It's amazing how a brief description can either trigger different emotions. I liked your example of talking about how the woman is walking under warm torchlight with her lips curled in a relaxed smile. And even the smallest change can make the scene scary.
I enjoy writing short stories sometimes, so I'll keep these hints in mind the next time I do. :)
This is something I've always struggled with finding the perfect window for, so I'm glad you found the example to be good. Honestly, I wasn't even sure if I should write this because I'm far from an expert, but I figure that any insight I gain is at least an insight and might be helpful.
Sometimes it's helpful in a "retrieving the black-box after the plane pinwheels into the ocean" manner, but I find that writing down the random stuff that jumps into my mind at least permits seeing where things went off the rails.
I don't think this went off the rails. I did find it helpful.
I've written some stories that didn't turn out, but that's how it works. Steemit is a great place to try things. Even if they don't work, you at least got some experience and are able to apply lessons to your next piece.
Thanks!
I think that one of the things that people forget is that creative endeavors almost always lead to failure. Failure isn't an end; it's a path to succeeding. The more you fail, assuming the cause is a willingness to take risks to achieve success and not just quixotic tendencies, the more you grow.