When is the description too much
- Inkroverts
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Re: When is the description too much
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monikelldell wrote: ↑14 Jul 2019, 01:50 In my opinion description becomes too much when it doesn't add to the story any longer. I think the best authors use description for a purpose and not just to fill space.
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This is an awesome point that I agree with. I prefer reading the actions and reactions of a character to get to know them rather than page after page of backstory. Some backstory is important but too much is exactly that, too much!arc1g15 wrote: ↑10 Sep 2019, 02:26 I think, in terms of character description and backstory, it’s a case of show v tell, and you as a reader need to decide how much telling you can handle. I’m a fan of authors showing us their character through how they respond to events, rather than slapping in loads of backstory to explain why they did this or that. I also think profanity should be used only sparingly, even if it is true to life or a particular character that they would swear a lot. It just doesn’t read well otherwise.
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Yeah I agree, I particularly like those very minuscule details that speak volumes, when an author zooms in on one aspect of a character rather than trying to describe their appearance entire. To give a pretty poor example: bitten fingernails can tell me that a character is nervous.Rosemary Wright wrote: ↑11 Sep 2019, 10:51 For me, I think there should be a good balance. Though, sometimes, it's not easy, an author should try to give just enough description of characters and scenes to enable readers to relate more to the story.
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