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Post by aquarose on Jul 5, 2013 19:22:43 GMT -5
This probably happens in all genres. Does anyone else have problems feeling like there's only so many ways to describe something that happens often? My characters are on the run. After a while, I feel like I'm regurgitating the pounding heart, gasping for breath, chest pain, etc. It's kinda funny and sad at the same time.
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Post by r.elena.t on Jul 5, 2013 20:05:59 GMT -5
"felt her face flush" or "grow hot" is my particular bugaboo in the book I'm finishing (my MC tends to embarrassment). I actually wonder your repetition might not be a good thing. Your reader is on the run one more time & getting as tired as your MC. Forcing a change in description might distract from the readers' ability to sink into the story. Tolkien had an annoyingly repetitive fondness for characters "leaping lightly up" onto whatever horse. Yet this never slowed down his readers.  |
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Post by boomboom on Jul 5, 2013 21:35:19 GMT -5
Elena is right. (And go go Tolkien.)
I think it is more repetitive feeling to you because you are hyper aware of it. However, it is always good to look for a new way of saying things. Also, if it is something that happens often, you can do a couple of key words, reference back or even address it in the description.
The first time: "Tammy's feet slammed into the ground one after the other quickly, her breath coming in ragged gasps and her heart felt like it was playing the xylophone on her ribs."
Next time: "She ran as fast, breath gasping and heart pounding."
"Tammy felt that all to familiar tight breathing and straining heart..."
Rather overwrought but it was to make a point and I didn't do it very well.
Same with the embarrassed expression. You can use what you have already setup with the reader. Once they have gone through it once or twice, they want to get to the meat of the matter anyway - what's making her blush or run.
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Post by r.elena.t on Jul 5, 2013 23:29:22 GMT -5
Off topic. So Boomboom, how many posts to graduate from "jotter" to the next membership level?
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Post by boomboom on Jul 6, 2013 1:35:04 GMT -5
50. And you have gotten your cap and gown. Congratulations!Put that on your resume!
"Jotter, Writers Cramp"
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Post by gitchel on Jul 6, 2013 7:31:33 GMT -5
Harrumph. And I was proud of my brand new second star  Ironically, if Boom answers this post, I think it takes here over the next level :-( |
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Post by r.elena.t on Jul 6, 2013 12:13:18 GMT -5
I mean the next level after "jotters." If it's 100, we'll find out soon as you are about over that finish line.  |
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Post by gitchel on Jul 6, 2013 12:32:01 GMT -5
I think she's saving the last one or two for some special occasion ;-)
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Post by boomboom on Jul 6, 2013 12:57:27 GMT -5
Well, so much for my reading comprehension. In my defense, I was reading it late just before going to bed. Very sleepy.
Ya, it's kinda embarrassing having this many posts with the word count I have, lol. As usual, I've gotten things twisted around.
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Post by boomboom on Jul 6, 2013 12:57:51 GMT -5
One more and let's seeee......
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Post by gitchel on Jul 6, 2013 14:16:13 GMT -5
TA DA!
<grumble>
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Post by r.elena.t on Jul 6, 2013 15:06:19 GMT -5
Yes! In your defense you are our leading light, Boomboom, you scribbler, you.  |
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Post by Lib on Sept 13, 2013 10:35:01 GMT -5
Geez, and I'm still trying to make 20.  |
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Post by boomboom on Sept 13, 2013 14:24:06 GMT -5
Ya, I post like mad but don't write my story. Maybe if I did it in a series of posts?
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Post by r.elena.t on Sept 13, 2013 22:14:37 GMT -5
Good going lib, you made 20.
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Now, where did I leave off at?
My latest edition of Straight From Thecliff Chamber 