[Zettel Feedback]

Will

I'm learning to write and found the concept of Thisness really interesting. I created a zettel around the core idea. Any suggestions on how to improve it?

Thisness

wjenkins81

I don't know how to improve the note, but it helps to explain some of the writing I've read.

I've wondered why some authors go into so much detail when describing scenes. Tolkien is one of the most well known in that regards.

But 'thisness' would explain it.

Perhaps you could add an example to the note... a paragraph from a novel maybe?

Sascha

I'd explore the details more via examples. I'd also connect it to the How of creating the reader's experience and perhaps contextualise thisness with other concepts.

Will

I've added a few more examples and contrasted thisness with Hemingway's minimalism. I worry that this note is losing its edge.

Addtions to Thisness

KillerWhale

I think it's a great note. But: I would contrast it with the opposite takes (such as less is more) and then write a personal synthesis about your own style, take, aesthetic and where and how you would tend to use either. This is what truly matters, as there is no universal truth in fiction writing.