April 28, 2008
Writing Ramble
I wasn’t going to blog today but since I actually had a topic I thought I’d throw this out there real quick (even though we’ve discussed character description before).
An interesting thing happened last week while I was working on Hooked (Um for those that didn’t get the memo this would be John’s story and is a last minute addition to the book Screwed–I’m officially certifiable. Just take my word for it).
Anyway…..I had to go back to Nailed (which by the by goes on sale in a MONTH) and find a description of John…becuase I couldn’t remember what he looked like and I’m just anal enough that I like it when recurring characters look the same from book to book. Huh…go figure.
And while I don’t always succeed, I do try to make my descriptions work hard–because just telling me what your characters are wearing is a HUGE PET PEEVE of mine. Interestingly enough I have NO IDEA what John looks like and here’s why:
I talked Tony into closing up early and was in the middle of faking my way through some yard work when a red sedan pulled into the visitor’s parking lot, and a stranger climbed out.
He wasn’t the type of man you could miss, and not just because most men in Cielo didn’t wear suits unless they were going to a funeral or wedding—both of which meant a trip to church.
This man was going to neither.
The expensive suit, coupled with the power tie and lavender shirt was rather arresting, as was his height and broad shoulders. Something about him reminded me of Wynn, except colder. Much colder, calmer, more put together. The way he walked, like he owned the planet and everyone on it. Thin lipped, almost grim as he climbed the stairs and knocked on the door of Wynn’s apartment.
A shiver worked its way down my spine. He was trouble in the worst way. Trouble I didn’t need.
Obviously there’s a family resemblance to the hero (who is 6′5 and has sandy blond hair-please don’t look at the cover… I KNOW! I KNOW!) but that’s pretty much all you get.
So as a reader, do you want it all laid out bare for you, or do you sorta want to form your own opinion?
I remember this.
I liked him immediately.
As a reader? Give me a brief description, something of height, body build, hair, eyes, and a bit about their presence or how they carry themselves. I’m good for filling in the rest.
You know I hate long-winded descriptions. (Only because I write them horribly.) I’d rather get a sense of who they are rather than the hardcore details.
Mel I dont even care if they’re a little on the long-winded side IF they serve some purpose beyond telling us down to the freaking shoe laces what she looks like and what she’s wearing…….
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Raine….I remember
I agree, as far as character descriptions, I want to get a basic idea of what they look like but it would be tiresome if, every time the character reappeared, their clothing was dissected just for the sake of “saying it.” I want to know who they are based more on what they say and do.
Beth Fehlbaum, author
Courage in Patience, a story of hope for those who have endured abuse
http://courageinpatience.blogspot.com
Chapter One is online!
I like description. I like to SEE characters through a true lens, not the fuzzy looking glass some authors give us. Too many writers don’t do enough to differentiate their characters from the blurry masses. It gets so bad that our heroes and heroines tend to blend in with each other.
Tanya I think it’s a fine line to walk and you do it very well! Not only do I *See* your characters, i get a feel for how their “entrance” affects other characters.
I want enough that I can picture them throughout. Hence, I don’t need a rehash. Although, I don’t need every detail. Eye color, hair color, a brief build description (and if say they play the piano, long fingers that could play the heroine anytime) is about all I need.