I am a little late to the party today guys, I apologize. But, since it is still technically the 9th where I am (at least for a couple more hours) it still counts!
Today’s prompt is another specialized one. It will show you how to overcome a simple obstacle: description.
If you have followed me for any time, you know I am against flowery over-descriptions.
There is a place in literature for poetry, it’s called poems. If you are writing a script or novel, keep your flowery over dramatic descriptions at home.
I promise, I’ll throw your book when you write: He glanced over the boulevard with longing blue eyes that mimicked the tidal waves of the ocean on a rainy afternoon, as she strolled carelessly down the foot-beaten pavement without a care in the world.
No, seriously my guy, you can just say: He watched her walk away down the street.
We get it, she’s leaving, he’s sad. Next.
Anyway, I digress. On to the prompt!
January 09
Describe an orange to a blind person who has never eaten one.
Bonus points to the person who can post in the comments with the shortest and most accurate description of an orange!
Here is what I came up with
An orange is a soft tree-fruit. The color and name are the same. It has a thick rind that, when peeled away, leaves a citrus, tangy meat and a slight inner pulp.
And that’s it. That’s all there is too it. I don’t need to try and explain the color orange to a blind person do I? Either they already understand what orange is, or they never will.
I’m not going to insult their intelligence by stumbling over how to describe a color. As for the rest, give them the basics. Like any human, just because they are blind, they know what citrus is, they know tangy, they also know food, which has rinds, peels, pulp, seeds, etc.
Your readers are blind.
Describe to them what is going on in your scenes. Just don’t insult their intelligence. Blind doesn’t mean stupid.
