Writing Lessons & Advice: Info Dumps
How does a prepared food dish end up less enjoyable than it could be, if not ruined altogether? Too much flavor could have been used or the heat exposure was more than necessary. Perhaps a key ingredient was measured incorrectly or a less than ideal one was used. Maybe too many cooks were in the kitchen. In short, sometimes something was there that wasn’t supposed to be, leading to the end product going awry.
Info-dumping in writing is similar to these kinds of cooking mishaps. It happens when too much or unnecessary exposition is inserted at some point in the story, or in other words, information is “dumped” on a reader. It's an easy and common thing to do, but ultimately taints the story quality if left unaddressed. Excessive dumping makes a story more informational than engaging and entertaining. Sometimes dumps sound jarring and awkward and come off as lazy writing.
One of the main ways to avoid info-dumping is to show more than tell. If you remember the Lessons & Advice I wrote about the technique, I mentioned showing carries a story better than telling, because it essentially bypasses most info-dumps. Expositional material can be helpful in planning and/or drafting stages, but at some point, it needs the depth and pace that plot and narrative will give. It will need “showy” elements like action and dialogue.
What specifically should be shown? The sources provide many more guiding mentalities, but in short, a scene should focus on and challenge the character/characters. Show their more abstract attributes amid decisions, exchanges, and roadblocks. Ultimately though, show what’s essential in a simple way. Remember readers are smart; some of the joy and challenges they get out of reading is noticing well-placed hints and filling in blanks for themselves. So provide them just enough to whet their intellectual appetites.
You might even get creative with “showing” and exposition--many established writers do. Jane Kalmes has a formula and Jessica Brady “shows” through what she calls exposition characters and window characters. Brady defines an exposition character as a character who is more knowledgeable about the world or situation than the main character and thus provides exposition at crucial moments--like Hermione Grainger in the Harry Potter series. Window characters have the vantage point of a main character’s thoughts, and allow the main character to talk through things they would otherwise just think about.
Others may use thoughtful prologues, multiples points of view, flashbacks, character arcs, the middle of action, or sprinkles/breadcrumbs of information. Of course, one tactic that can’t be ignored is proofreading with an eye for any overlooked info-dumps— best done by you or a beta reader. You’re welcome to try these tactics and/or hone ones that fit your style and stories.
In both food and writing, the prepared project comes out decently by minding the recipe. Correct measurements and ingredients keep the sustenance edible. Likewise, exposition added in small, well-measured portions keeps a story enjoyable.
Hope you have a better understanding of info dumps and what to do about them!
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