In Monday's blog, Show Me the Details, I talked about how after ten years of writing fiction, dealing with such story elements as plot, dialogue, characterization, and style, I've finally reached the point where I understand the value of descriptive detail in making my writing come alive, raising it from a lump of clay to a fine work of art.
My Thursday Two Questions to you are:
- As a writer, blogger, or reader, how much attention do you pay to the seemingly unimportant details in your everyday life, from the bleeping of a heart monitor during a visit to the hospital to an overheard conversation at the grocery store?
- Do you take note of what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? If so, how. If not, why?
19 comments:
My brain goes on an overdrive so I normally walk like an absent-minded professor cooking ideas while in transit or on standstill. However, I also get distracted by stuff like birds flying, whispers, silence...and at times I get my inspiration to create from them!
Hi Lui. I know what you mean. I tend to walk around absent-minded much of the time, too. It takes a conscious effort to pay attention and either note things in my head or write them down (usually a better choice). However, when inspirtion strikes (not as often as I'd like), sometimes I get lucky and the words and details seem to come out of nowhere.
1. I notice the smallest of details. I am a detail junkie. My mind and sense are always on overdrive.
2. I always have my camera with me so I always take photos of what I see. I should, as a writer always take notes of everything but I don't. I will start doing that one of these days :)
I have always been very detail oriented, I notice everything. Also being into photography (like Jo above) I am always on the lookout for a photo ops. It is also my way of recording what interests me at the time.
Usually when I'm on the go running errands, I don't pay attention to details on a conscience basis. These sort of receed in the back of mind to be pulled out at a later time. However, if I'm out enjoying myself -- scenic drive, being a shutterbug, etc then my sense are all alive absorbing every moment which often lends itself to some inspiration for my work.
1) As a writer, blogger, and reader, I pay careful attention to details, and apply the why, what, when, who, how, where to it.
2) I carry a notebook with me, and jog down what comes across my mind such as an idea to write an article.
I love your post on Show Me the Details!
Hi Poetic Shutterbug. You are fortunate as a writer to be a detail junkie, and having a camera along is also a definite plus. Your writing, I'm sure, benefits.
Hi Squirrel Queen. Being a photographer is an advantage to a writer in more ways than one. Not only do you record what interests you, but you become more aware of the small details around you, always looking for that "good shot." You and Poetic Shutterbug inspire me to start carrying around a camera. It would be like seeing the world through a third eye.
Hi Cathy. Like you, my attention to detail suffers when I'm on the run (which is a lot). I'm sure I miss many scene-provoking moments. Unfortunately, it takes a conscious effort on my part to stop and see, hear, feel, and smell, and this makes my life as a writer more difficult. I carry index cards and note pads with me, so that when inspiration strikes I'm ready. Just have to learn to pay more attention.
Hello Icy BC. I like the way you apply the Why, What, When, Who and How while you take your notes. This is another way of paying more attention and getting some interesting material down on paper. Thanks for checking out my post, Shop Me the Details.
i tend to look blank when my brain is processing everything i am experiencing, but all my senses are tuned in to my surroundings. it's like being a child--seriously at play but listening in to adults talking.:p
i used to write down my thoughts right away--even on paper napkins while on a bus. i didn't want to forget them later. i still do sometimes, "write" on my cell phone, and i always keep a camera in my purse.:p
Hello Luna. So far we all agree. It pays to be observant and photograph or write down what we sense for use future in our writing. I've resorted to paper napkins myself, as well as deposit slips, backs of receipts, coupons, you name it. Don't want to lose those thoughts that come and go and will be forgotten later.
I don't pay very much attention to the examples above. I do pay a lot of attention to pretty flowers, and plants. I think when they are on displayed, they are a bit mindless.
Yes, if hearing will help me, my life and others that I know somehow. If it taste better, I will buy that one next time. Etc.
I thought I already left my answers a last night, I guess I was interrupted or technical problems again.
1) I pay attention to the details wherever I am..but remembering them is another story!
2) I do not take notes, but take pictures to capture it for later!
Hi DoanLegacy. Yes, remembering, that's the key. Pictures sometimes work even better than notes to bring the scene back to mind. Also pictures reveal details we may not have noticed on our own.
Yes, Self Sagacity, pretty flowers nearly scream for our attention. They're hard to ignore. Yet, I'd be hard put to describe them later, other than their color, of course.
I haven't written fiction for a long time now (and never finished the book I started in high school...some time along the way my heart just wasn't in it.) But, I did put a lot of detail into my writing back then, and have had the priveledge of helping some other writers put detail into theirs. I especially like details as a way to show passage of time. I read about that in Writers magazine. If there is a pause in dialog, for instance, you can show that by describing what the character does or sees in that moment.
PS...thanks for the great suggestions on my 2 Questions.
Hi Gale. Details are extremely important in the writing of fiction (as well as nonfiction). I can't emphasize it enough. It's hard work, but the payoff is worth it.
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