02-17-2023, 02:04 PM
One of the key aspects of creative writing is knowing how to write immersive descriptions - of the characters, of the setting, and so on. We don't our descriptions to be overly simple and bland - but at the same time, it's a good idea to avoid 'purple prose' (that is, flowery and ornate writing that makes the text impenetrable). So, how do we get a healthy balance between those two things?
In her above video, Abbie Emmons gives one main piece of advice: focus on the character's voice above all else. Instead of asking yourself "How would I describe this?", write the description from their perspective - from the lens of their beliefs, personality, and internal conflict. Make sure to show, not tell: instead of simply saying "Alice could sense that Bob was angry", write about how Alice perceives Bob's physical features, behaviours, and body language. These descriptions should be reasonably simple and to-the-point: not without colour or feeling, but they shouldn't be peppered with ornate vocabulary (which, if anything, distracts from the character's feelings that you're trying to convey!)
Over the course of this video, Alice shows us three versions of two different passages of text: one written in bland 'beige prose'; one written in melodramatic 'purple prose'; and finally, the immersive descriptions that actually appear in her book. Hopefully, these will give you a good sense of how to get the balance right.
So, did you find the video useful - and, do you have any more tips?
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