trees; twenty of them are inhabited. They serve as stopping places for the caravans, and often contain villages.

Were it not for these, no human being could cross this waste of burning sand. So violent, sometimes, is the burning wind that the scorching heat dries up the water of these springs, and then frequently, the most disastrous consequences follow.

In 1805, a caravan consisting of 2,000 persons and 1,800 camels, not finding water at the usual resting place, died of thirst, both men and animals. Storms of wind are more terrible in this desert than on the ocean. Vast surges and clouds of red sand are raised and rolled forward, burying everything in its way, and it is said that whole tribes have thus been swallowed up.

The situation of such is dreadful, and admits of no resource. Many perish, victims of the most horrible thirst. It is then that the value of a cup of water is truly felt.

To be thirsty in a desert, without water, exposed to the burning sun, without shelter, is the most terrible situation that a human being can be placed in, and one of the greatest sufferings that a human being can sustain; the tongue and lips swell; a hollow sound is heard in the ears, which brings on deafness, and the brain appears to grow thick and inflamed.

If, unfortunately, any one falls sick on the road, he or she must either endure the fatigue of traveling on a camel, (which is troublesome even to healthy people,) or he or she must be left behind on the sand, without any assistance, and remain so until a slow death comes to relieve him or her.

Sometimes you can’t find the right words to describe exactly what you see and what you feel about it. It’s especially hard to do with things you haven’t experienced first-hand. To find a good piece of advice, you can search for a top assignment writing services USA . This platform will provide you with both inspiration and assistance for your writing.

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by Joe Bunting | 71 comments

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PRACTICE Write about the desert. Write for fifteen minutes . When you're finished, post your practice in the comments.

Photo By Josh Summers

Here's my practice. Hopefully you can do better.

David strode out. Two steps at a time. The hard packed sand-dirt scraped under his feet. There was no heat. A temperatureless place. Christmas in Israel.

No thoughts except the sound of the dirt under his feet, and not even that after a while.

This was a place without roads. Who needed trails when the land stretched flat and hard in every direction? The Romans had marched this desert. The Persians. The Egyptians. Empires had made this desert their straight path and had marched across it to bring death and justice to the world.

But there were no armies here today.

He could not tell whether it was eternity or an instant (because how do you measure time when everything is the same), but he came up to the edge.

It looked as if God had stepped in the wet earth and left his footprint. The desert dropped off and there was no desert any more but mountains and a wide valley with a sea in the middle filled with the greenest water he'd ever seen.

Beyond was Jordan, the land of the Hittites, the Moabites, and the Ammonites.

It was December 25. Christmas. He stood one-thousand feet above the Dead Sea all alone. He lay his pack down and leapt into that green green sea.

Joe Bunting

Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris , a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

Want best-seller coaching? Book Joe here.

71 Comments

There was nothing. Nothing that Jacob could see that could help him find his way back. The horizon was a mirage of worthless bits of stone and sand being held together in a whirlwind of fire and heat. He did his best to clear the salt out of his eyes and refocus on something familiar, but it only caused his eyes to burn more intensely, leaving him temporarily blind.

For a time, he believed in the mirage. To him, it was as real as his own cracked and calloused hands. Hands he used to crawl and grovel in worship to the mirage, feeling his way towards any form of relief. He swam in the ocean of dust. He drank from the scorpion fountain. He would pay any amount of fortune to make love to the desert floor.

There was nothing. Nothing that Jacob could experience that would help him find his way back home. Nothing was a mirage. The mirage was nothing. But Jacob was something, someone, even though he was lost in the desert.

Who would rescue Jacob from the desert; from his desert? The mirage of lights was stripped bare, revealing the sin of deception. Who would rescue Jacob from the desert of his deception?

You love your scandalous images Tom. And I love that you love them. The scorpion fountain and the desert love making are great.

This line stuck out to me, “But Jacob was something,” although I’m not sure why. Perhaps the affirmation of his identity, even in the midst of the identity crushing desert.

It seems there’s something of a allegory you’re making here. I think with allegories, at least in modern fiction, the key is to make it work well on its own. For example, I just read the book House by Peretti and Dekker. The allegory was that the haunted house was their soul. It was kind of cheezy, but it worked because regardless of the “deeper meaning,” the house was freaking haunted and trying to kill them. Taste wise, I think it’s best to begin and end by playing by the allegories terms, and then only “show your hand” somewhere in the middle, and subtly.

I figure if I write about scandalous images, hopefully I won’t become one.

Yes, I was attempting allegory, but I wasn’t sure how to really do so in a 15 minute practice. And as you know subtlety is not me strongest attribute. But I did try and hint at allegory without saying out right what the desert mirage represented.

My sentence: ” The mirage of lights was stripped bare, revealing the sin of deception.” was an attempt to give a cryptic hint as to what the mirage represented. Can you guess? Is this too cheezy?

Ha, I think that’s a worthwhile practice to have.

I think you had the right idea. I wouldn’t use the word “sin,” though. As soon as you do, you give it away. Besides, it’s too general. You want to be more precise with your words. So what is his “sin of deception”? What is he really struggling with?

I agree with the “sin” comment, but I think I got caught up in trying too hard to be cryptic in that sentence. The mirage was Las Vegas, therefore i used the words “Lights,” “Strip,” and “Sin” (as in Sin City). I know, lamo.

Ahhh I get it. Very nice, Tom! Love the tricky allusion. Very clever

Strangely enough, this turned into a fiction about a guy doing one of those sand marathon events.

The Marathon

Heat. The damned heat was far too much for me already, and I’d only been out there for a day. Somebody told me to take water, and I’d never been gladder to have taken advice from another human being. (I usually only listen to my own advice, and that leads me precisely nowhere, or to certain death, in a desert environment with insufficient water.) I’m not exactly sure what drove me to go there, but I know now that I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

There’s nothing much except a vast expanse of sand, but that means one thing which is vital in today’s technology obsessed world- you can’t get an iPhone signal…not so good for when you need to contact somebody, but when people want to contact you and you don’t want to be on the receiving end of it, it’s a sheer delight. Solitude is also prevalent out there, because not too many people are daft enough to parade around in 100+ degrees heat in the middle of the day. I really just wanted to do it to say that I’d done it.

It’s a lame reason, I know, but I don’t have a bucket list to put such things on, because thinking of my own ultimate demise does little but depress me in the end…no pun intended. A friend had originally asked me to accompany her on this journey into the Sahara for one of those sand marathons…I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and should have baulked at the first opportunity. However, I remained right up for it until the moment when she messaged me on Facebook a week before to complain that she had just come down with a violent bug, and probably wouldn’t be fit for any kind of marathon for some time….the most running that she’d be doing between her bed and the lavatory. Having been left in the lurch, and it being too late to cancel flights, and so on, I felt I had to do it anyway.

So, that brings me to the reason why I was in the Sahara in the blazing heat. Too hot, but then, a desert is never going to be temperate, never going to be tolerable for somebody who doesn’t go to Spain for fear of turning into a lobster.

Sand on all sides, I begin to run, finding it surprisingly easy going, but for the heat which is already starting to get to me- more water is in order, and I have luckily packed enough to last more than a month on the advice of another wise friend who had never set foot in a desert, but strangely enough had the common sense and presence of mind to know that I had to take a month’s worth of water to avoid the eventuality of becoming hopelessly lost in the desert and dying of dehydration. (I have to add that said friend had asked me a week before my trip whether I would perform the duties of the best man at his wedding- I suppose he had a vested interest in my being alive for the occasion, as a zombie best man would certainly raise a few eyebrows.)

The sand marathon idea hadn’t appealed to me at all at first, but once I got into the rhythm of the training, going to my local beach at least once a week to run around the dunes, it began to suit me. I’ve never been a particularly fit individual, but I’m starting to feel much more so in the wake of doing the sand marathon, and seem to have raised a fair bit of money for charity too, which is always good. I’m not going to say I’d do it again, though, because it would surely take it out of me, and I can’t guarantee that I would survive a second attempt. Still, my friend’s mistake in thinking that she could do it was my gain- I now know that I’m capable of a lot more than I would think myself so. It’s been a liberating process to train for this and eventually end up doing it- it’s an experience I would wholeheartedly recommend if you feel that you could do it. Sand marathons really aren’t for everybody, though- my former self can attest to that!

Hi Shady! Thanks for practicing.

First of all, you wrote this in 15 minutes?! Dear Lord, good sir, you write fast. My post is only about 200 words and it took more than 30 minutes (yes, I cheat)!

I like the idea of this. It’s definitely an interesting concept especially because it’s fiction, but you give so many convincing details. However, this piece itself feels more like a brainstorm. Which is fine. It is practice, after all. To turn this into a story, you’d have to resist your urge to delve into backstory. All but the first two sentences are backstory here. Which is, again, fine. When you’re writing something new, I think you have to begin to lay the foundation for the story by just exploring it from every side, letting your mind wander into it. Then you can stop, step out of brainstorm mode, and write a scene, or a set of scenes, that eventually becomes your story.

Sweat dripped from every pore. The scorching sun made the perspiration evaporate as it came from my body. How long had I been walking around? Had it been hours or days? My feet felt like they had been lit on fire. My shoes were worthless. My body had not become accustomed to this torture.

No signs of life were to be found; would I soon be like my surroundings? My legs became rubber. My balance left me. My body refused to support me or go any further.

“It won’t be that bad once you pass out,” my mind told me. I refused to listen. I knew if I hit the ground, I was a goner. I kept inching forward with my blistered feet. “Every inch I move I’m closer to safety,” I thought.

I noticed something unique in the distance. This shape did not remotely fit the desolate landscape. “What could it be?” my exhausted brain thought. I moved forward. The object became clearer.

“Could that be a tree?” I thought. No way. That doesn’t make any sense. It looked like a tree. It was unmistakable. I threw my body forward with every last ounce of energy I had. I stumbled forward and hit the hellish ground. My body was on fire. My lungs could not breathe the morbidly hot air. I passed out and drifted asleep.

Ouch. Poor guy.

I guess the question is, was it a mirage or not? And we’re left not knowing, but having a pretty good idea that he’s about to die. I wonder if you could heighten the suspense somehow by making it more ambiguous whether he really made it to the shade or not?

One thing you might pay attention to is voice, particularly when you’re writing in first person. So for example, you say

“I noticed something unique in the distance. This shape did not remotely fit the desolate landscape. ”

Would someone dying from dehydration and heat exhaustion use the word “remotely” or “desolately”? No probably not. And so your word choice and the tone of your piece can either separate your reader from the character’s situation or bring him closer.

You might say, “What is that? That thing in the distance? Could it be a tree? Could it be an oasis? Oh God please… let it be water. Let it be shade.”

Or something. I’m not very good at this so I avoid it altogether by writing in third person and creating a lot of detachment so the narrator watches along kind of pitilessly.

Interesting… I think that’s a great point about voice in the first person. I wasn’t sure exactly how to make it more ambiguous whether he really made it to the shade or not. Part of me wanted to have the guy wake up and it was just a dream. He had just fallen asleep on the beach.

It’s fun to think like this…to put yourself in a completely different place and to think like a character (or you) would think in a given situation.

Thanks for all of the feedback to think about. I feel like I’m ready to give it another shot..and I might just do that here in the comments. 🙂

Do it, man.

I would suggest avoiding the “just a dream” thing. It’s a little gimicky and cliched. Although you might be able to spice it up with some creativity.

It is fun. You’re right 🙂

Take 2! Sweat dripped f rom every pore. The scorching sun made the perspiration evaporate as it came from my body. How long had I been walking around? Had it been hours or days? My feet felt like they had been lit on fire. My shoes were worthless. My body had not become accustomed to this torture.

No signs of life were to be found; would I soon be like my surroundings? My legs became rubber. My balance left me. My body refused to support me. I could not go any further.

“Just lie down on the sand and rest a while,” my confused mind told me. I refused to listen. I knew if I hit the ground, I was a goner.

I made my bloody, blistered feet move forward. “Just another inch….one more…one more…. I’m gonna live. It can’t end this way. Just another inch,” I thought.

I noticed something was sticking out of the ground in the distance. “What is that? Please let it be a tree.. or cactus…. water…. water… water….” my exhausted brain thought.

I threw my body forward with the last ounce of energy inside. I tumbled and hit the hellish ground. My body was on fire. I could not breathe any more of the morbidly hot air. I passed out and drifted asleep.

Jim, good revisions. It’s cleaner now, smoother. Good job 🙂

I like open endings. To me though, this seems like part of a book, like I’m going to find out what happened. I’m also struck here by the cruelty of the desert. We had a sermon once in which the priest made a lot of the fact that in Job (I think it’s Job) there’s this aching for shelter from the sun. Anyway, he said it’s hard for us to understand how much shade meant to the desert dwellers of old and how “close” they were to the elements.

Marianne, I think you are right-its probably part of something bigger. I tend to write songs, blog posts, and kids stories normally; practice here/short stories etc. are definitely more challenging for me. I love writing them, but I agree I need to learn a lot about pacing. Then again, it is just practice here and I can always expand it later right. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting, I appreciate it!

This feeling struck Elisha. Taking note of the desert of dark and crack stone. She is not felling them. She only luxuriate the blue sky. The lights are dotting the whole landscapes. She struggles to wipe the broken heart stone.

“I will fly away to the lights,” She insisted

The stones feel breaking heart.

“You can’t just ignored me,” The stones begging.

Elisha smiles. She only heard a cryptic sound. She never turns away. Flying is only the options.

The stones keep all inside. The stone fall apart. Not even could dry the tears. Lights always make it fall apart.

This is quite poetic, Lida.

Beautiful line here, “‘I will fly away to the lights,’ She insisted.” That sentence feels something like hope.

And the idea that stones could beg, wonderful.

The last paragraph is a little difficult to understand, but they are breathtaking even so. I hope you will turn this into a poem and try to publish it somewhere. I think it could do very well.

This is like a poem to me also. The stone must be something hard and sad but the lift “makes it fall apart”.

Wow, such interesting responses here! I like how everyone had a different dessert in mind, although mirages do seem to be a theme. I love the idea in Lida’s piece about sadness and light being able to break stone. (Especially the last couple of lines) When I think of the desert, I instantly picture West Texas, especially the Fort Davis area, because my family and I love to vacation there. This is my tribute to the place I love.

West Texas Sunrise She walks barefoot through the course desert grass, and her feet are the only things connecting her to the ground. She looks up at the millions of tiny lights floating above her, and she is suddenly reminded of those maps that show the world at night, man made milky ways stretching across darkened countries. She walks, but her eyes have not yet adjusted to the darkness. Sharp things jab at her ankles. She hopes they are not scorpions or tiny animal teeth. A chill runs up her spine. The desert is cold at night. Suddenly, there is a light in the east. It is faint at first, but it grows in intensity until the sky is smooth and pink like the inside of a shell, and the stars have all but disappeared. The light is different here. Maybe it is the air that makes it seem thinner, needing to be painted on in layers. As the sun comes up she turns around to retrace her steps. This is what she came for. The distant mountains alight in a hazy purple glow, majestic and other worldly. The illusion lasts only a few precious moments, before the rock faces become gray again. She walks westward, away from growing heat, this time careful not to upset any scorpions.

Thanks for reading and interacting with everyone’s practices, Laura 🙂

I love your first line. Excellent. Both vivid and emotional. I instantly was there with you, feeling that grass on the soles of my feet, smelling the desert night.

Love this long sentence, “It is faint at first, but it grows in intensity until the sky is smooth and pink like the inside of a shell, and the stars have all but disappeared.” And what a great analogy, the shell.

“The light is different here.” It reminded me of something I wrote a few years ago. You might like it:

http://joebunting.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-day-we-were-given-our-teams-our-family-part-3

It’s a beautiful piece, Laura. I wonder what prompted her to be out in the cold desert till sunrise?!

I think she was prompted to be out there just to see the sunrise. Everyone needs to see the sunrise over the desert, the ocean and the mountains at some point before they die. I loved how she turned west to escape the heat soon after. Great job Laura.

This reminds me almost of a painting by Monet (although I don’t think he painted deserts). I love the shell analogy too. And at the end I like how this beautiful vision is only there for a few moments, a short walk.

I read yours too Joe. Did you mean the one about the making a planet ball of hands and saying a grace? I love the idea of energy being in small yet powerful as a planet of hands and as big as the earth and sky.

Thanks for reading, Marianne. I actually meant this part,

“The clouds are higher here…”

But I felt pretty lucky after that little metaphor.

So many stars. Pick the two stars closest together that you can see, and there are at least ten more between them that you can’t.

There are still places in this world where electricity does not exist for miles – for hundreds of miles. And sitting in the barren desert mountains of Afghanistan, the sky electrified me. The sky is just littered with stars, and the Milky Way is a bright ribbon slicing it in two.

I was staring at the sky of Abraham. I felt incredibly humbled, and at the same time, boldly empowered in my ownership of the world.

Love this Jen. It’s so funny how the desert can either be a force of death or more beautiful than any work of art.

I love how you start this. “So many stars. Pick the two closest…” It feels both awed and analytical.

Your last sentence feels a bit weak, “I felt incredibly humbled, and at the same time, boldly empowered in my ownership of the world.” I like to end on a powerful image, not on my feelings. I think it empowers people to walk away with that image and form their own feelings.

But this sentence was wonderful, “The sky is just littered with stars, and the Milky Way is a bright ribbon slicing it in two,” especiall because of the two that came before it.

Thanks Jen!

Good point on the last sentence – thanks! I love that you picked up “awed and analytical” from the first part because that’s exactly the feeling.

The “poor” unlit places of the world with their magnificent views of the heavens comes to me from this piece. I like “littered with stars” too.

Thanks, Marianne!

The dark was so complete so colorless that there was no vision. He could only feel, cold, stone, steps beneath his feet, and warm, gritty, wind on his face. He waited there, with no eyes, by the entrance to the pyramid, until a moon rose just behind the monument. The glowing yellow disk was sliced by the angle a wall that stood between his eyes and the horizon. He wondered how many had seen this exact sight, had waited like he.

The moon rose above the tip of the pyramid to form a globe that lit the desert below it. Onto that lonely stage came another player, an ambling beast, long-legged, shaggy and humped. It shambled along bobbing on the dunes, the sea of sand. He laughed aloud. The animal so visceral, so imperfect, so real, held a passenger.

She was why he waited. She was that woman whose reality lay somewhere between the bloodless drama of the desert stage and the woolly hauteur of the camel. She was Cleopatra Queen of the Nile.

I really like your writing Marianne. It’s so clean.

At first when I read this, “He could only feel, cold, stone, steps beneath his feet,” I was confused and thought you had made a mistake putting the comma after the “feel,” but then I wondered if you were doing it on purpose. If you did it intentionally, I kind of love it. It feels like trodding.

Ooo I got chills at the end. Nicely done.

Thank you Joe. I am looking at it again and see several things I want to change. I think a semi-colon might do well behind feel. I wanted the fact that he couldn’t see to be emphasized. I just love what you are doing here. I was really not going to write yesterday but i’ve committed myself to this and when I did sit down to work on it, I was happy again. It’s odd that we so often don’t want to take time for our “art”.

I don’t like a semicolon there. Maybe if you put a comma after steps as well, it would tip us off that you’re doing it on purpose and maintain your rhythm at the same time.

I’m glad you decided to write 🙂 Thanks for commenting on everyone else’s practice.

The air was cold. The stars bright Which way to go? How to tell? Mountains to the west. Home back east. Ahead desert. Cacti lifted their arms to the silent sky, asking for relief. Relief from dryness. Parchedness.

She looked for relief from uncertainty. Where to go, whom to look for. Whom. Her eighth grade English teacher would have been proud. It was the only that stuck. What a time for the correct English to crop up.

No one to go back to. No one to go forward to. Maybe she would just lie down and watch the stars.

She kept walking, hearing the crunch of the sand and the roll of the grains as her feet lifted and landed. Forward toward the mountains. Toward snow and people. Toward tomorrow. Tomorrow never cmes to you, you go to it. So, on to the hunt.

This is very punchy and emotive. Have you read Annie Proulx. She writes like you do here. Short abrupt sentences. Lots of fragments. You’d like her. Check out Shipping News. It won a Pulitzer.

I think the part in the middle about the English teacher is a bit distracting. It would probably work if it was a longer piece though.

I like this. I think you do a good job of being vivid and interesting. I’d like to see more pieces in this style.

After the day’s sandstorm, the night held an eerie stillness. I slept at an oasis, a lake so large there were enough trees growing there to shield me from harsh sunlight. I was enraptured when I saw the blades of pond grass poking through the sands. Apparently, the roots of these plants can stretch far enough to reach a distant patch of water. Or maybe they’re all connected under a giant network of roots, pumping water under a scorching surface.

The early evening still held the day’s warmth. It was luxurious, sitting near fresh water and date trees while watching the desert’s white and gold carpet. Frogs came out of the water and licked up the mosquitoes. I walked carefully. I didn’t know where a poisonous frog, a snake or a tarantula could leap out from. Even a mosquito bite could kill.

I put down my rifle, and improvised a tent like I was used to. In any case, I had to sleep on the grass. Temperatures fall during the night, but a dusty post-sandstorm sky warms the whole area. Like the small creatures of the desert, I burrowed into a cover to sleep.

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Local News | Writing inspired by the desert in Joshua Tree…

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Local news | writing inspired by the desert in joshua tree national park.

“You can’t see anything (in the desert) from a car; you’ve got to get out of the… contraption and walk, better yet crawl, on hands and knees, over the sandstone and through the thornbrush and cactus. When traces of blood begin to mark your trail, you’ll see something, maybe.” – Edward Abbey, from “Desert Solitaire.”

This past October in the Mojave Desert’s Morongo Basin – season of the tarantula and turkey vulture migrations – came in like a lion with record heat and went out like a lion, too. When 95-degree temps dipped overnight, yielding to a massive dust storm, icy winds and the grit of sand in everyone’s teeth as they awoke to a cold autumn morning before the air slowly cleared and our mountain-rimmed views reappeared.

It was a wild weather weekend in the Mojave, in all its ferocity and yielding, its surprises, its unanticipated weather changes just when you thought you had it all figured out – and the end of an unimaginable summer of weather whiplash that featured a massive desert wildfire and an unlikely desert hurricane, followed by a second landscape-altering monsoon storm, all in August. Then there’s the rare desert flora and fauna super bloom that followed the fire and rain into deep autumn.

This all converged to set the perfect, enticing desert eco-tones for my new Desert Institute on-site field writing workshop, Write Like the Desert (c.) on the last Sunday of October at the majestic Indian Cove campground in Joshua Tree National Park, situated at the north end of the aptly named Wonderland of Rocks where a vast alluvial fan spreads across several miles onto the open desert floor. Here, the light washes across massive, ancient white boulders and rock spires in a timeless and prescient shimmer that evokes a deep and knowing land history we might only imagine ourselves to be part of.

It was here a group of adventuresome writers gathered, put boots on the ground and pens to notebooks and immersed ourselves in the possibilities of weaving word and visceral desert immersions into verse and prose that dances across the page, sparking human emotion and imagination into a unique desert language of the human tongue, never mind the high winds and early morning texts between workshop sponsor Desert Institute Director Benazir Lopez and I on the possibility of relocating to a calmer and warmer indoor space at Black Rock Campground true to the workshop theme, adapting and adjusting to the weather whims of the desert itself, by the hour.

The opening flash fiction prompt that I gave to workshop participants was aptly inspired by epic California writer Joan Didion, from “Slouching Towards Bethlehem:” “And then, just past the moment when the desert has become the only reality…” It wasn’t hard for our writers to use this magnetic phrase to look around in awe, feel the midday sunshine, hear the whistle of wind whip through creosote, observe mini-dust devils spinning across the sand, and use this prompt as a portal to jump-start a compressed piece of prose writing filled with immediacy, conflict and excitement as sharp and layered as the yucca and cholla cactus fields around us.

After sharing their writing, our writers moved to their next prompt, and this one followed a short discussion we had on concerns over some of the heavy impacts of high-volume tourism on the Park’s ecology. Jumping right in, I asked participants to write a public service statement in the voice of a Joshua tree: “I am a Joshua tree. This is what I want to say to all of the people taking selfies with me.” I encouraged participants to share their write-ups and help encourage eco-literacy in how we approach and treat our fragile desert places, remembering to respect nature.

In another prompt, I asked participants to weave a patterned poem by writing a one-two sentence description of a panoply of interrelated desert life: coyote, creosote, monsoon rain, rattlesnake, tourist at Jumbo Rocks, the Milky Way, bighorn sheep, and several choices of their own. Hearing these elegiac pieces read aloud as the calming afternoon wind tossed and fretted in its own paces and rhymes added a mosaic of quilted beauty and voices into what turned out to be a perfect Mojave Desert day, one brightened by this gathering of souls who converged in a cove of ancient rocks to spend a few hours together to write like the desert.

Ruth Nolan teaches English and creative writing at College of the Desert and is editor of “No Place for a Puritan: the Literature of California’s Deserts” (Heyday Inlandia.) She is the current Mojave Desert Poet Laureate.

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Ellen Meloy Fund

Desert writers award.

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A prize of $5,000 is given annually to enable a creative nonfiction writer “whose work reflects the spirit and passions for the desert embodied in Ellen Meloy’s writing” to spend creative time in a desert environment. Using only the online submission system, submit up to 10 pages of creative nonfiction, a project proposal, and a biographical statement of up to one page with a $15 entry fee by January 15, 2024. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

Ellen Meloy Fund, Desert Writers Award, P.O. Box 288, Helena, MT 59624.

DraftSparks ✨

43+ ‘Desert’ Writing Prompts

A Glimpse of Hope

Describe the moment when Anakin first sees Jedi and dreams of becoming one.

Comparing Landscapes

Select two different landscapes, such as a desert and a rainforest, and compare and contrast them in a detailed write-up.

Unseen Wonders

Write about an aspect of Earth’s natural wonder that often goes unnoticed or undervalued.

Beneath Desert Sands

Write an adventure set in an underground city beneath the Sahara Desert

Sunny Vacation Escapades

Write about your dream holiday in the sunny weather.

The Summer Oasis

Convey the experience of discovering a refreshing oasis amid a scorching desert.

A Drop in the Desert

Imagine living in an area facing severe water scarcity and describe your day-to-day life.

Endurance Test: Surviving on a Sand Planet

Describe a perilous journey of a group of Rebels crossing a desert planet.

Journey to the Unknown

Write a story about a hero or group of heroes embarking on a quest into uncharted territories.

The Supermarket Adventure

Narrate an adventure in a supermarket where each aisle is a different world.

Rediscovering Tatooine

Write a story about a new character from the Star Wars universe who arrives on Tatooine but with an unwanted…

Desert Roadtrip

Write about a desert road trip you have taken or would love to take.

Animal Adaptation

Choose an animal and write a story about its adaptation to its environment.

Desert Mirage

You wake up stranded in the middle of a desert with only a day’s water supply and no sense of…

Biome Breakdown

Write an expository piece that groups different types of biomes and their characteristics.

Dancing in the Desert

Describe an adventure through the vast, hot deserts, surviving intense heat and navigational challenges.

Being a Cactus

Write about life from a desert plant’s perspective, highlighting its struggles and triumphs.

A Desert Mirage

Explore a narrative where a character is trapped in the desert and starts hallucinating, leading to profound realizations.

The Life of a Desert Dweller

Write a day in the life of a creature or person living in the desert to uncover their struggle and…

Hues of the Desert

Write a story or poem where the color of a desert environment, at different times of the day, play a…

Desert Solitude

Write about a solitary journey in a desert landscape that you are experiencing, and what led to this journey.

Creatively compare the flat, barren desert to the complexity of human emotions.

Uncharted Territory

Create a vivid narrative set in an unforgiving landscape you are entirely unfamiliar with, such as a desert, deep ocean,…

Winter Wanderlust

Invent a narrative about experiencing a serene winter evening in a location you’ve never been.

Vampire Vacation

Write a story about a vampire that decides to take a vacation and chooses the most inappropriate, sunlight-filled destinations.

Winter’s First Glimpse

Write about the moment when you first encounter winter in a new place on your travels.

Island Adventure

Write a story of how you survive on a desert island using only the items in your backpack.

Scorching Oasis: The Desert

Experience a day and night in a desert; the extreme heat, freezing nights, and the scarce, yet vibrant, life.

Desert Diaries

Step into the shoes of a camel on a desert expo, discovering ancient ruins and meeting unique desert creatures.

Resilient Oasis

Describe an oasis, a source of hope and life, in the middle of a deserted landscape.

Echoes of the Abandoned City

Imagine a long-lost city being discovered in the heart of a desert and describe the exploration journey.

Treasure Hunt in Dreadful Dunes

Write about an adventurous tale of treasure hunters venturing into forbidden desert landscapes in pursuit of hidden wealth.

Solitary Survivor

Write about a character stranded alone in an unforeseen desert environment and their fight for survival.

Untamed Wilds

Write about a gripping adventure through some of the world’s most untamed wilderness.

Unlikely Kinship

Explore an unexpected friendship or romance that blooms amongst crew members on an icebreaker ship.

Desert’s Song

Write a piece detailing the haunting melodies carried by the winds across The Hissing Wastes.

Emotional Scenery

Choose an emotion that you’ve been feeling recently and describe it as a physical landscape.

Describe your depression as if it were a real, physical place.

Expanding Desert of Joy

Visualize your happiest moments as an oasis in a desert and examine its evolution.

Journey Through The Sahara

A desert crossing goes wrong, and you’re left alone in the Sahara desert. How do you get back to safety?

Silent Stones’ Story

Write as if you are an ancient stone in a dry desert witnessing the cycle of life.

Sculpting Landscapes

Describe the landscape where your story takes place, with particular attention to how it shapes the life of your characters.

Legendary Landscapes

Detail a primary geographical feature of your world and its impact on the culture and people living there.

Creative Writing

• Benefits of Creative Writing for Nursing Students

Desert Whales

• Where is home
• Hate, Love, and I
• A Winter Solstice
• Portrait of a Dreamer's Heart
• Time Machine
• INTO THE UNKNOWN
• A Student Nurse Journey
• Patience in the Pot
• As Ink Spills
• The Art of Brokenness
• The Broken Parts of You
• The Dream of Nursing in the Arms of Motherhood
• A little heaven
• This is Love
• Unraveling Myself
• Where is hope?
• Journey of Self-Love
• A Silent Rebellion
• Reflected Through Us, the Memories of Them
• Echoes of a Time Long Past
• My Letter to Heaven
• Sacred Steps
• Bellerophon
• Beyond this Life
• Poetry Writing Tips
• The Hearts Embrace
• The last of us
• "Chains of the past"
• Life to love in nature
• How is it like
• And so I lived
• Every moment lives in memory
• Turning the Tide
• For my family.
• Hopelessness
• To love and To care
• Domestic Life
• Be With Those Who Help Your Being
• Love That Doesn't Dissipate
• Hope Against Hope
• Sing for me
• Kept on Compromising on Life
• Fingerprints
• Butterflies in abundance
• I Wait For You
• Give me your hand
• if tomorrow were a place
• When You Are Old
• They Flee From Me
• Yours & Mine
• Love Explained
• Take, Oh, Take Those Lips Away
• An Early Winter Letter
• You Were You Are Elegy
• The Sun Rising
• Every Tangled Branch
• The Snowy Night
• The Road Not Taken
• won't you celebrate with me
• Inner peace
• Gaza Under Siege
• Nothing Worth Mentioning
• Nothing Impresses Me
• Those who pass between fleeting words
• Living life out of habit
• The Breeze Rewrites
• LIFE BE KIND!
• Life's Work
• THE MYSTIC LIFE
• THE FABRIC OF LIFE
• Love Letters
• I am blooming rose
• My Painful Love
• What is Love for you?
• Just Getting By
• HEARTBREAKS AND GAMES
• We Are Strong
• The Unseen Friend
• How a Star is Formed
• Battle Scars
• Heaven? Or Hell?
• The Last Train
• Rinse and Repeat
• #YouKnowThis.
• No Replacement
• Don't bury me yet
• Stories Lay Forgotten
• Dragonflies
• Black is this night
• The Idea of Houses
• Cure Your Slavery with Patience
• Goodbye, Lebanon
• The Subject Tonight is Love
• Why Do I do This?
• The Beginning of Speech
• Song to the Moon
• Going Ethnic
• Silent Mark
• THIS IS WHERE IT BEGINS
• Ermita in the Rain
• Back On Track
• The sea gaze
• LAUGHING TREES
• SHE WHO TREADS DOWNHILL
• UNENDING..!
• The Peaceful Mind
• Self-belief
• A friend of mine
• High School Memories
• Untitled #1
• Untitled #2
• Untitled #3
• A man's best friend
• COLORS OF GROWTH
• Long Slow Distance
• Untitled #4
• Lost Breath
• 2020 #poeTribute
• Phantom of Monaresa
• The meaning of life in a word
• The strength of my life
• Ecstasy of another world
• The Forest of Stalingrad
• Homage to the Rose
• Us Against Coronavirus
• PERFECT IMPERFECTIONS
• T H E I D E A
• BEAUTIFUL BROWN GIRL
• Would You Rather Be...
• "My Pillow knows"
• contagious smile
• 2020 #communitypoems: Week 2 Poems
• I am Endurance
• 2019 #poeTribute
• Winter Semester
• LIFE IS A RACE
• why.........
• Untitled #6
• A DUTY TO DO NO HARM
• Untitled #7
• Maybe there's never goodbye
• BEAUTY BEHIND THE SCARS
• The 21st Century Woman
• Beyond Two Sides
• Alzheimer's
• Dreams and Hopes
• New Parents
• Believe in Yourself
• Health and Safety as One
• Out of My League
• Bubblegum Tragedy
• Week 2 Poem 1
• Week 2 Poem 2
• Week 2 Poem 3
• Week 2 Poem 4
• Week 3 Poem 1
• Week 3 Poem 2
• Week 3 Poem 3
• Week 3 Poem 4
• Week 3 Poem 5
• Week 4 Poem 1
• Week 4 Poem 2
• Week 4 Poem 3

Excuse me, Confucius, lend me your ear, In the desert's grasp, truth stands blazingly clear. Through trials faced in unforgiving expanse, Life's dance unfolds, leaving its trance.

Confucius, you spoke of oceans far and wide, Whales, giants of the sea, in deep waters, they glide. And yet, you pondered about these arid lands Greatest of whales helpless succumb to desert's demands.

However, Confucius, you missed this tale untold, Desert whales, in sands both brave and bold. Transforming dunes into their vast backyards, Strength embodied into a mighty force to regard.

Unknown to your eternal and profound visions, Desert whales thrive on insurmountable precision. A simple wrong turn could spell their demise, What a treacherous place, oh Confucius, the wise.

In truth, I too, like you Confucius, blind, Unaware of tales that life would bind. A journey with friends, anxiety in tow, Into the desert's grasp, with courage, we go.

No landmarks guide, just dunes to the sky, Fear and worry reached a daunting high. My friend, the driver, a smile firmly in place, Confident, as if danger left no trace.

Little did I grasp, in that perilous ride, My comrade, a desert whale, fearlessness as his guide. Through rugged dunes, he steered with elegant grace, Determined in the desert's immense embrace.

Up and down, like a seasoned seafarer, On sandy waves, our vessel, an adventurous bearer. Anchored on a hill, amidst the shifting sand, Time passed; winds failed to disband.

A moment cherished beneath the desert's art, Traces of our path etched, immune to winds that part. Confucius, in wisdom vast and grand, Desert whales endure a saga in the sand.

- Zehra Salahuddin

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• Last Updated: Feb 13, 2024 11:04 AM
• URL: https://lc.ucalgary.edu.qa/CreativeWriting

Postcrossing Blog

Blog > june writing prompt: a desert island.

The writing prompts invite postcrossers to write about a different topic on their postcards’ messages every month. These are just suggestions though — if you already know what you want to write about, or the recipient gives you some pointers, that’s great too!

This month’s writing prompt is a classic: imagine you’re about to be stuck on a desert island. If you could choose three objects to keep with you, what would they be?

I’m personally inclined to cheat and say a motorboat, along with an umbrella to keep off the sun and a way to store fresh water… but if I’m taking it seriously, and thinking about if I had to live on a desert island, the first object would have to be Helen Hippo , because we’ve not been separated since I was two days old.

After that… assuming that all the basic needs of food, water, etc, are already taken care of, the other two objects would probably have to be books. Unless there’s internet or electricity on that island, and then I’ll just take my laptop and my ereader!

But if you’re really twisting my arm and I have to choose two books, I’d choose Katherine Addison’s The Goblin Emperor , and the illustrated edition of Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea books.

Alright, that’s enough of me—it’s your turn! What three objects would you take with you to a desert island? Feel free to be as practical or as wishful as you like. You can answer in the comments here, or use this prompt to guide what you write on your postcards this month. We look forward to hearing from you!

55 comments so far

My kindle 😀. I couldn't do without something to read.

a football, a diaryand a lot ice cream i would take with me on au island Konrad (beer-boy18)

When you say a desert island, means you are in a place where there is heat, sand and scarcity of water, so my survival kit would include a white headgear, a water tracking device and good pair of shoes.

My dream island would have to be lonely, but not deserted. So that I can satisfy my basic needs (food, water).

Then all I need is my reading glasses, a suitcase full of books and a comfortable beach chair!

HI, I would take lots of books; sunscreen and bathing suit. NO one said how long a stay would be. :) Demaris

A beach chair is a great idea. I'll add a big, sturdy umbrella, a table for my laptop, my laptop (with magical internet connections), a hammock, and some easy-going companions. I guess I'd use the desert island food delivery service, arriving by boat each day at cocktail hour!

in that case I would like to take with me my spectacles (bad eyes), hat (white skin) ánd my drawingarticles ( I like to make some impressions as souvenir) ... + at the beach I will write in the sand very big WELCOME = you can recognise "my" island and after a great fishlunch you may "rescue" me haha :-)

I am an artist and writer so I would take an art journal, pens, and all my watercolor art supplies, plus a picture of my son, and grand baby.

Hello everyone. I would take books with me to a desert island (perhaps it's banal), I just love to read. I would also take a blanket, since I am a cold person and I need it even in warm weather. Most likely , the third thing I will take is knitting threads , I love to create something with my own hands . Thank you to everyone who read to the end, with love Olya!

The most important question is: does this Island have a Post Box? 😀 Otherwise I might just take my hammer and some nails to build one out of some flotsam on the beach. My second idea is to take pen, paper and a bottle with me to create a message in a bottle and sent it out into the wide ocean. That's exciting!

My wife isn't going to read this is she? Well then I would take our Dog ! Lots of his favorite food. For me a well stocked source of Food. How long is this going to be? I would Not take any device to connect to the outside world,. I know somewhere there is a Hermit live a happy Blissful life, not knowing the constant terrible news caused by stupid people !!! Come on Dog you can be off lease and run to you hearts content.

I need Sun protection, a lough chair and a radio. Then I'm OK. I will find food and something to drink. I can swim naked because no-one is there...hihi. I'm gonna be in "heaven" for a while.

Assuming food and water are provided, I would take with me: a very comfortable (beach) chair, Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy and an unholy amount of yarn and a crochethook (to me, that's one item!)

Wow! Earthsea is very good idea! And Tolkien too!

1. Flint for fire 2. Knife We agreed to be honest, right? 3. Bible

I would take a tent, flint and a pan to boil water and cook any food I could get ! 🤷🏻‍♀️ Honestly I hope it never happens as when I watch survivor I don’t know how they do it. And they aren’t alone ( oh so maybe I would take my family)

BIG BRIMMED HAT and hand held water sprayer a dried ice machine.

A knife, something to dig and matches, all for the primitive life on a (deserted) island ..

A blanket , a knife, and a filter water straw.

I would take Babesushka (a toy that I've had since i was 2 yo, Bible and my best friend :)

I am assuming there will be water, some kind of food and ways to make shelter with that said: I would have to first take my dogs, I have decided I never want to be with out them by my side. Some way to have music all kinds of music, folk, classic, blue grass, pop, swing and so on. and books.

Magicwand and two wishes.

A diary a dog and my ipod

I would bring my iPad so I could keep posting regularly to my POD Postcard blog.

I'll take my favorite concert grand piano with me ;)

I'm a survival expert after watching every episode of the TV show Naked and Afraid (it's a joke haha). These are my survival items to use on a desert island (uninhabited and without electricity): 1. Camping tent to protect me from the heat and cold. Trying to sleep a little more comfortable haha 2. A knife for: chopping firewood, hunting, preparing food, etc. 3. A flint to make fire. With that I could boil water, cook and heat myself. It makes the days I would spend in this place a lot easier.

I would take Bear Grylls with me,,,he’ll keep me alive...his expertise to build shelter, source food and drinkable water, his survival skills will keep us safe until rescued. 🤔😉

I don't know if it's considered cheating, but I have what I call my "GO-BAG," which is like my emergency bag that has all my essentials. I have one at home and one in my car. So either one will be my #1 choice to bring.

Love all of your choices, ok some more than others 😆 I am an UNHIDE lover, so my blanket would have to come with me, it is thick enough to sleep on and warm enough for those cool nights, second thing, sunscreen, I wear it all year round, I am so light skin, i used to be called Casper. ( need a few cases of this) and third, well that is easy, a how to survive on a desert island book….

You so make my ❤️ smile…some of you are darn funny

Nice to read all the comments, my survival kit would be a knife , a boat and some food .

A Bible, a cap and a knife! :)

A warm blanket, lipbalm and Raoul Bova

a spade to dig for water a tent a fishing rod

big knife, magnifying glass, sturdy shoes

my husband...he's a modern "MacGyver," a big blank art journal, and a canvas bag full of artistic supplies

My favorite pottery mug, a small painting showing a gothic brick house from my home town and a cosy blanket..

I think I would choose more practical things like a knife, notebook (for taking notes about the experience and, overall, not losing the mind) and flint.

Sunblock , tent , camera , water, books. And more sunblock. :)

Cellphone and connection Postcrossing things, postcards pen stamps washitape Return ticket to leave

Snorkeling equipment would be nice. And a knife; assuming there's trees there and I could try to make items out of wood, only using that knife. Not that I've tried that before, except making a stick to stick the hot dogs on when heating them on the fire.... Not sure what else to bring. It should be something that I could use everyday, which could help me "kill some time".

I would take a hat, sunglasses and my cellphone :-)

Some great books I have'nt read yet... A confortable tent... A camera.

A lifetime supply of SPF- and because I can't leave them behind, my 2 crazy kittens... XD

What are all the books and stuff worth, if you don`t have some big bags of coffee with you ?!

I would take a solar powered generator to charge my iPad. In addition I would the bits and peices of a model railway I have collected over the years and hopefully complete it!

A homing beacon for when I get sick of living on the island, a knife and a huge box of matches

I would take my woman's survival kit better known as my handbag!! It has everything in it. The complete set of Harry Potter books. Biscuits. As long as I have biscuits I can survive anything.

My three things would be my bible my hubby and grandson. No matter how many times I read it there is always something new to learn in it. My hubby is there for companionship and he's a great helper. My grandson because I couldn't imagine being there without him! With him our imaginations combined there is unlimited potential in having fun. Not just sand castles to be built but forts and imaginary animals to defend.

I would take my fishing equipment, my awesome wife and a hammock made for two!

Assuming that all basic needs such as food, water, electricity are met, I'll bring my dog, my family's picture and my camera I don't need internet because I want to enjoy life alone. I need electricity because I want to charge my camera, I want to use it to record my life, like sunrise and sunset, every meal, every day changes and how I'm getting old~😆 I want to take my dog, he can walk with me and listen to me~~ I am worried about losing my language skills🤔

I love the previous answer of a photograph. I would bring a photograph of all those I love, good chocolate and the Bible.

For anyone who enjoyed this topic, you might enjoy the programme "Desert Island Discs" of the BBC - the person has to select 7 songs from their life, pick which one they'd save if they could only save 1 and also choose a luxury object and a book to take with them. This programme is still on and has an archive dating back decades, some very famous people and some less famous people - most really interesting to listen! https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnmr

Notebook, pen/pencil kit, and camera

Hello,as for me I would take the sun buttery, phone and equipment for getting normal water from salty!

Wonderful ! On a desert island ? situation a- Water, food and Mosquito net/Fly Screen. Island with distant human presence Mosquito net/ Fly screen, much paper..very much and pens or pencils... good life all you

A packet of jelly babies My pet ant An adjustable spanner

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Creative Writing: A Day in the Desert

Build your child's creative skills with this engaging printable worksheet, while writing about a day in the desert..

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A day in the desert

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• 110.4.b.11.A
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• 110.4.b.12.B
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• 110.6.b.11.B
• 110.6.b.12.B
• LAFS.4.W.1.2
• 110.6.b.12.A
• LAFS.4.W.1.3

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You have been stranded on a desert island. Describe your first 24 hours alone on the island.

Hannah Greenslade   Y10 Coursework Assignment 2   5/11/01

Task; You have been stranded on a desert island. Describe your first 24 hours alone on the island.

The first thing that hit me was the smell. Even before I opened my eyes, I knew where I was. The tantalizing scent of washed-up waves and bananas all rolled into one. I felt the millions of grains of sand, hot against my fingers and the cool breeze against my face, - a relief from the sweltering sun. I heard the sea crawling onto the sand and, further away, the same monster dashing against the rocks. As I opened my mouth to take in a gulp of air, I tasted salt in my throat. Not the same taste as on Brighton Pier, when you look over into the sea, but a fresh, clean one, as if taking in pure oxygen. Only then, when my four other senses had taken in their share of my surroundings, did I allow myself to open my eyes.

I was amazed at how easily fantasy and reality intertwined at that moment. It was like continuing a dream after waking up. As I lifted my eyelids, as the barrier between my imagination and actuality was removed, the accuracy of my prediction astounded me.

As I sat up and looked around, I realized that I must have been asleep for a long time, as my sopping wet clothes were completely dry. I could just see the island on which I had been staying, a strip of land on the contrasting horizon. The rubber dinghy, my means of travel, was almost flat now, having carried my body weight so far across the sea. This place, where I had ended up, was the best case scenario. I didn’t really have any idea where I wanted to go, but anywhere was better than that resort. You know when you see holiday disaster programs on television about families who had to stay on a building site or put up with drunken neighbors? Well think of those and imagine it ten times worse. I hadn’t bargained for a brothel as an apartment building or Ibiza style clubs, it was pretty much my idea of hell. When I let myself drift away on the inflatable, all I could think of was the peace and quiet of somewhere like this.

It was only when I looked up that I realized how dark it was becoming. The sand had a more dull quality and the sea looked grey. I was aware of how much more happy and relaxed I was to be alone, and in a place like this!

This is a preview of the whole essay

I set about looking for a good resting-place and soon came across a shallow cave. I collected enough grass and leaves to line the floor and made a circle of rocks outside for a fire. I felt so excited, as if I was on one of the school camps I used to go on when I was younger. After I had arranged the firewood into a wigwam like formation, I fished my lighter out of my pocket. To my surprise and delight, a flame sprang up straight away and I attempted to light some of the smaller twigs. I found it slightly ironic that my lighter worked after being wet for so long, but the wood from this boiling hot island was too damp to light.

After several attempts, I coaxed a small blaze from the pile, which I fed until it got going properly. Then I lay on my back and gazed at the stars, “Swallows and Amazons” style, until my campfire was down to its last orange embers. I folded my jumper into a pillow and lay down in my cave- bedroom. Soon I was drifting into the land which they call sleep, the land where nothing really matters. I don’t know whether I dreamed that night or not, but I knew that for the first time in my life, I was genuinely happy.    

The sun awakened me, beating down hot and yellow. My watch said 4:15, it obviously wasn’t waterproof! I stood up and wandered down to a large, smooth, flat rock by the water, a perfect diving board. I stripped down to my underwear, took a deep breath and dived into the luxuriously cool water. I rose to the surface, spluttering. After regaining myself, a rush of sudden happiness took over my body. I splashed about, screaming and yelling, beating the water with my palms and turning somersaults in the water. I was ecstatic to be completely stress-free with nothing and no one to bother me. I could stay there as long as I liked, no one would miss me and no one would come looking for me.

I had an overwhelming desire to discover everything about the island right then. Was there anyone living there? I hoped not, I came here to get away from civilisation. Was it really an island? From what I could see, it was, but it could be part of a mainland. How big was it? I wanted to know all about it right now, so I clambered out of the water. I started to make my way to the place where you could walk between the rocks and the sea, a little way from where I was originally washed up. I hummed to myself as I squeezed my way along the narrow path. Soon, the walkway became wider and an obvious path up over the rocks became clear. I started to scramble up, making sure I was still keeping close to the sea.

What I saw at the top nearly made me jump out of my skin. A crater, it must have been 100 metres across, dominated the island. From my spot, I could see that apart from my little home area, this was the whole space. It really was the tiniest piece of free-standing land I had ever seen in my life. The crater must have come from the Second World War and I could see that at one end, a great deal of the cliff had collapsed into the sea.

Now that I had a good picture of what I inhabited, I headed back down to my camp. What I had seen shocked me, and led me to wander whether any lives were lost when that bomb struck. It was obviously a significant island before, and it was probably assumed that all that was left was in ruins. I didn’t suppose that anyone had visited since and I doubted that it was on the map. I could have been the only person that knew about this place in the whole world, what a thought!

I remembered my slightly uncomfortable sleep the night before and set about trying to construct some sort of hammock. I found several long branches, bend them into the right shape and secured them with thick grasses. I then found some large, plate sized leaves which I placed over the holes. I pulled the stuffing out of the coat that I no longer needed and arranged it on top. I secured the mattress with more big leaves pegged down with little twigs. I used my bootlaces to hang it with so it was with great strain that it managed to take my weight. My construction was a darn sight more comfortable than the ground and I was quite proud of it. I settled down on my hammock to reflect on the day.

I wasn’t worried about being stranded forever. One, there were regular ships which passed by, so if I really wanted to, I could make a smoke signal to be rescued. And two, I was having the time of my life and probably would stay for weeks, months, maybe even years to come. I was glad that I was the only one on this tiny island. It was no one else’s but mine and I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Maybe someday I would return home, but at that moment, I was perfectly happy where I was.

Teacher Reviews

Here's what a teacher thought of this essay.

Jeff Taylor

This is an almost flawless essay. The scenario is effectively set at the beginning and the story is developed smoothly as the protagonist explores her new home. The joy of finding herself alone is well expressed in the final paragraph. Sentence and paragraph structure are well-controlled, with only one or two small slips. A few compound sentence structures would be improved by the comma being replaced by a semicolon, but this is nit-picking. One IS left wondering how the protagonist is going to find food.... 5 stars.

Document Details

• Word Count 1357
• Page Count 3
• Subject English

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creative writing desert island

Subject: English

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

22 February 2018

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