O = Orientation

Person, place and thing.

These facts are important to ground your reader. However, just help them get their bearings. Don’t belabor the point and fill your pages with fluff.

Give them enough information and descriptions that let the reader understand what’s happening, who, what, where and when.

To avoid boring your reader to death don’t fill in too much back-story, false starts, flashbacks or weather details. I know that’s a bit tricky for me too. However, remember a grounded, secure reader can enjoy the ride.

But don’t we all love to be lead down the path of a mystery? Too many details can kill the suspense.