This post is all about how to avoid info dumping.
Every story needs exposition to some degree to help the reader understand what is going on, and why it’s significant. However sometimes too much exposition can lead to info dumping, which can turn off readers early on in your novel. This can be an easy trap to fall into as a writer, but there are methods on how to avoid info dumping.
What is info dumping?
Info dumping is a term writers and readers use to describe when a story unloads of bunch of information to the reader all at once. Science fiction and fantasy are the genres in which this is common, as the reader needs to learn the systems of an unfamiliar world.
While readers of fantasy and sci-fi know to expect heavy worldbuilding, info dumping is generally disliked due to it being boring to read. Instead of reading an interesting story, you’re forced to essentially sit through a lecture. It can halt pacing, lose readers’ interest, and sometimes the information given isn’t 100% necessary for the reader to know to understand what’s happening.
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How to avoid info dumping
Integrate details as they become relevant
Giving the reader a bunch of information that is not directly relevant to the current moment in the story makes it more likely that readers won’t remember the information, or be less motivated to keep reading.
Providing important information in smaller bits as they’re directly relevant is a better method of giving the reader exposition.
Not only does this help not overwhelm the reader, but it also encourages them to keep reading, because they know that more will be revealed as the story continues. Think of it like leaving a trail of bread crumbs for the reader to follow.
Keep dialogue realistic
Putting exposition in dialogue is a great way to provide information to the reader while also moving the story along. However, every time you write dialogue, ask yourself, “Would this character really say this?”
Even if the main purpose of a conversation is to give exposition, you should still write a natural conversation between your characters. Readers can pick up when dialogue sounds unnatural and is there purely for exposition purposes, and it can break immersion.
A good way to avoid this is to ask yourself, “Am I including information in the dialogue that the characters would already know, and would therefore be unnatural to say?”
For example, two siblings talking about how their parents died five years ago at breakfast after one asks why the other seems down, would come off as really unnatural. The reader will think they’re just talking to shoehorn in exposition.
However, say these siblings get a visitor at their house from a stranger claiming to have known their parents, and one of the siblings says, “You’re five years late to their funeral,” while shutting the door in the stranger’s face. Now the scene feels more natural, and more intriguing, all the while providing the exposition the reader needs.
Use flashbacks (tastefully)
Flashbacks can also be a useful tool for exposition, especially for telling the reader information that a character may not admit aloud.
For example, if a character has a strained relationship with a parent, you could have a flashback scene of that character remembering the moment that ruined said relationship.
Remember to not overuse flashbacks however. Overusing flashbacks can bog down the story’s pacing, and it can also lead to overexplaining a character’s backstory and/or motivations. Sometimes it’s good to leave certain aspects of a character’s past a mystery, as having it be too clear cut can decrease tension and intrigue.
Balance showing and telling
There are some things that are better to explain by showing the reader. For example, if there are magic rules that need to be explained, show how the magic works in action instead of simply describing it to the reader. You could have a character make a mistake with a spell to show the magic’s limitations.
Some rules may need a more direct explanation, which can be incorporated into the dialogue or narration. Some information can just be shared outright to prevent any confusion for the reader.
Ask yourself if this information is really necessary
If removing certain information wouldn’t impact the reader’s experience or understanding of the story, it may be a sign to cut it.
Especially with fantasy and science fiction, it can be easy to create worlds with tons of detail. However that doesn’t always mean it’ll be useful information for the reader to know. It can be hard to have to cut out details you like, however it will help prevent the main story from getting bogged down.
But having large amounts of knowledge about your story doesn’t go to waste, even if you have to cut certain parts of it. It still serves you to write the story the best you can, while giving the reader the information that really matters.
This post was all about how to avoid info dumping
By: Renee Merke
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