In today’s world we’re very visually motivated. Because of savvy marketing gimmicks, we often make decisions based on eye appeal and not performance. Bells and whistles and cross-the-heart promises sell us everything from dressed-up paperweights to lighter-than-air feather dusters–and usually, all for a mere $19.95.
From cleaning supplies, food, clothing, make-up, and countless everyday products to the more costly things such as cars, homes, and vacations, we are inundated with hundreds of attractive choices. Some of the marketed goods live up to our expectations (and the touted guarantees), but many do not.
Now, I like choices. I like the freedom to make an informed choice. I do have a bit of a problem with the wool being intentionally pulled over my eyes or when the “eye candy” is so sugary that it could make an aspirin seem sweet.
I’ve thought about the eye candy analogy a lot as I write. Sometimes, as writers we walk a fine line between the use of fancy adjectives and detailed description (eye candy) when what we really need to do is to concentrate on crafting a great story.
Many years ago, I was sitting in a writing class taught by a petite, silver-bunned matron who, I’m guessing, was about 80 or so at the time. I was young, naïve, and wondered what on earth I was thinking when I signed up for her class.
As it turned out, this woman was a wellspring of information. She was kind, down-to-earth, and very approachable. She was also brilliant, detail-oriented, and had a genuine desire to share her knowledge of the craft she loved so much.
As she taught, she often repeated the obvious. I wondered why then, but now I realize it was because of the repetitive factor. The more we hear things, the more likely we are to remember them. (Kind of like when someone hears the Gospel initially. It may take many times before Christ’s message fully impacts.)
To this day, I recall much of what this instructor taught–seemingly common sense basics, but ones that we often think are for others and not us. To paraphrase:
When writing, think simple instead of “flowery.” Crafting a memorable story and penning a remarkable tale will always win hands down over that which is bogged down in catalog-like description.
Dressing a skunk in finery can’t disguise its scent. These creatures might seem cute in cartoons, but getting up close and personal with them often turns out to be a stinky experience. In other words, all the “eye candy” in the world won’t help a poorly plotted novel.
See our work as a comparison shopper might. Initially, the bells and whistles might garner attention, but when the product is opened, will it delight or disappoint? Will the inside be what the outside has promised?
Verbs aren’t restmats. Choose action words carefully and creatively. We don’t want our readers to pause and take a nap. Strong verbs will keep the story moving.
Create colorful characters, but don’t get carried away with the paintbrush. A little description goes a long way. Simply describe the pretty dress without revealing the petticoat.
Make your words your “eye candy.” Let them stand on their own merit. Have your story show that the “proof is in the pudding.” Cursing should never carry a novel; to do so not only disrupts the flow of the story. It intimates ignorance for lack of a better vocabulary. (And, I might add here, since I write Christian fiction, foul language won’t be in my books. I know all the words–I just choose not to use them.)
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What other aspects in Christian fiction might be appropriate “eye candy”?
Photo Credit: thaikrit/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Blessings Always,
Comments 8
My hubby always says that, “cursing is just a lack of not having/knowing a better word to use…no thought in your word use…no thought at all. A simple way out.” Or as you said it perfectly, “It intimates ignorance for lack of a better vocabulary.”
That’s kind of sad when you think about it.
I love the eye candy concept!
Sometimes when I’m revising, I love when I find a great string of words that amaze even me…and I can say, “Hey, I wrote that!”
Great post!
Author
Ahhh, Loree…what great fun in revising! Seriously, words are exciting and when we find a phrase that really resonates it is indeed “eye candy.”
Happy Friday!
When I’m writing, I try to describe things the way my character sees things. If she’s an artist, then there will be many colorful words or painted words, but when the hero is a business tycoon, he’ll see things from a different perspective. Sterile words. Some big but not “pull out the dictionary” big. And many of his metaphors will be business like because it’s what he knows.
If our characters aren’t flowery, then the words when in their head shouldn’t be either. In my opinion. Great post!!
Author
Jess, good points. I’m curious…are there any Lucille Ball types in your fiction? For some reason, Lucy springs to mind when I think of you. 🙂
Have a super weekend!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this, C! I was reading something the other day that was dripping with description– so much so that I wanted to throw it out the window. “Get to the story already!!” On the other hand, too little description leaves me with too many questions to focus on the story itself.
I was reading something for a friend not long ago and realized that the descriptions were so vague that when he did finally describe the setting with some detail I was taken out of the story completely because it went against everything I had already created in my mind.
Love this post. Thanks!!
Author
Jenny, I love description! Unfortunately, not everyone can appreciate when a sunset/sunrise is described 1,000 different ways as I have found out over the years. lol! Our brutally honest critique partners help keep us in check on that one.
You gave a great “eye candy” example!
I love those colorful candies, so pretty! I like a phrase that flows and immediately sparks an image.
Author
Patti, I agree. And I think it takes tremendous practice (AKA skill) to make it seem so effortless.