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 Engaging the reader's attention, to the point where the reader feels what the characters are feeling, requires digging into the scene without overdoing it. It's too easy to write about what is happening without involving our other senses, yet in real life, we're bombarded with them. When we're outside, we don't just see the landscape, we hear it moving in the wind, caressing our skin, and flavoring the air with scents, and sometimes, even taste it. That's what each of us want to do with our reader--set the scene so that the reader is there with our characters.
When people enter my house, one of the first things they mention is the smell. Because I frequently cook with spices, it permeates the atmosphere and people begin to associate the smell of sweet spices with my home. And then there is the decor, often described as old world, with warm greens, yellows, and tans. If I were writing about my home, for the tactile aspect, I'd include the large cat that rubs his fur against newcomers, only to hiss, swat and glare at anyone who reaches down to pet him. Offer your character a cup of coffee, flavored with vanilla and hazelnut creme, and the reader's mouth with taste it.
Writing a book is more than telling a story, it's experiencing that story. When you're writing, be sure to add a few scents, tastes, and textures to it for the reader's pleasure.
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