The Art of Writing Description

When I read, I find myself skimming over lengthy description. That’s why I never liked reading Michener.  Description is usually boring.  But sometimes you have to describe a person, place, or thing.  So how do you know if your descriptions work?  Some experts contend that the easiest way to detect a new writer is to look for the overuse, or misuse of adjectives and adverbs. Also, it can be demeaning to the reader when the writer fills in every last detail for her.  It assumes she has no imagination of her own.   In fiction, it’s important that description advances the story; that it creates an emotional response for the reader.  There are a million ways to write description. As writers, our challenge is to find fresh ways to describe people, places, or things  that not only reflect the tone of the story, but also keep our readers engaged and curious.  That’s description that works.