Writing in Details: How to Get Them Right

Accuracy and precision in your writing can make all the difference. Whether you're writing a novel, an article, or any form of written content, the devil – and the delight – lies in those details. 

Ever read a historical story and the description is so vivid and precise that you could feel yourself in that era, smelling the scents of the era, and hearing the voices of people long gone? These moments, like time travel, pull you deeper into the story, and this effect is sponsored by accurate details. When details are correct, readers are more likely to trust your storytelling. They appreciate the effort you've put into research, and it adds some level of authenticity to your work.

Getting the details right would require your diligence with research and fact-checking. Research is always handy, irrespective of the genre or topic you’re writing. This could mean reading a lot of books in that genre, conducting interviews, or even using the internet. What’s important is that the information is verified to be from reliable sources.

Your fact-checking also shouldn’t be restricted to just notable events; it will extend to the minute details. For example, if you are describing a city, you want to make sure that you have accurate landmarks, street names, etc. 

Put an extra effort into setting the scene. Detailed descriptions of landscapes, architecture, and environments have the ability to transport your audience into the world you have created. You don’t want to just mention that there is a forest; you want to paint a mental picture with your words. Providing sensory details about the environment in which your story is unfolding helps your readers feel like they're right there with your characters.

While you should focus on detailing your setting, don’t forget to do the same for your characters. It is very important that your characters stay consistent in their behaviours, likes, dislikes, and so on. Inconsistency or non-seamless transitions could break the reader's trust or leave them confused. Carefully craft your characters’ appearance, personality, and background, making sure that they feel like authentic individuals. It helps to keep a note of your character's attributes so you can refer to them if need be. 

While accuracy and detail are important, tread the fine line between enriching your story and overburdening it with redundancy. Remember, the goal isn't to drown the reader in an excess of descriptive details but to offer just enough to enhance the story's depth.