Balancing the Details

I find that so much of writing requires a balance between two opposites or two sides. Take the details in a novel, for example. Although they're certainly necessary, too many can slow the story and make it boring. I recently read a novel that did this. It would have pages of description of mundane things like preparing a meal, chit-chat like "How are you?" "Oh, I'm doing fine," and unnecessary scenes that did nothing to move the story.

Novels need to be believable and realistic but not too much like daily life. If you wrote about a day in your life, giving all the details, it would usually be a boring read. Authors don't need to include everything a character might do, like brushing their teeth every night and morning, unless there's a purpose for it being there that will tie into something else.

I've read books that give the reader very little credit. They almost talked down to me, assuming I could figure out very little on my own. Most readers have a good imagination or they wouldn't chose books over television or movies. It's okay to let your reader fill in some of the details. Do give enough to set the stage for each scene and build character images. However, don't weigh the story down with so much description that the action and story themselves get lost. Your readers will let you know how you're doing. Listen to them.

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