Feb 18 2008
RP: Imajinashun, I haz it. Lemme use it.
Angelic Daughter (who is fascinating to talk to, if you ever get the chance) and I were discussing books, and she complained about over-description because it interferes with her participation in the story. Like her mom, she converts books to mental movies, and like any good director, she likes to add her own interpretation to the scene to enrich the personal experience.
We came to the conclusion that over-description is the product of an author being a control freak. “I have a clear vision of this scene, and the reader must receive that vision in all its authentic glory. If I leave anything to the imagination, she’ll get it all wrong. Therefore, I’m going to describe every carpet fiber, every leaf, every freckle on the heroine’s perky bosom to ensure the reader doesn’t contaminate my vision with her inferior imaginings.”
Psst. Hey, Ms. Control Freak. I have to tell you something.
WE SKIP YOUR PAGES OF DESCRIPTION AND INSERT OUR OWN.
Sorry, but we have no respect for the minutiae of your artistic vision. We’re hanging out with you solely for action and dialogue and forward momentum. Put those toys away for too long, and we’re outie.
Give your readers a little credit for imagination. If we had none, we’d be watching TV or a movie and having our entertainment spoonfed to us instead of curling up with a book.
9/30
11/4
11/4
11/25