Avoiding Information Dumps

Information dumps are a plague in fiction, but knowing when you just need to stop explaining will help remove them from your writing.

What’s an Info Dump?

Well, inquisitive reader, thank you for asking. An information dump is a bulk of lengthy explanation, usually early in the story. These often take away any kind of curiosity in the reader’s mind and come across boring.

  • Ex 1) Lengthy Descriptions: I got in the shower and washed my hair with Herbal Essences because it makes my dark hair really shiny. When I got out, I wrapped it up in a towel and applied my black eyeliner and eye shadow. I changed into a black, lacy mini with pink tights and a pair of black high heels.

You don’t have to tell the reader everything. I write by the statement, “If it’s not important, then why mention it?” If you're not sure whether or not the description is important then ask youself a few questions. Does it move the plot along? Yes. She shows up overdressed to a party and is humilated in front of the school. No. Then delete it. (Note: this is lame writing.)

  • Ex 2) End Suspense Before it Begins: Bea examined the scar on her arm subconsciously and was instantly brought back to the time when she got it. She had been feeling so depressed that she burnt herself with a cigarette just to feel something.

Instead of making the reader feel sorry for the character, it may push them away. By simply mentioning the scar without explanation will make the reader curious, and that may keep them reading. Also, by simply throwing out there that Bea is depressed is boring to read. Show us how depressed Bea is through the chapters to come, don’t tell us straight out.

Show, Don’t Tell

Which is showing, which is telling?

a) Bea was angry.

b) Bea’s eyes narrowed slightly at the man in front of her, her fingers balling into fists.

When you show a reader, you’re painting an image for them and allowing them to get inside the character's head.

When you tell a reader, it lacks a “voice,” and makes the piece choppy.

Telling sentences contribute largely to information dumps, and by getting rid of those, you can eliminate info dumps too.

(A: Telling. B: Showing.)

How to Write Non-Info-Dumping Descriptions

Just remember that you can “save” your details.

For instance, I mentioned Bea having a burn mark on her arm. Introduce the scar early on, so that readers know it’s there but don’t lunge into how she got it just yet. Perhaps have Bea confess her inner turmoil to someone and admit to burning herself. This can be a tool to build her relationship with another character - a connection to a love-interest? The end to issues with her parents? By removing one info dump, you've just created a path to moving along your storyline.

Author's Note: Bea has been cast in Hometown Zero and currently doesn't want to be in another story. Stealing is bad.

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