First, let's not get bogged down in the discussion of rules vs. guidelines. This is part of a set of rules Leonard used for himself.
1) Avoid detailed descriptions of characters.
2) Don't go into great detail describing places and things.
Preferring the minimalist approach,I tend to agree, thinking these are the sorts of details that readers can fill in from their own experiences. Unless the character/place/thing's description is of great importance to the story then I avoid any great amount of detail. For example, describing one item in a room, say a four post canopy bed, can set the stage enough on its own to avoid over description about the room. Or, the nasty car across a warrior's face (described well) can paint the image of his rough and violent nature (or at least past).
Others may prefer more detailed description, covering a lot of detail on character appearances, places, & things.
Your opinions?
Steerpike posted the enitre list last summer. As the responses ranged over the entire list of ten, I was hoping for a more focused analysis of description. I've talked a lot about description on the showcase forum lately and wanted to see what others thought on the issue.
1) Avoid detailed descriptions of characters.
2) Don't go into great detail describing places and things.
Preferring the minimalist approach,I tend to agree, thinking these are the sorts of details that readers can fill in from their own experiences. Unless the character/place/thing's description is of great importance to the story then I avoid any great amount of detail. For example, describing one item in a room, say a four post canopy bed, can set the stage enough on its own to avoid over description about the room. Or, the nasty car across a warrior's face (described well) can paint the image of his rough and violent nature (or at least past).
Others may prefer more detailed description, covering a lot of detail on character appearances, places, & things.
Your opinions?
Steerpike posted the enitre list last summer. As the responses ranged over the entire list of ten, I was hoping for a more focused analysis of description. I've talked a lot about description on the showcase forum lately and wanted to see what others thought on the issue.
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