Following up on description (our topic last week), I've been thinking about details.
Let's say a cat walks in and out of our story. Writing "the cat" may be just fine.
But we may want the reader to "see" our cat. We can do that by adding details to make the cat pounce off the page. (Pun intended!)
Of course details aren't limited to cats. What about that bed in your story? Is it queen-size or a bunk bed (and does your character sleep on the top or the bottom)? Is the tree outside the window a poplar or a birch? Are the shoes your character grabs flip-flops, high heels, or hiking boots?
Pick an object in a story you're currently working on. Add just enough details to make us "see" what your character sees.
Back to cats. Here are a few details for "Miss Fluffy" above:
Miss Fluffy stared intently at the mouse. Black patches like tar covered her face and body. Her ears bent forward, ready for the tiniest squeak.
We don't need to go overboard with details: a little goes a long way. Try adding a few details--it's like sprinkling salt or pepper onto your story.
