I just trimmed my nails. I know, you’re thrilled – assuming you aren’t completely grossed out. So why bother telling you? In my odd little world, I rarely trim my nails. Not because I sport extended fingernails like Ginsu knives, but because they never make it that far. My nails usually break well before talon-phase, so they tend to hover around my fingertips, which is where I prefer them. Today, while typing, they kept clickety-clacking against the keyboard, never letting the skin touch the key. As a touch-typer, it’s disconcerting to not feel my fingers return to the home row, feel the little nubs on the J and F keys.
What does this have to do with anything? It’s all in the details. I don’t like my nails long, but I have my reasons. Long nails bother me when I type. That tells you a little more. Even though I trim my nails to a very unglamorous length, I adore huge, sparkly rings, like my teal octopus (her name is Mari – short for calamari). That tells you even more about me. These little details give you insight into what makes me tick (and why you may choose to stay away). Think about the significant people in your life. You can probably name five tiny things that make that person unique, little idiosyncrasies that reveal facets of their personality.
Authors watch for these constantly, and steal them for book ideas. These little details bring our characters to life, make them real, and remind readers of people they know. And it isn’t just character quirks; it’s the cracked vinyl in a restaurant booth, the carved initials on the oak tree, or the Converse sneakers tossed over telephone wires. These nuggets bring scenes to life letting readers connect more with the story.
Of all the aspects of writing I enjoy, making up the details is by far my favorite. In The Cake Effect, my heroine keeps her phone in her bra, my hero collects kitschy magnets from each of their dates, and a sidekick dresses up his cubicle with cashmere throws and excellent lighting. Each shows a different facet of their personality, a clue to what makes them special. As an author, I intentionally created each detail for you, dear reader, so you could know my characters like I do.
So, next time you’re reading, pay attention to those little nuggets, the author put them there for a reason. Now, I need to find a place for my Ravenclaw scarf.
Get more of me on Twitter @aereichert.
