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Elements of Fiction Writing
Description
Description is most powerful when it's visible, aural, tactile. Make your descriptions fresh and they'll move your story forward, imbue your work with atmosphere, create that tang of feeling that editors cry for and readers crave.
Monica Wood helps you squeeze the greatest flavor from the language. She segments description like an orange, separating its slices to let you sample each one.
You'll learn about:
Detail, and how you can use description to awaken the reader's senses of touch, taste, hearing, smell and sight
Plot, from advancing story using only relevant description--and how to edit out sluggish, reader-stopping writing
Style, and the use of description to create a mood that matches your story's content
Point of view, how selecting omniscient, first person or third person limited narrative influences the descriptive freedom you have
Creating original word depictions of people, animals, places, weather and movement
Wood teaches by example, developing stories with characters in various situations, to show you how you can apply description techniques.You'll also see samples of work by such noted writers as Mark Helprin, Anne Tyler and Raymond Carver. And you'll find the dos and don'ts, lists and descriptive alternatives to common verbs and nouns, and tips for editing your work.
Monica Wood helps you squeeze the greatest flavor from the language. She segments description like an orange, separating its slices to let you sample each one.
You'll learn about:
Detail, and how you can use description to awaken the reader's senses of touch, taste, hearing, smell and sight
Plot, from advancing story using only relevant description--and how to edit out sluggish, reader-stopping writing
Style, and the use of description to create a mood that matches your story's content
Point of view, how selecting omniscient, first person or third person limited narrative influences the descriptive freedom you have
Creating original word depictions of people, animals, places, weather and movement
Wood teaches by example, developing stories with characters in various situations, to show you how you can apply description techniques.You'll also see samples of work by such noted writers as Mark Helprin, Anne Tyler and Raymond Carver. And you'll find the dos and don'ts, lists and descriptive alternatives to common verbs and nouns, and tips for editing your work.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
31 people are currently reading
1029 people want to read
About the author
Monica Wood
24 books1,279 followersMonica Wood is the author of four works of fiction, most recently The One-in-a-Million-Boy, which won a 2017 Nautilus Award (Gold) and the 2017 fiction prize from the New England Society in the City of New York. She also is the author of Any Bitter Thing which spent 21 weeks on the American Booksellers Association extended bestseller list and was named a Book Sense Top Ten pick. Her other fiction includes Ernie’s Ark and My Only Story, a finalist for the Kate Chopin Award.
Monica is also the author of When We Were the Kennedys, a memoir of her growing up in Mexico, Maine. The book won the Maine Literary Award for Memoir in 2013, and the Sarton Women's Literary Awards for Memoir in 2012.
Monica is also the author of When We Were the Kennedys, a memoir of her growing up in Mexico, Maine. The book won the Maine Literary Award for Memoir in 2013, and the Sarton Women's Literary Awards for Memoir in 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 4, 2017
Description by Monica Wood helps the writer create mental images of characters, places and events. The book discusses the importance for description to move a story forward, not stall it. Choices such as point of view, dialogue, setting and style depend on the story you are writing. The skill of "show, don't tell" is explored by the author. Description problems such as animals, weather, emotions and sound are discussed. This is a good book for a beginning writer.
November 7, 2023
It’s fantastic, offering specific advice with great illustrative examples of different approaches and techniques for description. How to describe without stopping or slowing the story, how to infuse descriptions with emotion, how to use showing and telling. It’s so helpful to read and also written in an easy accessible format where it’ll be easy to look things up later when I need to.
January 30, 2016
As a writer, the most consistent feedback I get from readers is "your story is great, but I wish there was more description." There's no question about it. I'm a bare bones writer. Most of the time I don't even know what people mean when they wish for more description in my books.
Description by Monica Woods wasn't the easiest to read book on writing, but I feel like it gave me ideas on how to improve this area of my writing. Reading a book won't make it come naturally. Only practice can do that. But at least now I have something to refer to when I get confused or stuck!
Description by Monica Woods wasn't the easiest to read book on writing, but I feel like it gave me ideas on how to improve this area of my writing. Reading a book won't make it come naturally. Only practice can do that. But at least now I have something to refer to when I get confused or stuck!
February 1, 2017
Best book on description I've read, hands down. The examples alone are worth gold. I learn best this way, by seeing examples, and the ones here are clear and to the point, with important explanations on what works and what doesn't and why. Another book I'm going to buy to keep on my reference shelf and occasionally reread. And the best part? The dispelling of the show-don't-tell myth. I wish when I started writing I've read this book—it would've spared me all this agonizing over showing versus telling. Favorite quote: "Don't aim to make your readers cry. Aim to make them remember."
May 9, 2012
Like most books in the Writer’s Digest “Elements of Fiction Writing” series, Monica Wood’s Description is aimed at the beginning or aspiring writer. The few 3- and 2-star reviews this book received on Amazon are from people who found the book too basic. But come on, you have to start somewhere, folks! Those same people invariably recommend instead Rebecca McClanahan’s Word Painting: a guide to writing more descriptively. Indeed, McClanahan’s books is truly excellent and I will be giving it a 5-star review here soon. But to recommend one book over the other is pointless: the two books address the topic of description in two completely different ways, and with different purposes. I think they are both worth reading.
Well Organized
The book is organized around description as it functions in different contexts, made clear in the chapter titles: Description and Dialog, Description and Forward Motion, Description and Style, etc. Ms. Wood acknowledges that these various contexts do not exist independently of one another. But as a how-to book, approaching the topic this way makes solid sense.
She covers such topics as Description and Point of View (how point of view affects your ability to describe), Flashbacks and Their Problems, Over-describing Dialog, Description by Omission, Avoiding Sentimentality and Melodrama, and so forth.
Rich Examples
In my review of “Creating Character Emotions” by Ann Hood, I criticized the author for creating synthetic example of “poor” writing. I found that they did not serve that purpose because no larger context was provided for the example. Ms. Wood also uses synthetic examples in this book, but she does something quite different with them. Description contains examples of good, solid writing that is perhaps a bit dry. She then takes the reader through several iterations of applying enhanced description techniques to show how the same passage can become not just good but truly vivid; or to show how different techniques applied to the same narrative dramatically changes the character of the passage.
Ms. Wood also uses many examples of excellent description from extant literature.
Well Organized
The book is organized around description as it functions in different contexts, made clear in the chapter titles: Description and Dialog, Description and Forward Motion, Description and Style, etc. Ms. Wood acknowledges that these various contexts do not exist independently of one another. But as a how-to book, approaching the topic this way makes solid sense.
She covers such topics as Description and Point of View (how point of view affects your ability to describe), Flashbacks and Their Problems, Over-describing Dialog, Description by Omission, Avoiding Sentimentality and Melodrama, and so forth.
Rich Examples
In my review of “Creating Character Emotions” by Ann Hood, I criticized the author for creating synthetic example of “poor” writing. I found that they did not serve that purpose because no larger context was provided for the example. Ms. Wood also uses synthetic examples in this book, but she does something quite different with them. Description contains examples of good, solid writing that is perhaps a bit dry. She then takes the reader through several iterations of applying enhanced description techniques to show how the same passage can become not just good but truly vivid; or to show how different techniques applied to the same narrative dramatically changes the character of the passage.
Ms. Wood also uses many examples of excellent description from extant literature.
September 7, 2012
This is an excellent book for writers. I can't recommend it highly enough, and one of the reasons is that Monica Wood realizes that there really are no "rules" to writing. What she presents here are tips, advice, "best practices," and encouragements. Even when it comes to "show don't tell," she argues that both have their place. There are times when telling is better than showing, and too much of either can ruin a scene. She cautions against over-use of adjectives and adverbs, but doesn't dismiss their usage completely. Particular adjectives/adverbs can be appropriate or not depending on the scene and the style. She provides plenty of examples throughout, and includes a "Wrap Up" section at the end of each chapter which gives a brief overview of the topics covered.
Among the topics covered, Monica discusses description in dialogue, how description can be used with different viewpoints (1st person, 2nd person, and all types of 3rd), describing sounds, describing settings and using settings to give life to your story, and also how to make sure your descriptive passages push your story forward, not pull it to a screeching halt. She covers a lot of ground, and does so very well.
The content is all PG--even G--so it's suitable for writers of all ages. Put this one next to Stephen King's ON WRITING. :)
Among the topics covered, Monica discusses description in dialogue, how description can be used with different viewpoints (1st person, 2nd person, and all types of 3rd), describing sounds, describing settings and using settings to give life to your story, and also how to make sure your descriptive passages push your story forward, not pull it to a screeching halt. She covers a lot of ground, and does so very well.
The content is all PG--even G--so it's suitable for writers of all ages. Put this one next to Stephen King's ON WRITING. :)
September 15, 2019
A very good book with some useful tips, but I must admit I did struggle with it by the end of it.
It has many rules that I felt like breaking. She is of course right when she writes them, but everything should be taken with a pinch of salt.
It has many rules that I felt like breaking. She is of course right when she writes them, but everything should be taken with a pinch of salt.
June 14, 2025
I’ve been reposting my reviews of writing books onto Wattpad. Although I read this book years ago, I notice now that I didn’t review it here. Maybe to prevent others from reaching my heights of literary acclaim?
It is very good. If you think there is not much to say about description except for using sensory details, Monica Wood proves you wrong. The book was published in 1995 and references touchpoints I recognize as a reading/writing loving teen of the 1980s, but I believe many writers, such as those on Wattpad, would find a lot to mull over.
After Chapter One about details, for example “how details drive the story”, Monica includes a Chapter Two about showing and telling. Some writers still seem to believe that telling is always bad, but Monica includes thoughts about “how to tell” and “how to show”. It comes down to description. You’ll probably benefit from how she breaks down and illustrates her points with examples, sometimes contrasting examples…
Actually, she puts examples to great use in other chapters too. What else does she say about description? I think the chapter titles should give you some idea of the breadth and depth of this topic:
Chapter Three: Description and Forward Motion
Chapter Four: Description and Dialogue
Chapter Five: Description and Point of View
Chapter Six: Description and Style
Chapter Seven: Description and Setting
Chapter Eight: Small Description Problems - such as describing animals and emotion…
Chapter Nine: Tips and Tricks - such as turning a bland simile into an adjective…
It is very good. If you think there is not much to say about description except for using sensory details, Monica Wood proves you wrong. The book was published in 1995 and references touchpoints I recognize as a reading/writing loving teen of the 1980s, but I believe many writers, such as those on Wattpad, would find a lot to mull over.
After Chapter One about details, for example “how details drive the story”, Monica includes a Chapter Two about showing and telling. Some writers still seem to believe that telling is always bad, but Monica includes thoughts about “how to tell” and “how to show”. It comes down to description. You’ll probably benefit from how she breaks down and illustrates her points with examples, sometimes contrasting examples…
Actually, she puts examples to great use in other chapters too. What else does she say about description? I think the chapter titles should give you some idea of the breadth and depth of this topic:
Chapter Three: Description and Forward Motion
Chapter Four: Description and Dialogue
Chapter Five: Description and Point of View
Chapter Six: Description and Style
Chapter Seven: Description and Setting
Chapter Eight: Small Description Problems - such as describing animals and emotion…
Chapter Nine: Tips and Tricks - such as turning a bland simile into an adjective…
April 23, 2018
Very helpful. I like that the author seems flexible on what makes good writing. Sometimes books on writing get too caught up in "Writing Rules" or the author's own methods, but the information in Description is clear, concise, and fairly objective. I don't suggest reading it front to back like I did; it was tough to get through because there's so much information to absorb. It might have been more fun to jump around from topic to topic based on what interested me at the moment.
May 9, 2022
A must read for any creative writer.
November 17, 2016
I fell in love with Monica Wood's writing in "The One-In-A-Million Boy." This love was solidified after reading her memoir "We Were The Kennedys." When searching for what else she had written, I was surprised to find this book...on my shelf...for the past 14 years (and 8 cross-country moves). I bought it with good intentions (along with many other "in my spare time I will be an author" references) but never found the motivation to read it, let alone begin that whole "author" thing.
It was interesting. Enlightening. Helpful. Witty. Direct. And best yet: she doesn't pull her punches. If she were a teacher, she'd be your favorite.
This book helped me to be a better reader, which was unexpected. You know how you taste something great but don't know WHY you like it until someone tells you it's the cilantro? It's like that. Then, armed with that knowledge, you can seek out more dishes with cilantro. The best part is, I now know why I love Monica Wood's writing. Because she uses just enough cilantro, and not one leaf more. She edits, edits, edits until the description is absolutely perfect without a word extra. (Something I need to work on for sure!)
Now, I'm off to seek out more Monica Wood books...
It was interesting. Enlightening. Helpful. Witty. Direct. And best yet: she doesn't pull her punches. If she were a teacher, she'd be your favorite.
This book helped me to be a better reader, which was unexpected. You know how you taste something great but don't know WHY you like it until someone tells you it's the cilantro? It's like that. Then, armed with that knowledge, you can seek out more dishes with cilantro. The best part is, I now know why I love Monica Wood's writing. Because she uses just enough cilantro, and not one leaf more. She edits, edits, edits until the description is absolutely perfect without a word extra. (Something I need to work on for sure!)
Now, I'm off to seek out more Monica Wood books...
April 14, 2013
Didn't agree 100% with her before and after versions, and in a couple of instances she dropped a section she'd been using as an example and used something else, which negated the whole point of using an example, but overall I liked this book a lot. I found it easy to read, accessible, and lively enough to keep my attention.
May 17, 2011
This is the best writing advice book I've read. What I particularly like is the provisiion of "before" and "after" examples of every technique described - the examples make what the author is saying real and easy to understand.
October 22, 2018
For a book now written almost 20 year ago, it’s pack with so much rich and relevant information for fiction writers. I loved the examples and plain language instructions. I am so happy to have stumbled upon it. It’s going to be my description bible for a long while!
December 24, 2011
This is one book on the craft of writing that holds a special place on my shelf and one I will reread several times over.
March 22, 2024
Many writers, including myself, struggle with description in their writing. This book is a great reference guide to learning to overcome that struggle. She explores the idea of "show don't tell" and says sometimes you do need to tell. The author has a lot of great advice, but also, I think that advice should be taken with a grain of salt. I didn't agree with everything she said, but I found her advice useful on the whole.
June 25, 2018
This book won't blow you away, but it may improve your writing. The topic is description as applied to many basic writing topics. There are many insightful examples. The book also contained one of the best explanations of the difference between third person omniscient and third person limited POV. Overall I would say it was worth the time it took to read.
February 20, 2018
Great reading! Never boring and fit for every writer. English is not my first language so some books don't really apply to me, but this one was so good.
Must read for every writer, no matter if you're writing a novel or just fanfics.
Must read for every writer, no matter if you're writing a novel or just fanfics.
April 12, 2019
Part of the Elements of Fiction Writing series published by Writer's Digest Books. If you are an aspiring writer or just want to brush up on your writing skills, then this book will prove to be a valuable guide. Clear, concise, and filled with informative and excellent examples.
November 14, 2020
This is another great read for any aspiring fiction writer who wants to learn the fundamentals of fiction writing as a whole. . . many old fiction writing rules still apply today.
I recommend this old book.
J.R. Fitzgerald
I recommend this old book.
J.R. Fitzgerald
December 15, 2020
A concise, well-thought-out and informative read on description, its pit-falls, challenges and how to do it well. Ignore the dull cover. This book is bursting with knowledge. Every time I read a passage in it, it brings a new perspective to something I'm working on. I'll be returning to this book again and again for inspiration.
August 19, 2022
Quyển này giống như kiểu sách giáo khoa dành cho nhà văn ấy.
Đây cũng là cuốn sách đầu tiên về hướng dẫn viết lách mà tui cho 5 sao hehe.
"Not all of us will see the product—a published story—but the process is ours for the taking. No entry fee, no prerequisites—just a pencil and an idea."
Đây cũng là cuốn sách đầu tiên về hướng dẫn viết lách mà tui cho 5 sao hehe.
"Not all of us will see the product—a published story—but the process is ours for the taking. No entry fee, no prerequisites—just a pencil and an idea."
February 9, 2018
This book attracted me so much i could not put down til i gonna finish one Hour -i recommended this book any one likes to be writer read it
March 6, 2019
A good overview but seems a bit odd to have no exercises.
May 10, 2019
To all writers out there, this is a must-read.
March 9, 2020
Every beginner should read this.
August 15, 2021
The type of book that changes your writing career.
July 9, 2024
Lots of useful tips in this relatively short book! Although I felt the focus was too narrow and the content a bit outdated, it was still helpful to go through.
July 29, 2024
Very to the point and very concrete
December 9, 2024
Second time through. Excellent insight.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews