"Shifting" is defined as “to move from one place to another, especially over a small distance.” As a verb, it means “a slight change in position, direction, or tendency.” In writing, we shift tenses, viewpoint, setting, and voice. Much like grammar and syntax, style plays an important role in the writing field. Style can be expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative. It all depends on the message or purpose of what the writer wishes to convey. 

For writers of fiction, their style is mostly descriptive. One of the least explored ways of how to shift viewpoint, place, and the mood is physical description. Sensory details provide a strong sense of reality through nouns and verbs use to convey sight, sound, smell, and touch. But descriptions do not stop at showing. They are useful and effective methods in bridging one episode to the next in an efficient manner. Most of the time the reader does not even notice the transition, which makes it effective. Consider these examples:

Shifting the viewpoint: The unsettling, murky waters of Lake Eerie gave Fiona a fever of restlessness. The decrepit boat had holes, and while Fiona used a bucket to bail out the water, thunder and lightning roared on the horizon. Fiona grabbed Carl’s arm in panic. (Shift to Carl’s viewpoint) Carl held Fiona closer to him and kissed her. He grinned. Now is the time to kill her and throw her off the boat. All her property will be mine!

Shifting the place: (Drinking bar) Gaston gulped his single malt as he shot a glance outside the filthy bar through a glass window. (Outside) Pierre, in a heavy trench coat, was puffing a cigarette as he watched Gaston shaking in fear. (Back in the bar) Gaston knew he was surrounded. He didn’t want to show that he was scared. He stood and rushed to the men’s room. (Men’s room) He found that it stank with vomit, urine, and feces. It could no longer recall when it had its last cleaning. Gaston was pissed that the men’s room had no ventilation where he could slip out.

Shifting the mood: (Happy and excited) Corbin lay naked on the white bed. The air-conditioned room and the clean, white sheets excited him. He was eager to meet the escort he had booked for overnight sex. It was almost nine o'clock. On the lamp table were three latex condoms he bought at the convenience store. With a grin, he thought about Gina’s profile on the escort website. She was tall, fair-skinned, and has a frame that could pass for a beauty contestant. A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Corbin bolted toward the door. (Shift to disappointment and irritation) He felt his blood rushing into his head. The woman before her was short and stout. “Is this some kind of bait and switch!” he said, gritting his teeth.

In using description to shift, make sure that the end of an episode is connected to what will happen next. Your transition must link situations without disrupting the flow of events.

(Living room) Ludwig accidentally dropped the stainless steel urn, spilling the ashes of his mother-in-law. It made a sharp, clanging sound. (Upstairs) “What was that?” his wife called from upstairs.