General Writing questions

[Alea Davenport]

I have a dilemma. I don't like writing in a lot of detail because I'm afraid I'll get the detail wrong. But I feel like people want/expect more detail. So what do I do?

For example, supposedly my character has some sort of knowledge about different species of fish (if only being able to identify them), but as far as I can tell, there's no comprehensive list of every single known species in Mizahar. So, in that circumstance, is it ok to assume most things that exist on earth also exist in similar climates in Mizahar? Or should I say "that one type of fish whose name I totally know but can't say out loud because the one writing this doesn't know"?

Another thing I find difficult to guess the details of is terrain. I mean obviously is snows in Avanthal, but are there hills? Trees? Right now I feel like describing any place in as little detail as possible and hope it doesn't come up...which doesn't make for very immersive storytelling...

I guess my question is, how bad would it be to get some of the details wrong, and how can I get it to not happen too much without sacrificing the details altogether?

[Victor Lark]

When it comes to small details like that, things are more lenient than you'd suspect. I've depicted real-world species of animals without describing them by name, and I've never been called out on it. The worst that could happen is you get it wrong, and a mod corrects you. When it comes to landscapes, read the lore carefully and infer what isn't answered. Play smart. If it doesn't directly go against the lore, it's probably safe to assume.

Also, since you mentioned it, there are no mountains in Avanthal. North Taldera is hard tundra where it isn't dangerous, rolling snows. I've gotten away with describing pine forests, as well.

[Herb]

For example, supposedly my character has some sort of knowledge about different species of fish (if only being able to identify them), but as far as I can tell, there's no comprehensive list of every single known species in Mizahar. So, in that circumstance, is it ok to assume most things that exist on earth also exist in similar climates in Mizahar? Or should I say "that one type of fish whose name I totally know but can't say out loud because the one writing this doesn't know"?

I do much this very thing when I come to talking about my herbs in my writing, I'm not entirely sure of all the plants Mizahar has, so I use various herb sites on the internet and use real life herbs and uses, so I at least can put forward a little bit of detail and some knowledge I feel my character would know.

[Phoenix]

Many cities have added lists of flora and fauna found in their areas. If your city hasn't then use your imagination and come up with an animal or plant you've seen in real life that would fit in the landscape. Elephants aren't going to be in Avanthal and great white sharks aren't going to be in fresh water lakes. Like mentioned above, don't worry about it too much but also don't go crazy with makin up new species. Anything hugely wrong would be pointed out by a mod.

Also do research. My pc is a healer. I, in real life, am not a doctor. To add details to my threads I have to go read a lot of stuff or ask around the site to see what others do. Don't be afraid of detail just in the case that you're wrong. You care enough to make this post so I seriously doubt you'll have any trouble with what detail you add

[Alea Davenport]

Thanks for the advice everyone.
Maybe now I won't freeze up every time I try to write...