Getting the detail right

As those who read my blogs will know, I think that detail is key to good writing and often teach classes on the subject.
Here’s some tips:
* Ask questions about your character. What does your character look like? How does he/she walk or talk? What kind of clothes does he/she wear? What nasty habits etc? What beliefs? And which facts are relevant?
* Create details about your settings. What does your character's living room look like? Is it messy or is it tidy? Are there paintings on the wall etc etc? Create details that bring the settings to life. A story comes alive when the reader can see, smell, taste, hear, and touch the world you've created.
* Don't be excessive in using details. Use only what is necessary. Sometimes two or three details will do the trick, the reader will do the rest.

John Dean