Question - Writers Forum

*~Summer'sAngel~* · 11-03-2005, 07:17 PM

What is the best way of being descriptive in writing a scene?
Some people at this message board I go to based on the show 'LOST' and I write a fan fiction... people have told me that my writing is great and that they can see the characters and how they like how detailed it is.

But to me, I don't think I'm doing a good job... Like with this story I'm reading, the girl who writes it incredible at writing. Her story is so descriptive. I can seriously see the scene in my head.

I always wish I could be as decriptive when it comes to writing.
So, I'm wondering, is there a good way of doing this so people can actually picture the scene in their head?

If you want, I can post a part of the story (basically a scene with me trying to descripe the scene.) I really want to see what other people think besides the people who read my story. I just sometimes think they only say that stuff to be nice and not actually tell me my story sucks.

mammamaia · 11-04-2005, 07:22 AM

there is no single 'best' way... various fine writers go about it in their various workable ways... have you studied the works of the best writers, to see how they go about it?... that's the only way you can learn how to be a good writer, you know...

go to the library and pick up any book by margaret atwood, nelson de mille, and dean koontz... they're all fine-to-great [atwood, being the latter] writers who have more or less diverse styles... compare how they describe their characters, settings, etc.... that should give you some idea of how to improve your own work in those areas...

as for the validity of people's compliments about your writing, it really depends on the people delivering them... are they discerning readers who have the maturity and experience to tell the good from the ok, or the truly bad?... or, are they young and/or unschooled in things literary?... unfortunately, most people won't tell you what they really think about your work... especially if they know you...

why not post an excerpt or two here, and let some total strangers give you some feedback?... that's what the 'critique and advice' board is for... most will be kind, but tell you what they really think... a couple may be a bit sarcastic, but it's not fatal... i'm 100% honest [even it it hurts], believing that to be truly helpful, one must tell it like it is...

love and hugs, maia

valeca · 11-04-2005, 07:40 AM

Maia's suggestion is a great way to go. Just a word of caution: WF doesn't allow fan-fic, so you might want to pick a scene that is from a different story...or write one up just for the occasion using your own characters, etc.

Best of luck, and great question.

Erudite · 11-04-2005, 10:07 PM

All great advice.

Think about all your favorite authors. If you are having trouble depicting a scene think about how they write theirs. When your read a certain writer to the full extent: all there works, entire series they have written, you begin to feel a certain connection to the way they write things. For example im a huge David and Leigh Eddings fan. Real big on Fantasy/sci fi. I've read so many of there books that when i write ill lapse into there form of writing from time to time and laugh about it. But if you can take what you read and how you write and adapt a medium for it then you will be able to find your voice in anything, especially scene description.

Don't forget that you can always just close your eyes picture the scene in your head without thinking of the words to describe them right off the bat, sit there for a minute and bathe in the images and just type what you feel. Go back and see what things stick out with you the most. Maybe just short descriptions or one word adjectives that your really like and mold your scenes into perfection.