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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/41677
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/41677
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

 **Do you actually need to write longer narratives?**

A sparse writing style can often work well. Here, every word is important. You must carefully choose what you say and how you say it because you have fewer words to carry the meaning.

Other times, being too sparse can keep the reader from understanding or immersing her/himself into your story.

**Find readers and ask them to describe your story.**

A critique group can be invaluable here. If one isn't available, ask a teacher or friends/family who will be completely honest with you. You don't want people who will say "it's great." Just like with writing, sometimes you can be too sparse with feedback.

Don't ask them if it was okay or if they understood it. Ask them to describe it. Ask what they think happened in the scene or what they think the motivations of the characters were.

Even if your writing is spot-on perfect, you'll get readers with different interpretations of it. That's okay. What you want to watch out for is when readers are confused or simply can't figure out what's happening.

**Instead of trying to describe more in general, focus on the areas your readers tell you aren't working.**

It's very hard to make yourself change something when you think it's already okay. But if a couple readers tell you a part was problematic, you can focus on that. I find that much easier than a general "describe more things."

For example, if your readers get that it's a dismal rainy day but they are confused by why your character went to her ex's house, you don't want to waste your time beefing up descriptions of the weather.

Or maybe your readers have no problem understanding your brief explanations of your character discovering that her ex cut managed to cut off her internet and phone service and why she chose to confront him in person, but they'd like to see more about her reactions to the inside of his house, about whether he's recreated their old home together or left her and her influences behind (which all helps her understand _why_ he pulled that dirty trick).

Once you get feedback a few times for multiple problem points in your work, you'll start to anticipate them. You likely don't want to make yourself go on more about every aspect of a scene.

**Choosing few words carefully is a fine approach. The trick is not how to write more, but how to know which parts need more attention.**

Original score: 4