How to write: descriptions!

The key to a memorable novel is balancing these factors : plot, characters and descriptions. The two first vary from writer to writer, but the descriptions.... let's say that you can learn a bit. ;)

There are two main types of description and you must stick to it for your whole novel. Changing from one type to the other will seem weird for the reader.

The first type is the common and classical objective description. In this, you describe the objects that are in the scene in an objective way that will not vary much from author to author. For example :

" The clouds were scarce this sunny morning. The tree had regained their natural green color. "

This kind of description is the most used in the world and works every time!

However, there is another kind of description that may be the one for some writers, but also the nemesis of others.

I like to call it The Book Thief kind of description because it is the type of description which is taught by Max to Liesel while he is underground. It is a subjective description meaning that it will change from author to author. In this type of description, you would memorize the scene and try to describe it to a blind person. For example :

" The day was vibrant. The sky was blue with scarce clouds as cotton hanging from the ceiling. It oversaw a sea of green, a promise of a pleasant summer."

Now that you know the two types of description, you can practice and incorporate them into your novel. For practicing, I strongly suggest taking paintings and describing the scene they represent.

Hasta la vista, baby! 

Charlotte deCapio