I agree with Libby - just write.

This kind of minute attention to detail on word choices is something for a second draft. If you're anything like me, you'll have enough trouble surviving the Act Two rocky patch - not to mention creating 3-d characters who act and sound like real people, and a story that keeps ahead of the reader while at the same time being satisfying and original in its own way.

I know myself that it can be very satisfying to try and perfect Page 1 - but if you don't watch out, it becomes procrastination. We do it because it's easier than addressing the fact that uou still have 89 pages to go. Just put your head down and get the whole thing down on the page before coming back to the fine details on your second go around.

Quoted from JonnyBoy I agree with Libby - just write. This kind of minute attention to detail on word choices is something for a second draft. If you're anything like me, you'll have enough trouble surviving the Act Two rocky patch - not to mention creating 3-d characters who act and sound like real people, and a story that keeps ahead of the reader while at the same time being satisfying and original in its own way. I know myself that it can be very satisfying to try and perfect Page 1 - but if you don't watch out, it becomes procrastination. We do it because it's easier than addressing the fact that uou still have 89 pages to go. Just put your head down and get the whole thing down on the page before coming back to the fine details on your second go around.

I know, I'm trying believe me, but it's definitely a challenge.  

I've just read through this thread and you're getting good advice.

I'm a bad one for getting caught in those details and they can bog you down. Mind you, they're good for an editor.

First things first: Focus on story. If you've got a good story ta hell with all that and hire an editor. Or get someone who will do the job for free because they're really really nice.

Secondzies, use your good judgment later on if your really into later modes of drafts.

That cornfield might be obliterated by some fantastic and better magic of the mind.

As stands though:

My first thought was lose the "towering". Opt for something shorter.

Corn stalks, mere silhouettes in ______ moonlight.

Can we lose the "pale"?

Now you had me being obsessive.

Red moonlight?
Dead moonlight?
Frosty moonlight?
Mosquito bitten moonlight?
Ancient moonlight?
Microwaved moonlight?
Last ever seen moonlight?
Adonai's moonlight?
Lover's moonlight?
Murderer's moonlight?
Deceptive moonlight?
Craven moonlight?

Of course, non of that matters unless there's some real backbone of context to make it worth the while. And that moon of whatever sorts might get blasted, too. Who knows?

God help us all!!!!

Sandra