How to Write Vivid Descriptions WITHOUT Overloading
Are you the type of person who describes a setting by using an intimidatingly huge paragraph that just rambles on and on and on because you're told to be specific but don't quite know how to do it correctly? If you've been struggling to detail settings, you've come to the right place! I'll reveal how to effectively describe a setting without having to use one big chunk of text and shoving it at your reader!
As writers, we hear "show, don't tell" quite often, and the same applies when writing settings. But for some people this tip does little to help because, well, it's a bit of a vague concept.
With that being said, "linking ideas together" is a great way to describe the setting without having to explain the location! What do I mean?
Let's say there's a green field and I'm trying to depict it. This method is to find another subject that could connect with the setting to further describe it. What else is green? What reminds the character of the field? What's something similar?
Ex: The field in front of him reminded him of a photo he once saw long ago as a boy. His parents were standing in a lush, grassy area void of people, hugging each other tightly and smiling brightly at the camera under the bright blue sky.
In that example, I linked the field to a picture the character found, and by using his memories, I was able to paint a rough image of the location while setting the tone!
Ex: She'd been there before. She was there when the building still stood tall. When the streets were filled with people bustling about and the air smelled like cigarettes. Now, there is no tall building, but instead a pile of debris. She hasn't seen anyone in thirty minutes, and any smell of cigarettes would've surely been washed away by the rain.
This time, I connected the present location with the past one. But instead of showing the similarities, I contrasted them to emphasize the changes and abandoned state of the area!
The most common literary devices I see regarding setting are similes, metaphors, and personifications!
It's similar my previous tip, where you connect two ideas together, but more general. The similes and metaphors don't have to be based on a specific experience of the character, but instead something more universal so everyone can connect with it!
Personification, on the other hand, can be used to substitute verbs.
The stars shone like glittering jewels.
The road carved into the mountain.
The flowers waltzed along the music of the wind.
These devices allow you to describe something quickly and elegantly!
Arguably, the most common tip provided when describing a setting is to use the five senses: sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste. If you're like me, though, and have NO clue on how that's supposed to help, let me break it down!
Instead of thinking about the senses directly, use ACTIONS that correlate with the senses.
Instead of saying "the wood felt tough", say "he touched the wood, marveling at the toughness of the material".
Instead of saying "the air smelled like candies", say "she sniffed the air, inhaling the aroma of candies".
Instead of saying "the city was bright", say "they stare at the city, admiring how the lights illuminate the buildings and roads.
Do you see how your description suddenly blends in with the text now that there's an action and separate subject involved? You're still effectively describing the scene, but you're not pushing it at your reader. This also makes it far easier to build onto the depiction of the moment because you're not limited to adjectives!
By utilizing these three concepts, you can build an evocative description of the setting that won't overwhelm nor bore the readers!
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