Death to Character Descriptions

Here’s the secret to writing compelling character descriptions: Cut them out entirely.

A writer’s most powerful tool is the reader’s imagination. Don’t waste it, especially when you’re introducing characters and the particulars of their appearance. There is nothing duller or more forgettable than a laundry list of physical traits: hair type, eye color, weight, etc.

Take a look at these two descriptions. Who is more interesting?

She had short blond hair and a blue dress.

She could swing a broadsword better than any man in the village.

Instead of spelling out every detail, empower your readers