Melanie Nilles

When it comes to describing characters, settings, or action, everyone has a different preference. Some people like lots of colorful description. Others like minimal descriptions. I like something in between, but I write fantasy and science fiction and for the most part, readers of these genres expect a faster pace. Too much description loses a reader because it slows the pace of the story. How does a writer show what he or she sees things in their story while keeping the action moving?

Here’s a simple rule that an editor gave me once: limit initial descriptions to three main points that stand out about a character or place and sprinkle in other details with the action beyond that. It works, as long as you don’t describe everything. Stick to the main characters, because if something is described or mentioned, a reader expects it to be important. Don’t overburden the reader and slow down the story with description. Focus on the main characteristics that you would first notice. Oftentimes I don’t even do that much, especially on less important characters. If you pick the right details and trust in the reader to build their own image from what isn’t said, it flows.

The biggest problem I see with beginning or young writers, and which I committed myself years ago before having it pointed out, was using passive voice instead of active voice. Composing sentences for smooth prose is tougher than for reports, which tend towards the lazy, passive voice, but with practice, writing active sentences becomes habit. A writer shouldn’t avoid passive voice completely–it has its place. However, most passive sentences can be converted easily into active voice.

With physical and action descriptions, using active verbs changes the nature of the description and makes it more exciting to read. It helps with the “show, don’t tell” rule of writing.