emrickwrites

[emrickwrites]

This might be a writing hot take, but here it goes.

Personally, i dont think its important to get too far into detail of what your character LOOKS like unless its detrimental to the story.

Like, i.e if its a romance/smut story and the allure of your character is important to the progression of the story, absolutely describe what they look like and how the target of their affection makes them feel

But if youre writing a horror story for example, the main character can be described minimally. If anything, describe the antagonist and how threatening and scary they are.

Ofc this isnt me saying you have to write that way, if you want to describe in full detail the elegant ball gown your protagonist wears to the murder mystery dinner party, whateva, but my take is basically saying this bottom line, and also offering this advice

Describe what matters. Dont get overwhelmed and think you have to describe EVERYTHING, cause i used to do that too and got burnt out on writing easy that way. Plus, putting all that extra fluff with no direction towards the plot will usually lead your reader to disinterest.

Anyway, Im Emrick and this is a writing hot take. Cheerio!

[emrickwrites]

Finding the equilibrium between dialogue and action can be hard

But try to imagine how the conversation would go for you if you were your character

If its an argument, what would make you scoff and roll your eyes? What would make your blood boil and urge you to yell?

If its flirting, what would make you touch your hair? What would make you look away? What would make you giggle?

Dont be afraid to play out the scenario, in your head or out loud. Just make sure no ones around if you want to avoid being watched, even though anyone who is would be witnessing an artist in the making

[emrickwrites]

Keep track of every item on your character. I often make the mistake of giving a character an accessory and then putting them in a scene where someone would wonder where that accessory went.

Be sure not to skip them putting it aside, losing it, destroying it, etc.

I.E, if they carry a bag but they arrived home and are about to do their face routine, make sure to add that they set their bag down on the chair or something