Detail

One week of learning to write well. Our trainers focussed on what is in German called the »Reportage«. The following is a list of tricks they suggested. Some, I just wrote down like this, some they said so specifically.

Detail makes a story pop

• What was the weather like?
• What did the trees look like?
• How was the smell, did the small change?
• How does it feel to be hungry? What goes through your mind? Can you give us a picture of this scenery?
• What do you do with your hands if you feel uncomfortable? Did you already do this when you were young?
• What is something you like to spend money on? What does your purse look like?

Get language to the point

• Start with the last sentence
• The last sentence of your paragraph should sum it up and be strong
• Don’t use adverbs, use strong verbs.
• Be cautious with quotations. They take the reader out of the action
• Describe not as a Steckbrief but with movement:
  • »Masha moved towards the windows where a buffet offered solace.«
  • »He combed his shoulderlong hair with his fingers.«
• Use short words.
• Use active voice.
• Use specific words where you suspect abstract words: They don’t buy groceries. They buy apples, bread, and butter.
• Use the ladder of abstraction (zweite Ebene):
  • What does it mean?
  • What is this an instance of?
• Start right in the middle (of the action).
• Be cautious when describing eyes/view/Blick.
• If you’re stuck writing: Read people you like and then write.

Interview well.

• Try not to take notes.
• Trust your memory.
• Treat your interviee as an expert.
• Come back to a challenging situation and ask again.
• Be bold.
• Ask for detail.
• Ask for turning points, biographical meaning.