Hello all, this may be a little out of the line of discussion, but as it comes as a gift, with bow and all, I hope no one will mind. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
While writing a short story I realized it was critical to the story for me to really be able to visualize what it's like to fight with a broadsword. So I did my homework, perusing a 19th century text on the subject (I've also a little fencing experience and the insights of the instructor to draw on, et al).
I thought it would be helpful to other writers so I've been writing what I've learned
Here in the movie forum, called 'Lessons on Swordsmanship.' It's becoming a project in itself, and I'm wondering if I'll ever get to my short story - ha! But one of the things I love about Tolkien was how tangible Middle Earth seemed. It was this kind of attention to detail, the fact that fires don't start in a wind, swamps are filled with bugs, and most of the time outdoors is uncomfortable, that I love dearly.
As far as the half-page to describe a tree (that's not far off actually) it depends on what kind of story you're interested in writing. If the story is really about this world you're describing, the milieu, than sure, go ahead. But it should tell the reader something new.