When it comes to storytelling, the big picture often gets all the attention—impressive plots, sweeping character arcs, and monumental stakes.
While these elements are crucial, the little details are what breathe life into your story, turning a decent narrative into a drawing experience. Details anchor your readers in the world you’ve created, making it vivid, immersive, and memorable.
Think of your favorite books or films. Chances are, what lingers in your mind isn’t just the overall plot but the specific, finely crafted moments: the creak of floorboards in a haunted house, the peculiar way a character twists their ring when they’re nervous, or the vibrant smell of oranges in a market stall.
These details don’t just add color; they serve a deeper purpose, enhancing your story’s emotional resonance and authenticity.
WHY DETAILS MATTER
Building Believability: Details make your world feel real. Whether your story is set in a busy city, in the 16th century, or an other-worldly realm, well-chosen specifics help readers dive in and become immersed in the story.
A medieval castle with generic ‘stone walls and tall towers’ feels bland. But mention the moss creeping between the stones, the faint echo of dripping water in a deserted hallway, or soul-wrenching cries, and suddenly it springs to life.
Deepening Character Connection: Small, unique details reveal a lot about your characters. Instead of saying, “John was nervous,” show how he nervously aligns the pens on his desk until they’re perfectly parallel. This information not only conveys his anxiety but also hints at his perfectionist tendencies, giving readers a deeper understanding of who he is.
Enhancing Emotional Impact: Details tap into the senses, evoking powerful emotional responses. A fight or flight scene becomes far more poignant when you describe the size and look of the bully or the rustling leaves and crackling twigs of an approaching menace.
STRATEGIES FOR FOCUSING ON DETAILS
1. Use the Five Senses Readers engage with a story through their senses, so aim to include sensory details whenever possible. Don’t just describe the bakery on Main Street; bring it alive:
The scent of freshly baked sourdough lingered in the air, mingling with the buttery sweetness of croissants. The glass display case showcased rows of golden pastries, their flaky edges crisp and inviting.
By appealing to sight, smell, and touch, you’ve created a bakery that feels tangible.
2. Be Specific, Not Generic General descriptions can feel lifeless. Swap out vague phrases for precise ones that paint a clear picture. Instead of writing, “She dressed business-like and looked good,” try:
She took to the high school auditorium stage in dark grey pants, a white, neatly tucked-in blouse, and a matching dark grey jacket. Her usual bulky gold chain necklace and bangle bracelets were missing. She was taking this student body presidency campaign seriously.
Specificity transforms a forgettable image into something vivid and memorable.
3. Make Details Do Double Duty Every detail you include should serve a purpose. If you mention a character’s ragged-edged fingernails, it might hint at their anxiety or lack of self-care. If the protagonist notices the ticking of a clock during a tense confrontation, it could underscore the urgency of the moment.
In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the descriptions of Harry’s cupboard under the stairs—complete with spiders and cramped conditions—don’t just set the scene; they establish his neglected, unloved status.
4. Observe the World Around You Real life is brimming with details. Note how the sunlight filters through a stained-glass window and creates a rainbow across the floor, the rhythm of footsteps on cobblestones, or the way steam curls from a cup of tea. When you ground your writing in observations from real life, your scenes will resonate more deeply with readers.
5. Avoid Overloading While details are essential, it’s easy to overdo it. Resist the urge to cram every sentence with sensory descriptions or intricate specifics. Instead, choose the most impactful details that align with the tone and pacing of your story.
For example, a fast-paced chase scene doesn’t need a detailed account of the scenery. Focus on the thudding footsteps, the rasp of labored breaths, and the flash of a shadow turning a corner.
EXAMPLES OF DETAILS AT WORK
Example 1: Setting Without details: The mountain was huge, and the forest dark and scary.
With details: His gaze slowly traveled up and up and up. The mountain loomed above him like a never-ending wall. Its thick, giant trees and overgrown brush left little space between them for a trail. The faint rustle of unseen creatures whispered through the undergrowth, and the air smelled of damp earth and decay.
The second version immerses the reader into the scene, making the forest’s atmosphere relatable.
Example 2: Characterization Without details: He rushed through the wheat fields after a year away.
With details: After a long absence, he rushed through the wheat fields to find his father. The stalks brushed against him, causing a familiar sensation to flow through his body. He had forgotten the sound the stalks made as he passed by, the fragrance they emitted, and even the taste that occasionally made its way into his mouth when binding the cut sheaves or on a windy day.
Here, the protagonist's experience is conveyed vividly through imagery.
PRACTICING THE ART OF DETAIL
Adding effective details takes practice. Start by revisiting a scene you’ve written; highlight where generic descriptions can be replaced with more specific ones. Pay attention to places where sensory details could heighten the mood or deepen a reader’s connection to the moment.
You can also try observational exercises. Pick an everyday object and describe it in as much sensory detail as possible. What’s the texture and weight of the object? How does light interact with it? What emotions does it evoke?
SUMMING IT UP
The little details are what transform good stories into unforgettable ones. They root readers in your world, breathe life into your characters, and evoke emotions that linger long after the final page.
By focusing on the nuances—the scent of freshly baked bread, the moss between the stones, the looming mountain—you’ll create a story that doesn’t just entertain but engages.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
