In previous posts I explained the difference between showing vs. telling, why both are important, and some tips when to use which.
After reading posts on the WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page about info dumping. I decided to add an expanded explanation here.
First of all, what info dumping is not:
It is not exposition exposititon, narrative, or telling:
Writers use these to summarize information the reader needs to know to move the story forward, bridge scenes, and even to create some emotional distance after very emotional scenes. Some authors use more, some use less, but good authors use it effectively.
Second, what info dumping is:
Info dumping is a collection of facts that are literally just poured out on the reader.
Have you ever walked into a home of a person that had many knicknacks or collectible items? Such a person will display them artfully around the room, perhaps in groupings on tables, on a wall of shelves, or in a variety of display cases? This makes the room attractive and pleasant to visit. That's what skillful presentation of the facts does for a story. It seamlessly weaves the details of the plot and the characters and the backstories through scenes, flashbacks, internal monologue, etc.
Now picture that same collector taking boxes of those items and turning them upside in the center of the room. Not so pleasing anymore. Harder to admire each individual piece. More difficult to enjoy the collection. That's what info dumping does to a story.
Another example. Think of how proud we feel when a superior feels we're capable enough to handle a promotion, a special project, etc. It's different from feeling we experience when a boss makes us do all the dirty tasks he or she doesn't want to tackle.
Delegation makes us feel like we're part of the team. No one wants work dumped on them, and neither do readers. They want you to take them by the hand and lead them to uncover the world you created just for them.
That's artistry.
After reading posts on the WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page about info dumping. I decided to add an expanded explanation here.
First of all, what info dumping is not:
It is not exposition exposititon, narrative, or telling:
Writers use these to summarize information the reader needs to know to move the story forward, bridge scenes, and even to create some emotional distance after very emotional scenes. Some authors use more, some use less, but good authors use it effectively.
Second, what info dumping is:
Info dumping is a collection of facts that are literally just poured out on the reader.
Have you ever walked into a home of a person that had many knicknacks or collectible items? Such a person will display them artfully around the room, perhaps in groupings on tables, on a wall of shelves, or in a variety of display cases? This makes the room attractive and pleasant to visit. That's what skillful presentation of the facts does for a story. It seamlessly weaves the details of the plot and the characters and the backstories through scenes, flashbacks, internal monologue, etc.
Now picture that same collector taking boxes of those items and turning them upside in the center of the room. Not so pleasing anymore. Harder to admire each individual piece. More difficult to enjoy the collection. That's what info dumping does to a story.
Another example. Think of how proud we feel when a superior feels we're capable enough to handle a promotion, a special project, etc. It's different from feeling we experience when a boss makes us do all the dirty tasks he or she doesn't want to tackle.
Delegation makes us feel like we're part of the team. No one wants work dumped on them, and neither do readers. They want you to take them by the hand and lead them to uncover the world you created just for them.
That's artistry.
No comments:
Post a Comment