The Devil is in the Detail

Don’t you feel annoyed if someone short-changes you on details when they give you some information. “The bride looked lovely”, they say or, “We had a delicious meal.”

It’s quite useless. “Not enough information!” you shriek. You want to know about the satin pumps, lily of the valley posy, cream roses in the hair. Or the touch of tarragon in the wine sauce. People need to be taught to observe and tell the details.

This is particularly true of writing. At Words by the Water William Fiennes was complimented on the detail in his descriptive writing. He replied, “The world is composed of details. Good writing is never vague or general. The life of a book is in the detail”. This is the best advice I’ve heard for would be writers. No need to do an M.A. in creative writing. Just remember this advice.

Words by the Water at Theatre by the Lake in Cumbria continues until 14 March.