Time of Day and the Sky

Sure, if it's something important to your story, or something that moves your story forward. This one is really a story-by-story basis, not a definite yes or no answer.

People talk about weather all the time, it's a natural conversation opener with strangers, "Nice day we're having." "Looks like it might rain later." "Storm's brewing." etc.

This can also relate to character mood. Example, a growing feeling of hopelessness and despair as the last rays of the sun disappear below the horizon and darkness covers the land, bringing with it a chill loneliness that seeps deep into the character's heart.

Musicians write songs about stuff like "Morning Has Broken" for a reason. Dazzling golden sunshine brightens up the world and chases shadows away, birds sing, everything comes alive with renewed hope, etc.

So yeah, describing the sky could get you something. Not all the time, obviously. Not in every scene. Maybe not in every story. Depends on the timing and the purpose for mentioning it.

-Derek

If your opening line mentions weather, and you aren't Ray Bradbury, I expect a character by the first period or I won't be happy!

I try to let the reader know what time it is by the placement of the sun in the sky.

The sun began to sink behind the trees as... etc. It is a necessary description for me in some situations.

If your story has much to do with time, as if the characters have a time limit or something, I am pretty sure that they would be watching the time any way they could.

Sure.

But you're the writer. You have to decide what is appropriate and important.

I know, that's why I said it was necessary to me.

I've read many books that did not mention much about the time, and they were just fine.

As I was reading this thread, I was looking out my window at the sky. I have a terrific view of the clouds over Lake Ontario, with a hazy skyline of Toronto in the distance.
As a mental exercise, I tried to describe the colors of the sky, clouds and water. I wasn't doing well.
I found this site and was able to match the colors I saw to the chart and the calculator provided the color name. It might be helpful to others like me.

The Lonely One said:

If your opening line mentions weather, and you aren't Ray Bradbury, I expect a character by the first period or I won't be happy!

Click to expand...

That's why I use lots of exclamation marks when I start with the weather! The first period doesn't show up until page four!

Dale

10 out of 10 for cool writing style, Dale!

But you're giving away all your secrets!

-Derek