In order for the reader to see
your make believe world as clearly as you see it, you need to be specific.
This does not mean long
descriptions or emphasising the way characters react to their environment. It
means when you make a claim (it was an amazing library) or assign an emotion
(she loved him), you have to back it up (what was so amazing about the library?
What did she love about him?).
This is quite difficult,
especially if you’re trying to avoid the clichés most commonly used.
Most
aspiring writers just don’t bother. People will know what you mean by
‘beautiful’ or ‘welcoming’ and anyway it isn’t all that important to the overall
story, so why waste time trying to come up with just the right detail?
Or why not
just add a bunch of details that give the general idea?
When a writer makes a generic
statement or expects you to take their word for it, the thing it immediately
screams is: “I couldn’t think of anything good!”
Whether that is true or not is
beside the point. That’s the impression it gives.
Most of the time the writer isn’t
even aware they’re doing it. They mention the MC didn’t like being stuck in the
classroom doing geography with Mrs Bentley—what’s so hard to understand about
that? But that isn’t the question you need to ask. The question is, why do you
think the reader cares? Just because you have expressed some opinion through a
character, why should the reader pay any attention. ?
It is a strange thing, but in
order to appeal to as universal an audience as possible, you need to highlight
the most specific and unusual details in your story. This is why inexperienced
writers are recommended to ‘write what you know’. You are far more likely to be
aware of those personal, unique moments with regard to your subject if you have
some experience of it in real life. It’s not that you can’t use your
imagination, it’s that if you haven’t developed the skills and techniques
required to convey that information to the reader nobody will believe you,
whether you’re describing a train pulling into a station, or a space cruiser flying
through an asteroid belt.
When you are able to crystallise
your point with a specific detail or example, not only does it convince those
people who have some knowledge of the subject that you know what you’re talking
about, it also convinces people who have no prior knowledge that you know what
you’re talking about.
Being specific lends your voice
authority.
This has nothing to do with show
versus tell, or about accuracy or realism. How well you describe something, how
vivid and easy to see it is won’t make it any more interesting. The specificity
is down to you choosing the thing that will make a connection with the reader. Because
it cuts straight to the truth.
This is my favourite tree. That doesn’t mean anything
If I describe the tree very
accurately using beautiful language, it will still be a boring depiction of a
tree. Everyone already knows what a tree looks like and nobody cares about my arboreal
preferences.
If the reason I’m focused on the
tree is because of how me and my brother used to play in that tree, and today
is his funeral, then my favourite tree becomes about a specific thing. And in
doing so it becomes true for everyone.
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16 comments:
Make a connection - check!
Very good point. I have always heard write what you know. Now I know why. When I write what I know, it's smoother and more readable.
I was reading a book today that mentioned they singed a chicken in preparation for plucking. It ruined the story for me for pages. I have plucked and singed chickens...the plucking comes first.
Nice. The examples really illustrate your point. Thank you.
I really like your point about highlighting unusual details to prevent a description from being too predictable. At the same time, I think sprinkling a few common details, but doing this sparingly, might also help the reader visualize the object/person because these details might make them feel connected to something familiar.
@alex-yes, connect through sharing specifics, not generalities.
@Gail-there is actually a technique where you give what seems like the wrong information, and then point out that it's wrong through another character. It makes the reader identify strongly with the person who provides the correction.
@Fairview-you're welcome.
@Cynthia-certainly, there's a whole school of thought (minimalism) where small details build up a strong picture full of subtext, but it's very easy to do a bad job of it.
"This is my favorite tree" in what college freshman compositions are rife with. You've conveyed what's wrong with this very well. Thanks.
Nice post, great advice! This is one of those areas that can be tough to nail down for a new writer, often leaning too far in either direction--too vague or too bogged down with details. That sweet spot in the middle is the place to aim for.
J.W. Alden
Useful advice. I'm guilty of not being very specific in my writing!
Surprisingly, it usually only takes a short sentence or two to make that connection or add that one needed bit of specific detail to bring the scene to life.
Great advice, thanks!
@sara-don't tell the freshmen, you know how sensitive they can be.
@JW-I think there's wiggle room for voice in that sweet spot. But you need your own idea of how to express yourself first, you can't just wing it on the day.
@jnana-it's hard to do, which is why people tend to avoid it, and also why they shouldn't.
@Julie-yes, it's more about the idea than it is the words.
This is one of those 'less is more' situations and remembering to show not tell too.
A to Z of Nostalgia
@Rosalind-it is, but it's still possible to show and be concise and still fail to engage the reader. Showing cliche's and making pithy but predictable observations is of no help. Equally, you can 'tell' something interesting and capture the reader's attention. It isn't about the tool, it's about the skill of the craftsman.
Great post. I agree that specifics make stories real.
Excellent post! I wholly agree with this.
@Rachna-now we just need to convince everyone else.
Cherie-Cheers.
That was really thoughtful and helpful.
thanks for sharing
martine