If you could speak with one author of your choice, either living or deceased:
A) Who would you choose?
B) Why?
C) What would you ask him or her?
And…go!
Bookshelf Battle
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Bookshelf Battle 
A.) J.K. Rowling B.) First off, ignore any prejudice you might have against the Harry Potter series. She writes in a manner that pushes the concept of ‘trust your reader’, in terms of setting, right to the height of the sweet spot. C.) I would ask: How do you approach writing a scene?
“Trust your reader” – a tough one. Actually ties in a bit to our discussion of how much explanation to provide – do you trust that your reader will be smart enough to figure it out, or assume your reader is not too bright and needs it all spoonfed?
This is a really interesting question.
A lot of it comes down to crafting your audience. I’d rather write something skillful readers can sink their teeth into (and potentially lose some readers who aren’t into that) than over-explain to the point of dullness. Beta readers also help me get a sense of when something’s clever and challenging and when I’m just buried way too deep inside my own head.
It also helps that you can be clear and simple without talking down to your reader. It’s often more about which details you show than about complexity of language or ideas. This is where craft really comes into it.
Dave, I agree that J. K. Rowling is a master here. I was shocked to go back and read her initial description of McGonagall. It’s so short and simple, and yet it’s enough for that part of the story and it’s the seed for a fantastic, rich character who keeps developing throughout the series.