Friday, January 8, 2016

Why is description SO important?

When I think of a coffee shop, I imagine a place that is cozy and welcoming. Somewhere to unwind and relax...or somewhere to study or chat with a good friend.

But if I were to write about my character walking into a coffee shop, saying, 'Sarah went into her favorite coffee shop to unwind because it was such a cozy place,'...not only would be terribly cliche and bland...but would not give the reader a chance to visualize the scene.

Even though it's easy to just assume the reader knows that a coffee shop is a good place to relax, we mustn't make the mistake of leaving out description.

While giving a five page detailed description of all the different coffee flavors and sizes displayed behind the counter would be much too penetrating...it is very important to make your readers constantly aware of the surroundings in each scene.

I have to admit that while dialogue is my strength, I always have to work extra hard on description. It's so easy to move along the story and conversation between characters without giving enough details on the setting.

If the reader can't picture a room in which your scene is taking place, they are going to be confused and frustrated.

So...how to describe your characters surroundings without giving way too many unnecessary details?

From reading good fiction, I've noticed the books that grab attention the most, don't tell, but SHOW detail through the POV character.

So what actually makes the coffee shop cozy and welcoming? We can find out through what is going on in Sarah's mind when she walks in.

What is the very first thing Sarah probably notices? Most likely the strong aroma of the many flavors of drinks. And probably the soft jazz music playing on the speakers in the background.

Little details like these give a relaxing and laid back effect which will automatically show the reader what kind of a place it is without flat out 'telling'.

While Sarah probably isn't going to observe every detail in each painting on the walls, basic details like tables, people, etc., should at least be pointed out, so the reader can see through the character's eyes.

As long as you keep the reader informed with the surroundings in each scene, the story will keep its flow and paint the reader the picture you want them to see!

Next week we will go into more detail on describing through the senses of see, feel, touch, taste, etc...

Have a happy weekend! :)