First of all, before I start my blog today, I want to state that tomorrow I'm going to announce a new feature at Listen To the Voices. I'm really excited about it and I hope you will be too. I will explain all then.
We all know what's it's like to be focused. For instance when we're watching a movie with Brad Pitt or Jessica Alba... or Biel. We're focused. Or when we're trying to pass our driving test. Again, focused.
We know what it means now how do we describe it in our novels?
When we're focused, we are usually still. For as long as we're interested.
Our eyes may be:
- maintaining strong eye contact - "She never took her eyes off the screen."
- blinking less or not at all
- looking at the ceiling or off in space
- agape
- chewing something - "While listening to the lecture, she chewed on her bottom lip."
- under our chins, holding our heads up
- clasped tightly in front of us
- Nodding or shaking head in agreement with what is being said or done
- Staying with a conversation - he replies to ever statement and question with the proper response.
- Laughing or appropriate sounds at the right moment for it
- Our bodies remain still
Now on to boredom. I think the baby is the perfect model for boredom.
- Slumped shoulders
- Hand on chin
- Droopy eyes
- I think I can hear the baby groan.
- Yawning or stretching
- Doodling
- Looking at the ceiling or off in space (notice how it can mean both attention and boredom?)
- De-linting or de-piling
- Cleaning your fingernails, filing them
- Tapping or playing with a watch
- Sleeping - if someone is doing that when we speak, we might as well stop.
Have you read any good passages that SHOW either FOCUS or BOREDOM?
Picture Source: here
Source: Reading People
8 comments:
Clarissa - I think that the key here is the word show as in show, don't tell. All of those little signs you suggest really tell the reader whether or not the character is focused without the author having to say, "She was bored," or "He was really paying attention." Here's a perfect example from your own The Sholes Key: Detective Inspector Theo Blackwell sat in his office, lights off, staring out the window as the sun peeked between the buildings.
Your 'tweet this' button at the end of the post isn't working right. I liked this post so much I wanted to tweet it.
Margot, thank you for using my novels as an example. Yes, you're right about the SHOW.
Lynda, I don't know why the TWEET THIS button is not working. I will look into it.
CD
I love this. Definitely a great tool for future reference.
Baby is a good illustration (and darn cute) of you post. Although he/she may not have been a willing participant. :>)
Palindrome, thank you. I hope you can use it.
Mary, isn't he? I thought he was so cute too.
CD
You've listed some really good things here. My husband jiggles his coins in his pocket when he is bored and bounces his knee.
I'll certainly think of this when I'm looking for a critique group. I just stopped by from AJ Cavanaugh's site 'cause I liked your weekly schedule ideas. Cheers!
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