The miracle that is Google image

Occasionally when I need to describe something tangible, a thing or artefact, maybe something architectural or from nature, then I look no further than Google image search.

I use this natty little device a fair bit during the course of my writing. It's great if you've got a pretty good idea of the thing you want to describe but just need something visual to cement the abstract image you've got in your mind.

Of particular use to me is when I want to describe something architectural or natural. What exactly does a gulch look like, for instance? What kind of extra detail might there be on a Roman officer's helmet? So on and so forth.

Once you've got a good idea as to a thing's basic structure and appearance, you can embellish it with the required flourishes. For me that means adding fantasy or sf twists, should I be writing a Warhammer or Warhammer 40,000 piece. If I'm writing a crime story that's set in the real world, well that's fine too - it adds an extra degree of detail to the description, makes it more authentic. It's another facet of research really.

I want to attach a caveat to this, though. Be mindful not to go over the top. There's nothing worse than something which is over-described. Any novel or story, no matter its style or setting should always have something 'happening' in it. Description is static adds flavour and texture, but it doesn't tell a story (at least, not in the sense of a narrative with characters etc). Beware over describing and allowing your narrative to get mired in it, don't be pedestrian. Paint the picture, but then quickly roll the celluloid.