It is rather often in my stories when I come across a situation where I would like more detail. Where I know a character would be more eloquent than I am able to write them. Where discussions between or among people would be more involved. When I know that if this story were ‘real’ it would take many more steps to get from Point ‘A’ to Point ‘B’. However, after my reading of Brisingr, the third in the cycle of Eragon’s story by Christopher Paolini, I have simply come to realize that while it is nice to have that level of detail, too much can be mind-numbingly boring. I understand there are intricacies with the running of a rebel force like the Varden, and currying favor, and helping the wounded, and getting food and supplies, but by Mark I don’t need every blasted detail. I found myself skipping over most everything that happened whenever Nasuada showed up. Reading bits of paragraphs until something of actual worth (in that the plot advanced AT ALL) showed up. And you know, I didn’t miss anything important.
Not that I’m saying it’s all bad. Christopher, I feel, has matured rather a bit through the three books I’ve read. I’ve been impressed by many of the details pertaining to Eragon and Saphira’s connection. As well as the interesting feel of sections written from a dragon’s point of view.
I just have to, in my own writing, realize that I don’t strive for the level of detail Christopher instilled in his books, and that the level I want to reach really isn’t as far away as I would have thought.
