Further to yesterday about a deepening point of view, using observations of the characters and their clothing. Incidentally, I received some very interesting letters on that subject. I wanted to offer a couple of suggestions on the same subject of a deeper point of view, with regard to the description of food. If you remember my checklist that I keep on my desk when writing there is a section:
See it through the character’s eyes. What do they feel? What do they see? What do they smell? What do they taste? What do they hear? Use all five senses.
Food is a rich source, or even sauce, of references to sights, smells, tastes, and sounds. It can set the tone of a romantic scene; it can deepen the feel of the story by drawing the reader into the experience of the characters. This is something I did yesterday when sitting in a restaurant. I made mental notes of my surroundings. The music was just a little too loud for comfortable conversation. We were close to the kitchen, and I could feel the heat from an open gas flame cooking food. It was an Italian restaurant so the smells of oregano, garlic, and a pungent smell of a rich ragu sauce are in the air. The lighting was subdued, it felt friendly, intimate. The waiting staff was attentive, yet not intrusive. The decor was trendily sparse. The quality of the food was acceptable, yet there was the feel of a chain of diners, rather than a family restaurant. All that out of a two-hour lunch meeting, and I have no story to put that into at the moment. My brain has that filed away for the next time I need to draw on those thoughts.
In a romantic dinner scenario, I would restrict the mentions so as not to info dump at the start of a scene. I would scatter a few details during the scene interspersed with text and dialogue….
“Is everything alright darling?” he said, a reassuring smile spreading across his face.
Emily returned his smile, then looked down at her plate of seafood linguine, and took in the aromatic scent which filled the air. “Perfect. Thank you”
When writing, do you store away little nuggets like that? Do you people watch, to steal away little mannerisms to enrich your characters? Do you listen to conversations to hear how people banter? I do…..
I would love to hear your views, thoughts, and stories you might like to share, on the blog, Facebook or Twitter.