Fatal Fantasy

Writing 101: Descriptive Writing

     Hello! I'm Mathematicalgirl, sometimes Math for short! I like ranting about grammar and all things related to conventions, since many people on Quotev happen to either a) care a lot about grammar or b) couldn't care less about grammar. Please keep in mind that about half of the Quotev population is full of grammar freaks. :) In addition, I just like talking about writing in general. I can cover plenty of topics, so feel free to leave a request in the comments!

Descriptive Writing

        So, on Quotev, we have quite a few stories that we would consider not very good. Know what you lack? It's probably either help with grammar or descriptive writing. You know, if your chapters are short, it's probably because your details aren't very good. If you wish to create longer, actually good chapters, do stay and continue reading!

        What's descriptive writing? It's vivid details. Let's hear a few bad and good examples.

        Bad Example: She had blonde hair.

- Okay, come on. If the blonde hair's somehow really appealing to the character, make it more detailed. 

        Good Example: The beauty of her blonde hair could rival Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. It fell down to her waist, even though it was in a high ponytail. I could tell that she dyed it by the dark brown roots on her head.

-I dunno that's just something I whipped up at the moment, but not every physical feature has to start with, "He/she had/has..." because that gets annoying if you keep repeating it.

        From those two examples, you can clearly tell which one creates a more vivid description, right? But if it's just some sort of minor character who doesn't need all that, just shorten it to the first example. If it's someone important like the heroine, make sure to give her a description worthy of one!

How to Write Descriptively

        Even through examples, it won't guarantee that you guys will know how to write descriptively. As the nice author that I am, I shall break it down to simple steps and give some extra notes just for you. Special thanks to my English teacher, Mrs. Lewis, for giving the class such wonderful notes. :') Yeah I know in other words she's technically the one breaking it down but ANYWAYS—

Two Types 

Objective: Use of realistic, factual details to describe a subject without expressing feeling. [In other words, objective is writing with use of statistics and actual facts rather than biased opinions. OBJECTIVE: My favorite color is yellow.]

Subjective: Creates a clear mental picture about a subject without expressing feelings. [Opposite of objective. SUBJECTIVE: Yellow is the best color in the world.]

Key Elements

Sensory details (details that appeal to the five senses of the reader)

Clear focus

Exact words (instead of "bad," use "awful, unpleasant, horrid, etc.)

Organized Details

Pre-write for Descriptive Story/Essay

1.) Brainstorm topic.

2.) Select and narrow one topic.

3.) Create a sensory detail map ( map but with less circles 'cause ain't nobody got six senses)

Writing First Draft

        Include the following:

Sensory Details

A main feeling/main impression

An arrangement of details that make sense (don't talk about a tree one second and then talk about flowers the next and then jump back to the tree again)

Exact words

Similes and metaphors (I'M SERIOUS PEOPLE USE SOME FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE)

Math