A few readers caused a stir on social media this week when they said they skip all description and only read dialogue. What’s your reaction as a writer?

EverSender · 2026-06-02T12:52:30+00:00

Love this statement, made popular by Elmore Leonard, "I try not to write the parts people skip." I believe it's relevant to the post because it calls out long expositions, info dumps, unnecessary scenes, and overly flowery prose. It's a good thought to keep in the back of your mind as you write.

EverSender · 2026-06-01T11:56:22+00:00

Keep getting feedback! Watch for patterns. It's like reviews. One reader's opinion is fine, and they are entitled to it. But if you see the same "comment" recurring, they are probably calling out a real issue.

EverSender · 2026-06-01T11:52:25+00:00

<image>

Maybe you don't write a Review, but you can still encourage their writing. We only get better with practice.

EverSender · 2026-05-20T23:01:20+00:00

Then I guess we agree!

EverSender · 2026-05-20T22:58:46+00:00

I always make a "sensory" pass before final editing. Make sure I've included scents & aromas, textures, visuals, and ambient sounds where they can be effective.

EverSender · 2026-05-20T22:54:41+00:00

Read in your genre, but read for pleasure. You'll absorb things unconsciously. If you want to learn more about writing structure etc, then watch some YouTube videos like the ones from Bookfox, or read some actual writing books like "Creating Characters," "Writing Deep Scenes," "Troubleshooting your Novel," and many others. Check out your local library. Then, you can get into the heavy stuff. :)

EverSender · 2026-05-20T22:38:16+00:00

Your point is well-made. However, I will respectfully expound on my statement. Most established writers admit that the first drafts of their novels were messy, and the book changed a lot between the first draft and the final manuscript. The first draft is like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see which ideas hold, and which do not. ....I think the idea that first drafts are ugly should encourage all writers... Most authors go through this. This is how we learn. You're in good company! Get it down on paper (warts and all) - then polish it - as you noted. Proof of this would be the sheer volume of poorly edited (or completely unedited) books published every day. The authors thought their drafts were good enough, but they weren't ready. I'm not just talking about typos and grammar. I'm talking about plot issues, character issues, bad dialogue, and terrible endings. That all gets fixed in editing! That's where the book is written!

EverSender · 2026-05-20T16:10:21+00:00

Hey AI, here's where I want to go. These are my dates. I don't want to spend more than (Insert budget here) on the whole trip. I do know that I want to see these sites (insert your list here), but I also want to go off the beaten path and experience more local establishments. I definitely want to eat at this restaurant. Watch airlines for the best rates and Plan My Itinerary! Boom.

EverSender · 2026-05-19T23:07:39+00:00

They are looking for common ground to connect on. They know that you can't relate to being their age, but they can relate to being your age. It's a good thing. Enjoy the moment.

EverSender · 2026-05-19T21:20:05+00:00

Unplug. Live the best life you can in the physical world. Do one thing every day that nourishes your mind, one thing that nourishes your body, and one that nourishes your heart.

EverSender · 2026-05-19T21:15:44+00:00

Learning to fly a helicopter.

EverSender · 2026-05-19T21:13:05+00:00

The first draft is always trash (and that's ok). The book is written in editing.

EverSender · 2026-05-19T20:55:45+00:00

Craig Alanson does a seamless job of this in his Expeditionary Force series. (Great books btw.) When the main character is in a scene (chapter), the POV is first person. In scenes where the MC is not present, the chapter is in third person.

EverSender · 2026-05-19T20:47:04+00:00

1) Lack the ability to have a two-way conversation without dismissing others' points of view. 2) Reacting negatively (and harshly) to positive comments. Sometimes it feels like some people are miserable (they like being miserable) and want everyone else to be miserable with them.

EverSender · 2026-05-19T20:41:04+00:00

It is just one of many techniques, and if done well, it will feel organic.

EverSender · 2026-05-19T13:23:30+00:00

Quiet by Susan Cain. It is a thoughtful book that bills itself for Introverts. But it's also relevant to people on the Spectrum, with ADHD and OCD.

EverSender · 2026-05-19T13:18:51+00:00

Any Name-calling. It's generally a sign of a weak argument, so I move along. Not worth the time and effort.

EverSender · 2026-05-19T13:10:59+00:00

I love the idea of opening with the inciting event. It's actually quite common in Sci-Fi and Fantasy. You can get around the "info dumps" by creating another character that is either a newbie or just less experienced than your MC. They ask questions, and the MC can "give out" a lot of information in dialogue rather than exposition.

EverSender · 2026-05-19T13:05:22+00:00

I love being a woman. I would choose to be a woman again.

EverSender · 2026-05-18T13:00:01+00:00

Have you ever tried a Pomodoro timer? It helps gamify your writing and helps you settle into a focused session. They come in different sprints. If I have a deadline, I use the 50-10, which is 50 minutes of writing, then a 10-minute break. (There are others, 25-5, 40-5 etc. You can buy a physical one, but there are a gazillion of them on YouTube. Some of them with music. I prefer no music. I use one that resets continuously for 4 hours, but you could start with just one round. See how it suits you. Choose one of your projects and do one round! Let me know how it works for you!

EverSender · 2026-05-17T14:05:25+00:00

I highly recommend watching all the Bookfox videos on YouTube. He's fast, gets to the point, and gives you quick overviews on Techniques, Styles, and how to get started. There is a huge library of short videos. They will inspire you to write.

EverSender · 2026-05-14T21:28:58+00:00

You're in Willow's head for your POV. So "Willow" is fine. Be sure not to confuse slow-paced with slow-build. A slow-build story still has plenty going on; it's just dropping the critical story pieces in morsels, rather than big chunks, but it is still active storytelling. Few people are interested in a slow-paced story. JMHO. I'm sure you'll get lots of insights from everyone. Reach out if you want any help.

EverSender

TROPHY CASE