Writing in the Details…Or Not

Photo Credit: feralindeed/Creative Commons

I tend to be a detail-oriented person. I like to study people wherever I go–the mall, the bookstore, church, Starbucks, and even flea markets to name a few.

Details excite me. They add dimension to the characters I craft. Sprinkling in a few particulars here and there at just the right time can offer a great deal.

For instance:

• Suzy Sunshine seems so perky. She has a ready smile and an affinity for polka-dots, coffee, and chocolate. She’s a collector of vintage postcards and a classic movie buff. Her Craftsman cottage is a mish-mash of gently used charm. Suzy has a new puppy named Lucy. When Suzy gets home from work, the first thing she does is kick off her heels. Then she chokes back tears and tries to ignore her favorite picture frame as she heads toward the kitchen.

• Dynamic Dan is a study in blue. Muted shades to be exact. From clothing to bed sheets, it’s clearly his favorite color. Dan teaches high school science and he has a preference for ultra fine point Sharpies–in what else? Blue. Dan’s favorite food is pizza. But only Italian sausage with olives and absolutely no onion. He watches the weather channel and likes to talk water cycles on dates. He’s confident he’ll win the girl of his dreams. His pastor told him so.

• Rugged Ransom owes no one. He marches to the beat of his own drum, but is happy to lend a hand to the underdog. Ransom’s known as the go-to, get ‘er done guy at work. He’d rather run than watch T.V. He favors blue jeans, steak, and pick-up trucks–not necessarily in that order. Besides an opened Bible, there’s always a book of some sort on his nightstand. Life’s inconveniences don’t bug Ransom. It’s the gal across town that’s teaching him patience.

Based on the few details in the above examples, what can you glean? Does your mind churn with possibilities because of the brief snippets I’ve shared?

That’s what I love about writing.

By adding the right word, phrase, or innuendo, much is conveyed. Writing shouldn’t be bogged down with heavy description, but subtle and interesting clues show personalities, character strengths and flaws, and where the story is headed.

Since it’s good to keep our reader guessing, it’s always fun to throw in a curve ball or ten.

We probably don’t want to read books that are saturated in too much information, but hints and details dropped along the way serve purpose and keep us turning pages.

And like someone once said…

It’s a good thing.

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Care to use an example from above and set the story stage for us?

What kinds of details jump out at you as you read a book for the very first time?

If you write, do you find yourself making up stories about those you come in contact with?

(I’ll be out and about with family today, but I’ll chime in on comments later!)

Photo Credit: feralindeed/Creative Commons

Happy Friday and Blessings Always,