How much description is necessary? How perfectly do you need to visualize what's going on? I've read lots of advice about these things, and what it all boils down to is: what feels right. Imagination only needs enough seeds to blossom into far more than the creator ever expected. Epic fantasy and science fiction tend toward expansive descriptions (mainly because they often deal with completely new worlds, and all those things need explanation), while more realistic stories spare description for character looks and behaviors.
Details can make or break scenes. You want the audience to see what you intend, yet not become overwhelmed by every little nook and cranny. It's tough trusting the imagination of your audience, but it's so incredibly rewarding to hear someone talk about what they see despite you never having depicted it. Yes, audiences go beyond what you describe--sometimes completely crafting their own world. The key is sensing what's enough and not too much.
When I was a kid, my favorite books were fantasy, because I loved fashioning everything in my mind's eye and watching the story like a mental movie. I realize not everyone does this, but I bet we all do when it comes to the characters themselves. Unless you're watching a movie, you make up the characters for yourself (which makes seeing a movie based on a book typically annoys people, as the actors don't look quite right). Trust your audiences. Give them the imaginative seeds and then turn them loose to run with it. But, don't give too little and expect miracles.
- M
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