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Originally Posted by Keslynn
I think it's really a matter of preference. I also think that it depends greatly on how the author integrates those details into the action and the dialogue. When I notice a lot of detail, that generally means that the author isn't tying it into what's going on enough to keep me in the story. Rich storytelling is definitely different than an infodump.
One example that sticks out in my mind is Yasmine Galenorn's Sisters of the Moon series. I love the books, but sometimes I get knocked out of my reading reverie because of how she chooses to include the details rather than the amount of detail. Most of the time this happens with clunky dialogue.
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I think it isn't that it's just readers aren't use to it anymore so they aren't sure how to handle it when they come across a writer who is trying to build her world. Take Jude Deveraux for example. She gives description of every gown or outfit the herione or hero wears. She describes the surroundings with intricate detail you feel you are in the time period. As I said this is a lost art too much dialogue and not enough detail is a major problem with today's books.