Descriptions, like backstory can be difficult for writers. When and how to introduce a character, setting, or motivation, if not done well comes across like a glob of information dumped in the middle of the page. When this happens, the readers often skips ahead or stops reading.

Chris the story reading Ape, does a great job discussing descriptions in the post below. Be sure to let him know you like it.
Also, for additional help with descriptions, check out the Physical Feature Thesaurus and The Urban/Rural Settings Thesaurus at http://writershelping writers.net.

Thanks Chris!

Originally posted as the Dun Writin’—Now Whut? series on this blog, EDITING 101 is a weekly refresher series for some of you and brand new for others.

Courtesy of Adirondack Editing

Do You Have Description Depression?

Are you a writer who uses rich, lush descriptions for their settings and characters? Or one who just wants “the facts, Ma’am, just the facts”? Is it an effort to decide how much description to use, where, and exactly what?

If you struggle with Description Depression in your writing, you’re not alone. There isn’t a “correct” way to use description in fiction, although, in my humble opinion, you’re better off using too little than too much.

In over describing, a writer runs the risk of annoying their readers. Many readers admit to skipping over large amounts of description. It didn’t used to be that way. Before the age of movies, television, the Internet, and smartphones…

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3 thoughts on “EDITING 101: 02 – Description Depression…”

Loved this. I am a skipper. I hate reading paragraph after paragraph describing the Dutchess’ dress-I could care less that it has 5 gold buttons with one being slightly bent at the top, and don’t forget the ruffles and tufts and silk bands surrounding the midriff. I think I forgot the lace trim. Oh yes and it was slightly above her ankles, which means it was borrowed. 🙂

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Sheila M. Good, Author

September 9, 2016 at 7:16 PM

Loved your response and I agree! Thanks so much for stopping by my little neck of the woods. I hope you will visit again and thanks for commenting.

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