At times I wish I had known some of the Rules of Writing that are so obvious to me now when I was a newer writer. Like you said above, we KNOW about them. We know they are generals. We know if they are Americans or Japanese or from a Galaxy Far Far Away. Unless they are standing next to a flag, it is generally not important to say.
My biggest peeve, and yes, I used to do it from time to time, is the blue-green-orange-plaid-eyed man.
"Which way is it to the orgy?" asked the blue-eyed man.
AURGH!!! If you must make mention of someone's eyeballs, then make sure someone is staring into those 'glowing chocolatey orbs', okay? Or maybe just don't and spare us the pain.
I read a story once, it was a foursome, and at least in every paragraph was a 'blue-eyed man.'Sometimes she also threw in a 'brown-haired' man for a little flavor. It could have been a really good story if I hadn't been cracking up every time over those.
Sometimes it does feel like you are overusing names, but it was pointed out to me that readers are accustomed to it and it doesn't feel that way to them.
Also, save those ALL CAPITAL or bold words for special times too. I've seen stories with so many of those it's like it is filled with speed bumps. ;)
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branchandroot
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Date: 2005-03-05 09:32 pm (UTC)At times I wish I had known some of the Rules of Writing that are so obvious to me now when I was a newer writer. Like you said above, we KNOW about them. We know they are generals. We know if they are Americans or Japanese or from a Galaxy Far Far Away. Unless they are standing next to a flag, it is generally not important to say.
My biggest peeve, and yes, I used to do it from time to time, is the blue-green-orange-plaid-eyed man.
"Which way is it to the orgy?" asked the blue-eyed man.
AURGH!!! If you must make mention of someone's eyeballs, then make sure someone is staring into those 'glowing chocolatey orbs', okay? Or maybe just don't and spare us the pain.
I read a story once, it was a foursome, and at least in every paragraph was a 'blue-eyed man.'Sometimes she also threw in a 'brown-haired' man for a little flavor. It could have been a really good story if I hadn't been cracking up every time over those.
Sometimes it does feel like you are overusing names, but it was pointed out to me that readers are accustomed to it and it doesn't feel that way to them.
Also, save those ALL CAPITAL or bold words for special times too. I've seen stories with so many of those it's like it is filled with speed bumps. ;)