DESCRIPTIVE WRITING - WHEN IS IT TOO MUCH?

[Beth]

It's too much when the reader notices it, meaning s/he's pulled out of the story world and is back in the real world of reading a book and admiring the phrasing.

[Shirley]

When the descriptions become too wordy and don't really add anything to the story. If the reader begins skimming over pages to find a spot where the story finally begins to move forward, the author has lost the reader's interest and possibly the story's focus.

[AngryGreyCat]

Definitely can be way to much. It takes a light touch. You want it descriptive enough so that you can get a sense of place for the scene but not so much that it causes you to skim or just get bored with the lack of action.

What NOT to do:

"After she set the royal blue dish with a spoonful of cream in its center on the floor, Caprice arranged the turquoise, yellow, and lime-green mugs on a tray with a crystal creamer and sugar bowl. She poured cinnamon-hazelnut coffee into the mugs, and then carried the antique tray with its picture of pink peonies under the glass into the living room." - Staged to Death

[Shirley]

I agree, Fanficfan44. Pace and placement of heavy descriptive writing is very important and I doubt the excessive use of words to describe being served coffee was necessary to the story. There is definitely a balance that a writer needs to be aware of. Often it becomes more natural with practice and experience. I know I am always a little more lenient concerning wordage, style, etc. with an author's very first book. If after the first book the author doesn't develop along with his characters, I lose interest.

[Kay]

Balance is important, but have you ever been into the story and realized that you have no idea what the main character looks like. Either I skimmed it or the author did not provide it! Also, if the description is complicated enough that I have to think about it, it is just too much.