kay

when writing a complex scene, it can be tempting to describe the setting–which is no doubt important, but overuse of descriptive language can be hurtful to the scene. Giving the reader too much to think about may lead them to be confused or forget why the character had been in that setting. so:

start with general descriptions and throughout the scene weave in small details that the character notices.

it’s simply unrealistic for someone to notice the tiny, golden crystals that shine from the large, ethereal chandelier that hangs from the beautifully painted concave ceiling of the church. 

that entire sentence felt too long and unnecessary, even if it set up a beautiful room around the action. Doing this can be especially hurtful if the character is in a tense situation, for if you describe something irrelevant you take the reader outside of the conflict–which isn’t important.

instead write:

As she walked into the church, golden light shone upon her face. Her chest was tight, nerves working the way through her body. Looking around, she noticed that the blaring light came from a chandelier above her. Finally she spotted the person she’d been looking for….

Cassie: *implies that Matthew is going to get in a fight with James, get a car while still drinking, distance himself from his parents, and says herself that it gets worse before it gets better*

the fandom:

Friendly reminder that Charlotte Branwell is TWENTY THREE when she becomes the FIRST EVER female consul, and that she had been running the London Institute for a while before that. Friendly reminder that Charlotte Branwell acts like a mother or older sister to Will and Jem and cares for them deeply, even when they were being idiots and pushing her away. Reminder that Charlotte Branwell kept being a strong leader even when everyone else at the time was telling her she couldn’t be in charge. Reminder that she impresses Gideon and Gabriel Lightwood so much that they refuse to spy on her and gave false information instead. She was TWENTY THREE. That could be just out of college.

Friendly reminder that Alec Lightwood is about TWENTY when he adopts his first child with the love of his life. He just finds a lost baby, who is a warlock no less, and his first reaction is slightly surprised that this is happening so soon, but to take in the child and BE THE BEST DAD EVER. He is TWENTY when he proposes to his boyfriend for the first time. Friendly reminder that Alec Lightwood is TWENTY THREE when he becomes the first lgbt+ consul. When others refused to let him serve as such and threatened suicide, he accepts their terms and leads the exile from Idris. JUST AFTER BECOMING CONSUL Alec Lightwood has to set up an entirely new government in New York. He also helped found the Downworlder-Shadowhunter Alliance, and when he becomes consul works to make Downworlders more accepted by Shadowhunters. Friendly reminder that Alec Lightwood is TWENTY THREE when he can finally marry the love of his life, the father of his children, who he met when he was eighteen, who was his first boyfriend, first relationship, first kiss, first everything, who he went to Edom to save even when they were broken up, who he has fought with many times before by his side and would give his life for. Alec Lightwood is TWENTY THREE when he loves one man so much changes the world for him.