Archive for November, 2009

Writing Description: Week 3

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

Okay, so I got some really good comments last week on my blog (which is where I also post these tips), so I decided to feature them.

On we go,

1. Sam says, ” . . . always keep in mind when writing that the one rule which, when broken, will always end badly, is that anything overused will become a chore to read. Any writer knows that using the same word frequently looks bad (Synonyms are your friend ) and the same is true with description. When you have a scene in your head, don’t try to describe everything in it possible. Writing takes a bit of feel and luck to get the various things that need to be balanced, balanced, (something which usually comes with practice and criticism) and description definitely requires balance.”

This is just a rehash of what =nephthis said last week, but it bears repeating. One of the most annoying things you can do to your reader is interrupt the flow of your story in order to put in useless description.

2. TazHall states, “One good writing exercise is to look at real people and places and write a detailed description of them. Like go to the mall or some other public places. That should help flex the description muscles.”

This exercise is incredible if you are looking to work on your description skills. If you have trouble writing descriptions, try this.

Thank you, guys, for participating. If anyone else wishes to participate . . . that’s what the comments are for.

- Michelay

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Writing Backgrounds Week 2

Friday, November 13th, 2009

So, when I write backgrounds (and this is something I am weak with), first I have to picture the scene in my mind. In order to write your scene in such a way that your reader will enjoy, you need to know everything about the scene–at least, that’s how I do it. My particular problem is that I don’t have an imagination for backgrounds. I’m usually more interested in what the characters are doing.

What helps me is having my friend ask about the scene. She makes me think about the things that I don’t normally think about. It’s annoying, but effective.

Remember, that the reader wants to immerse themselves into your story. You must give them enough to go on. Think about what the scene feels like and looks like. Is it cool or hot? Remember to tell the reader everything they need to properly picture the scene. It helps to have someone look over it and ask the difficult questions.

There is one more point that =nephthis so graciously posted. While you have to know everything about the scene, your reader doesn’t.

He (She?) states, “I think it’s important to remember the balance between describing your surroundings and sticking to your story. You need to leave SOMETHING to the reader’s imagination, or else they’re going to get bored after reading two chapters of straight description.”

And it’s true. While description is very important to the story, it is the characters that run the plot. Make sure your readers are not lost in the description or that the description does not interrupt the flow of your story.

- ~Michelay

Posted in Ramblings | 3 Comments »

Writing Backgrounds

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Thought I forgot about you all? Nope. It’s just October had a 4th and 5th Friday.  Now, I’ll still write on things I find interesting, but I haven’t read anything interesting.

November already. I’ll be out of tip topics soon . . . if not already. If anyone still reads this, then suggestions will be nice. Take the time to look at the index (which I will update sometime soon . . . hopefully . . . God willing) so we don’t get repeat tips.

On with the tip.

Week 1: Introduction
Week 2: Picture This
Week 3: Immerse the Reader

Okay. So today we are talking about describing backgrounds. This is something I have serious issues with . . . descriptions are my weaknesses. If ever there was a time to share your expertise, this is it. Comment below on your tips and tricks.

But for this month I will try and delve into how to translate the scene in your head into text. First I would say that before you try to describe a scene, you would be wise to picture the scene. This can be tricky even if you are a visual person like me. I can visualize actions and plots, but once you ask me to describe a dress the character is wearing or the specifics of a background, I have trouble telling you about it.

But a description is one of the things that make your world come alive, so it is worth the time to think about. And it’s worth writing well.

So let’s get ready and jump in. As I said before, help (comments) will be appreciated.

Posted in Writing Tips | 2 Comments »