Write out and develop word choices for key nouns and adjectives. Several words describe the same places, people and things. In describing the setting of a story, the term "lawn" can be called "yard," "backyard," "turf" or "grass." When writing about a female character, you might identify her by her real name, a nickname, a pseudonym, or by using Mrs. or Ms. Come up with a list of all possible choices for similar subject matter.
Use plain nouns. In his book "On Writing Well," writing coach William Zinsser says after verbs, "plain nouns" make for the strongest writing because they are clear, straightforward, and precise. Words such as "justice," "peace" and "calm" are all strong "plain nouns" because they carry emotion and don't need embellishment.
Allow adjectives to do the work they are meant to do, Zinsser writes. By writing the "blue ocean," the adjective only tells us the color and does little to describe what the ocean is actually doing. Writing about the ocean being "windswept," "calm" or "wild" forces the adjectives to do their job. In describing a plot, adjectives give the reader a sense of the kind of story you are building---a "malicious" sister, "brutal" killing or "corrupt" politician.
Place adjectives strategically. By "placing gold coins along the path," writing coach Roy Peter Clark of the Poynter Institute, suggests using descriptive terms and phrases throughout the story in order to build up to the end. In other words, spread out the story so "hooks" along the way hold the interest of the reader. Just like a good movie doesn't give away the full plot or reveal all the secrets of a character within the first 10 minutes, writing for story should do the same.