 Short Stories: January 17, 2007 Issue [#1423] |
  Short Stories
This week: Edited by: kelly1202
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The Importance of Description and Details in a Short Story.
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One of the first things I notice when reading a Short Story is the details of the description and setting. To me, it's the small nuances that make the story come alive. Vivid and realistic descriptions transport me from this world into the world of the character. If your setting and description are non-existence, your reader will get bored and put the book down, which is the last thing you want.
Readers want to know a couple of things right up front front: what the weather is like, the lay of the land, the color of the lake, etc. Details such as these bring the story to life and make it real for the reader. The challenge for the short story writer is providing enough of these details in a limited amount of space to make it interesting but without overdoing it.
Good writers are constantly absorbing the little details around them. They notice the texture of the walls, the exposed pipes that gurgle and groan, and the frosty condensation on the windows. These when left out of a story, leave the reader feeling disconnected instead of engaged.
Something I enjoy doing is going to the local bookstore and just watching the people. I sit down in the store’s coffee shop, pen, and paper at hand, and write down interesting bits of conversation I hear. I pay close attention to the physical surroundings, smells, textures, and sounds. Anything I can see, hear, taste, smell, or feel gets jotted down in my notebook. In order to come up with something you can use in your writing, you have to gather many details.
So what do you do with the details you’ve collected? I keep a folder on my desk. Inside I keep outlines, observations, and bits of dialogue. I jot down situations that could be worked into a story. I even keep notes on physical characteristics of interesting people I’ve seen.
Try it sometime. Just write down anything and everything that comes to you. Don’t focus on spelling or syntax at this point. Just spill out your ideas as they come. Once you’ve gathered all of your details, start writing your story. Once you’ve written your first draft, go back and circle any words that could be substituted with a more descriptive word. For example: Jane walked down the street. That is dull and generic. Look closely at your subject and determine exactly what sort of walking she is doing. "Is she ambling? Meandering? Strolling? What type of street is it? Concrete? Blacktop? Cobblestone? What type of day or night is it? Cold? Lonely? Crowded?" The possibilities are endless, but make sure you choose the right word.
Remember also that sometimes one descriptive word can take the place of two or more words such as, Stephen King's phrase, "She stomped on the boneless break pedal..." In one descriptive word, 'boneless', we all know exactly what he meant about the feel of the break, how hard she was pushing
on it, and the inevitable screeching tires we all heard, and he did not even have to mention them! Now that's great short description...
Remember, to created a realistic short story, it’s all in the details, details, details!
Thanks for reading and I hope you've found this newsletter helpful.
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Strange Wulf  says: Those prompts are dangerous. Here I am, reading this at nearly 1:30 in the morning, and I get inspired by the first prompt.
*yawns* Ah well. When you itch, you scratch. 'Tis only natural. I can always clean it up when I'm a tad more lucid. Dunno if it'll be flash fiction, but it's definitely gonna be interesting...
I'm glad you found the prompts to be inspiring! Even if it did keep you awake all night.
Tehanu says: Hi Highwind!
Thank you for showcasing Flash Fiction as a worthy form of writing, especially when it comes to breaking writer's block. Captain Colossal's contest and your contest truly provide excellent writing exercises.
Thanks also for placing a link to one of my pieces in your newsletter...that was fun to see.
Best to you, Tehanu
Thanks, Tehanu!
StephBee  says:Kelly, I LOVED your tips about to approach Flash Fiction. It helps when writing contests with word limits. Two thumbs up on the Newsletter.
Thank you, Steph! It really does help with the writer's block.
Charmin says:What an enjoyable newsletter. For my new years resolution, I have wanted to try my hand at different genres than what I'm used to. Your explanation was so easy to follow along with, that I had all kinds of interesting mini stories pop into my thoughts. Thank you!! Best wishes, Terrie
You're welcome, Terri. Always a pleasure to hear from you, darlin. I'm glad you found the newsletter helpful!
Tammy~Catchin Up~ says:Great newsletter!
Lots of helpful info! hugs, Tammy
Thanks, Tammy!
kiyasama says:Congrats on your first newsletter, Kelly! I think you did a great job writing about flash fiction. I always considered myself a long-winded writer and since coming to WDC and getting involved with the Flash fiction contests, it's amazing how much one learns to tell so much with such few words. Thanks for the plug of my story as well and I wish you all the best of luck with future newsletter. 
Thank you, Kiya! And 'big congrats' on your recently deserved promotion!
Vivian  says:Interesting concept, writing flash fiction when blocked. I'll try it some time. Oh, I really like your animated sig, the pen signing your handle. ~~ Viv
Thanks, Viv. I found it really helps me getting out of a slump of writer's block.
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