#ludicrous descriptions

[50shadesofwhy]

Why does E.L. think her readers are too stupid to make their own opinions about the description? WE'RE supposed to day things like "huh, that's chic or that's picturesque". When a writer uses vague descriptors I can't actually see the scene in my mind and I'm bored. Remember this, writers: describe the scene and let the reader make their own conclusions. J.K. Rowling didn't describe Diagon Alley by writing "there were shops and wizards and it was all very magical".

This is one of my major problems with the James.

[50shadesofwhy]

[50shadesofwhy]

I could be wrong about the bath oil. The most expensive product in my bathroom is a container of Brylcreem.

[50shadesofwhy]

I am sick of eye color. So fucking sick.

I rarely describe eye color in my writing, except in rare cases where a character's eye color is for some reason notable.

Think about it. When you're looking at someone, what physical aspects of theirs are you most likely to remember? When describing yourself to someone who's going to be looking for you in a crowded place, what do you tell them to look for? When you hear a description of a suspected criminal on the news, what characteristics are in it?

Typically, people notice hair color, height, build, clothing, and maybe ethnicity before they pay any attention to eye color. A distinguishing mark like a scar or dark tattoo is far more relevant than eye color.

I have never seen a newspaper article that read "Police apprehended the perpetrator, who was described as having unruly bronze hair and glimmering honey-golden eyes which crinkled around the edges when he smiled."

Just sayin'.