1)With describing character's looks better. Their body, clothes, the way they walk, talk, etc, etc, etc.. 2)With describing the scenery/the setting better Weather, smell, wind, sky, the house/building the scene is taking place in, the city, state, park, etc, etc, etc... 3)With overall grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, etc... Thanks.
what genre? Tolkien for Scenery, Robert Jordan and Tim Severin for characters, most trad-published books will help with grammar.
I'm writing non-fiction, but as per advice from those who actually know something about book writing.... I am going to have to label it non-fiction, change all the character names/locations to avoid lawsuits. So, I guess I'll just dive into reading non fiction/fiction and I'll buy from those authors AV listed. TY.
Actually if you want to improve the way you describe things - improve your words. Go to a used book store stock up on visual dictionaries, books on body language, guide books on weather, astronomy, geography, home decor. Read up on travel bios or buy photo-rich books on places. Old National Geographics can help too. You'll see how people describe things all the while collecting words. The Elements of Style is a good classic to help your grammer.
I'm writing non-fiction, but as per advice from those who actually know something about book writing.... I am going to have to label it non-fiction, change all the character names/locations to avoid lawsuits. ...did you mean 'fiction' in the second sentence?
better change some of the events, too, to be on the safe side... i've read some of your memoir bits and even with changed names and locations, the real participants and/or some who knew them could easily recognize who you're writing about... which means you should also use a nom de plume no one will associate with you...
I would recommend any James Rollins book. The way he describes things literally makes your jaw drop. I can always see his characters so clearly, they are all so unique each and everyone one of them, and he develops their personalities beautifully. I would also recommend Ken Follett. He describes scenery very beautifully. You might not enjoy his stories but in terms of creating an environment, he does an incredible job as well.