I've found you've got to read in between the lines. What's not being said is just as important, if not more, depending upon the messenger. I remember when I was a kid around seven or eight and I discovered this in a book. I was so surprised and excited. There was meaning beyond the literal definition.
In design, we are always eliminating the superfluous to get to the core so what remains is just the essential. Depending upon the medium, there may then be artistic elements we add in, but they are always complementary and adding to the piece, never extraneous.
In writing, doing the same process can be very satisfying because you use words well and in a way it is more respectful of your audience. Every word counts. However, in fiction works, there is often an underlying mystery as well - in what's not being said. Think on that. : )