Already it is here... all the articles about how to look your best at the beach and lose three sizes so you can fit into those perfect pair of jeans. Summer time = increase interest in gym memberships and working out. No more hot chocolate and curling up in a comfy chair while watching snowflakes, it is time to hit the treadmill!
For the writer, losing words can be just about has hard as shedding pounds. And yet, sometimes less is more. You can say it is a painted blue horizon with a tint of azure, or you can simply say it is a brilliant blue sky.
The key to cutting out useless words is to narrow the focus. Is the beautiful sky the focal point of your chapter? If not, then trim down on the descriptives about the sky and focus on your character's ill-fated trip into town. We want to know less about the weather and more about our clueless hero who is wandering straight into a gunfight!
Too many descriptive sentences can drown the reader in a sea of useless information. Think of detail as a seasoning. Add too much seasoning, and dinner will be inedible. (P.S. If you mention "turkey burgers" to my husband, I'm sure he still remembers my "creativity" with the spice rack!)
Next time you write, don't be afraid to cut out description! Keep your writing healthy by detailing the important events instead of just fattening up the page. :-)
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