Trish St.Hill

As I plow through the first draft of my current novel, my overactive imagination is in overdrive, fueling a creative storm that refuses to settle. In my genre of writing (historical fiction), intricate plots are meticulously woven, tension-filled suspense is built, and multifaceted characters come vibrantly to life. From the beginning, I take special care to map my story, engaging deeply in character development – What is the essence of the story I’m telling, who are these characters that populate my narrative, and why do they exist within the rich tapestry of my fictional world? As I mentioned in an earlier article, it is crucial to always have a clear vision of how your story will conclude, allowing the plot to naturally unfold while worrying least about the title of your book.
Sometimes, during this creative journey, you may realize there is a potential conflict in the ending of your story; it becomes essential to unravel and clarify that before you proceed further. Once you have a solid understanding of what your narrative is about and how it is destined to end, it’s time to create your characters, keeping in mind that their names might evolve as the story progresses, reflecting their journey. The main characters are pivotal, yet without the careful weaving in of minor characters, the story could fall flat and lack the richness it deserves. Backstories are developed and evolve over time to provide depth and substance to the overarching tale, and often to offer contrasts that highlight the characters’ personalities and depth. This is precisely where my skill of descriptive writing comes into play, allowing me to immerse readers fully in the world I am crafting. There are many ways to articulate a scene in a book, each with its own unique impact – a plain, straightforward description may serve its purpose, but a richly descriptive approach draws the reader in and engages their senses. See two versions of the same story below.

(1) Hawk stood before the mirror, splashing his face and neck with cologne. He had prepared his outfit: black pants with a turtleneck and a gray dinner jacket. He was happy to be…

(2) Splashing his face and neck generously with cologne, Hawk examined himself in the long mirror placed strategically against the wall. Turning to the side, he ensured his hair was brushed immaculately. He had taken great pains to pick and prepare his outfit, ensuring he looked fashionable. His black pants and turtleneck, paired with a grey dinner jacket, fit perfectly on his muscular body. A large gold chain dangled alluringly against his black sweater. Waves of excitement washed over him as he contemplated his…

In example one, Hawk is getting dressed and is obviously preparing to go somewhere. In example two, we are pulled in by the generous amount of cologne he splashes on himself, the fragrance no doubt filling the air, creating a sensory experience that speaks to his desire to make an unforgettable impression. His careful examination of his profile in the mirror, making sure his hair looks good, adds an extra layer of texture to the story, reflecting his self-consciousness and attention to detail. the description emphasizes his desire to stand out. We know he took great pains to ensure he picked out a great outfit, each choice meticulously thought out, from the color of his shirt to the style of his jacket, and we are even given details about his accessories, such as the gold jewelry that accentuates his outfit. Additionally, we get a little glimpse into his emotions; he is obviously going out on the town, perhaps on a date, and the excitement mingles with a hint of anxiety, suggesting that this could be a pivotal moment in his life. Example one is plain and lacks details or descriptive writing, while example two is rich with imagery and emotion, pulling us into the story and invoking the complex feelings of the character.

Essentially, there is a plain way to say something and a descriptive way to say the same thing; descriptive writing not only creates a mood but also gives a vivid and clear picture of the character’s surroundings and inner thoughts. It allows you to truly feel their emotions, whether it be joy, anxiety, or hope, making you root for or against them. It often sets the tone for whether you want to finish a book or put it aside to be visited another day, as well-crafted descriptions create a bond between the reader and the story. It is the essential ingredient that determines how we feel about a character or a storyline, influencing our engagement and investment in their journey.