Last September, I had the opportunity to write a short article for LUW's Just Write newsletter. I don't often write articles, but I had a lot of fun with this one (my submission is below). I hope you find some value in it. Thank you for reading!
Using Character Perspective to Enrich Descriptions
By Jessica Gustafson
A story is more engaging if the scene is vivid, but descriptions can feel like an info dump if you’re not careful. How do you keep a reader’s interest while still bringing the scene to life? How much description is too much? This was a struggle of mine for years before I heard advice that changed everything.
It’s not about the length of your description, it’s about your character’s perspective.
If you’re writing from a specific character’s POV, it’s really that simple. Instead of worrying about whether you’ve described too little or too much, focus on how your character sees things. If you do this right, your reader won’t even realize you’re painting the scene (goodbye boring info dumps). For example, if a child is observing the Lincoln Memorial, they might notice the details of the statue while wondering why the adults are making a big deal out of it. They might find the nearby pool more intriguing than the statue and wonder why there isn't a crowd around it instead, especially since the pool has more space around it. Showing your character’s opinion of their surroundings will allow you to give descriptions while keeping your story engaging.
To reiterate, stay in the unique perspective of your character even when setting the scene. If your description sounds like it could be given by anyone, edit it further.
Last but not least, remember to have fun. If you’re enjoying your descriptions, chances are your reader will too. Isn’t entertainment what writing novels is all about? Don’t overthink it.
Enjoy getting inside those characters’ heads, and happy writing!
Comments