And the Sun Sets …
One of my favorite aspects of writing is having the opportunity to share my prose with readers. It's basically a no-no in this day and age when readers only have a few minutes of reading on their smart phones in between picking up daughters at basketball and bringing their sons to boyscouts (and then there's squeezing in a family dinner. 
)
It seems readers want action … not the purple prose of year's past when writers like Jane Austen or John Steinbeck had pages to wax poetic about the sunset. Before I knew these rules of writing I spent paragraphs describing scenes … and I loved it! Check out this descriptive scene from the first book I ever wrote:
I pulled off the road at a scenic overview, snapping pictures of Mount Katahdin. The gray-blue peak stood regally against the cotton ball clouds dancing around its summit. Bordered by the deep greens of the pine forests and the lighter jade shades of deciduous leaves surrounding the lake at its base, it offered a postcard image. Though I knew I would appreciate them later, I clicked off several frames, more out of a sense of obligation, then an artistic desire to capture the vista.
A handful of cars traveled the highway. The big eighteen wheelers flew by my Escort, noticeably rocking it in their wake. I exited the highway just before it entering Canada. Traveling north on Route 1, now only two lanes, I was struck by the splendor of the countryside. The fields flanking the road were a myriad of green hues. Most prevalent were the potato fields, stretching from road to horizon. At the peak of their growth, the knee-high plants reached across the rows to kiss the emerald green leaves of their neighbors, their tops crowned with bountiful blossoms in varying shades of white, yellow and purple. They dance with the wind, their flowers moving in wild abandon. Between the fields of green grew oats. Standing tall and proud, they bowed their golden heads in the breeze, greeting all who past. Unruly forests of maple, pine, and poplar filled in what little ground had not been planted. The earth was a celebration of life abundant.
In between it all, the people staked their claim on the land. Municipalities were sporadic along the thoroughfare popping up out of the landscape in random intervals. A convenience store offering gas, a post office, and a speed limit of thirty-five were the only indications you were passing through another small town. A few houses stood guard over the highway. Surrounded by flowers, it looked as if the inhabitants were trying to replace the long months of winter white with colors in all shades. Plants in full bloom hung abundantly in porch planters. Their well manicured lawns edged with beds of annuals, looked like carpets of rich mosaics. It was a banquet for the eyes and I feasted heavily on the bounty.
I know, there's not much action, but writing the description is what I was enjoying!
It's been a wonderful day! I want to thank Coffee Time Romance for giving me the opportunity to hang out and play today. Remember, comment on any of my posts before 8 am EST time Jan 31 and you'll be entered to win a basket full of goodies.
I hope you enjoyed your time hanging out with me today!
What a vivid and wonderful description Nina. that is what makes reading so captivating for me. Locales, descriptions such as you have depicted above Especially the mention of Canada and the beauty as well. . Many thanks for your posts today and best wishes.
Descriptive indeed! I really like how the forests and the skies become so rich in imagery. Thank you for all your posts Nina and enjoy your night.
Anne – I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for hanging out with me!
Na – Thanks for spending the day with me!
THANK YOU EVERYONE who hung out with me today. I threw all the comments at Random.org and the winner is … ANNE!
Congratulations! I'll be contacting you by email and sending that book and gift card right out to you!