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About this quote

What does it mean?
A descriptive passage highlighting a day with no distinct weather features or natural movement.
In plain terms
The day had no wind or frost, and the trees did not move at all.
What can you take from it?
The absence of change can be as significant as the presence of events.

Where it applies

  • setting scenes
  • describing mood
  • weather reports

Putting it to work

  • note subtle details
  • use weather for mood
  • describe absence

Questions to consider

  • What does a quiet day mean?
  • How do you describe nothing?

Another view

Describing inactivity requires careful attention to detail to avoid boredom.

More from Brian Aldiss

  1. Obeying an inalienable law, things grew, spreading riotous and strange in their instinct for growth.

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  2. Keep violence in the mind where it belongs.

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. Science fiction is no more written for scientists than ghost stories are written for ghosts.

    Permalink to quote #2

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