"She stood there nude leaning forward over the back of a heavy wood chair."

Quote Originally Posted by chromedome11
The other reason your version works better is there are fewer words. One of the most effective (and easiest) ways to edit a story is to see how many words you can take out without changing the meaning. Shorter sentences have more impact."
Yes and no. One doesn't want to use empty words, but I think most writers neglect opportunities to invite the senses of their readers into their story.

Which has more 'flavor'? -- "She stood, nude, leaning forward over the back of a heavy wood chair."

Or

"Her glossy hair wild about her naked shoulders, Cynthia fought to control her agitated breathing as she felt the unyielding solidity of the mahogany armchair pressing against her naked belly."

So much detail may be old-fashioned, but done properly it can add immeasurably to the texture of a story.

IMO

Boccaccio