Explanation...it's just too much, but what if it's not enough!

An exellent post from K.M Weiland on explanation. One that i found a tad funny, 'cos i can totally tell that i often do this and later when i read over it i'm like, "gah! what are you doing!!!"

The basic tip is to let your readers have the benefit of the doubt, don't go overboard, and let your readers imagine. They don't need everything spelled out.

Hope this helps, or it at least creates a giggle :)

A helpful Blog

Do you sometimes sit for ages at the keyboard trying to describe the feel of sand under foot or the frown on your character's face? Description for me is sometimes so painful. I use my thesaurus (yes the one on the bookshelf!), but can rarely find exactly what i'm lookin for.
But i think i have found my answer.Scrolling through some of the sites i like (left side of blog) i found a link to a blog that helps with description.

The Bookshelf Muse Has a thesaurus for physical attributes; colours; character traits!!

Describing weather, like a breeze and how it sounds, smells, moves, feels etc.
Describing body parts, like a stomach - flacid, bouncy, rotund, taut...

All of these come with bits of information linked to a characters possible emotion.

Even though i only scrolled through it quickly, i can tell i will be revisiting this site often!

Describe This

As he slanted his talented mouth over hers, she saw the flash then heard the loud crack of the fireworks bursting in the sky, matching the rhythm and boom of her heart. Being held by him, kissed by him was like a fireworks display all on it's own. She was certain when she closed her eyes, the burst of gold shaped like a dandelion was the passion she felt welling inside her, and not in the sky as the crack and boom suggested.

Your turn!

Describe this

Sorry i'm late! I'm bogged down with an assignment due midnight tonight, and i'm going to need most of the day!

Okay, we have a balloons over waikato festival every year and this is a photo my husband took of the dawn parade.
Have a shot at describing it, stretch those writing muscles ;D

As the dawn crept through the lightening sky, giving the landscape dark shape, a lone balloon drifted just above the trees. It's soft glow from the burners, it's shape thrown into contrast against the blueing bakdrop. Silent, still, lovely.

okay, now it's your turn!

Sunset in Fiordland

Sun Set in the west - Photo by Chris Hishon. This photo is taken at the entrance of the fiord from the M.V. Mariner doing its over night cruise of Milford Sound. Chris Hishon is the skipper.
http://www.fiordlandlocalnz.com/gallery/photos-of-milford-sound.aspx

Okay, sorry about the pic quality, but you get the idea :)

I'll start off with my description, please share yours!!

Proudly glowing just behind the jutting mainland, the golden orb sets the sky alight with a burnished light, it's rays creating shafts of yellow and gold through the dimming sky and casting a dazzling light on the gently rolling water. 

Describe this

A day late, but i think i can be excused!

So today's image is of a beautiful little Lane, here in my hometown of Hamilton, New Zealand.
Have a go at describing it and i'll post a random description on thursday!
Sorry, after making the image bigger, it isn't all that clear! But have a go anyway.

Here's mine:
Terracota paved pathway in a quaint little alley. Wrought iron posts with hanging signs depicting the stylish and gorgeous wares in their stores. Like a whole new country in the middle of a busy city district this is a place to spend time and waste time. Charming hanging baskets of flowers and old school oil lanterns on the walls, now electric.

Well, i suck at descriptions so show me your best!

Describe this

I thought it may be an interesting feature to test our writing skills by trying to describe pictures.

I think we'll start with this one, the heroine of my story is called Billie, played here by Catherine McCormick.
I've chosen this one because i am having a hard time describing her hair do.

So, let's have some fun and see how creative you can be! I'll post some of the descriptions on thursday for you all to comment on!