Tip #233: Using motion

We’re biologically geared to take notice of things in motion. Anything that moves of its own volition is either potential food or a potential threat... So instead of having your character “sitting” in a perfectly still forest, describe the trees swaying in a soft breeze...  or show the squirrels racing up the boles of pine trees, or tell of the sound of a branch snapping, which might portend danger.

One writing exercise that I find that works well for the opening of tale is to describe the scene using only active verbs (no was, or were, or anything that shows a static setting.)

http://davidfarland.net/writing_tips/?a=73