What Do You Think of Vignettes in Novels?

Vignettes are called 'a slice of life' which can describe or highlight a character, setting, or mood. Generally speaking, they aren't used to move the plot forward. Yet, there are exceptions...Check out my 'Alley Rose' vignette.

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tinaj

4/30/20261 min read

A vignette in writing is like a slice of life that describes both ordinary and unique things about a character, setting or mood. It helps to give specific detail of a certain person, place, or feeling. It doesn't generally seem to be used in a way that would affect a novel's plot. Yet, there are exceptions. Moreso, it's like a snapshot that can display detailed imagery, evoking a sensory experience in a short scene. Ernest Hemingway and Charles Dickens are a couple of older, well-known writers who have used them.

When I first learned about the vignette, I wasn't too impressed with it. Truthfully, I didn't study or read many of them. But, as I have been writing Alley Rose, I decided to give it a try. Mainly, because I thought it could help me hone in on writing more interesting and descriptive details -a skill which I know I need to improve on. It's been said you can compare a vignette to a camera lens that's able to zoom in at a microscopic view. Possibly, I will get better at zooming in with vignettes, as I practice. Nevertheless, my camera zoom skills are atrocious. I just need better focus. Tell that to a writer who struggles with adhd issues. Me. You, maybe?

Check Out my 'Slice of Life' vignette for 'Alley Rose' below:

https://hopeofglorybooks.com/alley-rose-an-inspirational-ya-historical-novel