Writer’s Shop Talk: My Heroine’s Hands

Describe your heroine’s hands. Are her nails polished or dirty?  Is her skin smooth or rough, tan, or pale? What does the condition of her hands say about her position in life?

Maddie, a concert pianist with the New York Philharmonic, possesses hands with qualities that make her an exceptional musician. Her skin is smooth, often pale for much of the year, and she has a peaches-and-cream complexion as I describe in Reunion: Coda. Her hands are beautifully manicured, and her fingers are long, agile, and slender, with carefully trimmed fingernails that are usually painted with pink or red nail polish.

The condition of Maddie’s hands reflects her somewhat privileged position in life. She has had the opportunity to pursue musical education in England since adolescence and has performed with several orchestras, including the London Symphony and her current employer, the New York Philharmonic. Her hands also signify Maddie’s dedication to her craft, her drive to excel musically, and her innate talent.