《How to Write Stories People Will Love》25. Avoid the Info-Dump
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As the phrase suggests, an info-dump is when too much information about a character's background or the story's history is given at once. I've seen it disguised as conversations, class lectures, and prologues. It doesn't matter how it's presented, info-dumps tend to be boring.
This chapter is going to be very similar to the "Ease Up On Backstory" chapter because, in most cases, an info-dump is the result of excessive backstory. Some authors want the reader to know everything about the world they created, thinking it will enhance their enjoyment of the story. The truth is, it doesn't. It slows it down.
I've been a beta-reader to some early drafts, and one of these stories I read literally had the main character listening to a teacher give a full history lesson on the magical families. This history lesson spanned an entire page, and I found myself skimming past it because I thought, "Who cares about these families? None of them are hers! This is so boring."
About 3/4 of the way through the book, when a tiny portion of that history actually became relevant, some characters had a conversation to bring up the relevant point. That was the perfect way to bring up backstory. They gave me what I needed to know, when I needed to know it. Which made that entire page of history lessons completely unnecessary.
That's great, but the reader doesn't need to know all of it. Especially not all at once. It's like dating someone. You gradually get to know someone through conversations and observing their actions. It's not like a job interview where you hand the interviewer your resume in an attempt to sum up your entire working life. That's an info-dump, which is okay for employers, but not for story characters.
Give the reader tidbits. Whether it's the history of a race or a character's family background, let the reader gradually soak up an understanding of it. Let them "date" that backstory until, hopefully, they fall in love with it. :)
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Star God
An ancient, ageless entity of magic intertwines with the essence of a tribal hero and a god is born. In a land where the worship of any entity is banned and punishable by mass-execution, the young and idealistic deity must come to terms with the ugliness of humanity, and find a way for his flock to survive, and maybe even thrive. A young man born into a mountain tribe treads the path of a hero, but he must learn the extent to which he would go to keep his people and their fledgling god safe and happy. Enemies are everywhere, and to defend their way of life, they must learn to harness the power of magic. Others are ahead of them in this regard, so they must act fast if they are to survive. A Xianxia-esque magic system, but with a focus on Western-style spellcasting and mysticism. This is more or less a deconstruction of classical fantasy and pantheons. The story focuses on two main characters; a God and a hero who serves him. Kingdom building themes are prevalent. If you like it, please remember to rate and review.
8 166Serpent's Kiss
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8 138Trip to The Homeland
Marinette and Adrien's class goes to a class feild trip to China (which in this story is Marinette's old home before she and her family moved to France ). While Marinette reunites with old friends a certain Adrien Agreste starts to get jealous when an old friend of Marinette starts hanging out with her more than usual. Will this lead to secrets being unraveled? Will love ever bloom between Marinette and Adrien?DISCLAIMER: I do not own the characters of miraculous ladybug nor the fanart used in the cover. THEY ALL BELONG TO THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNERS. Thank you and enjoy the story.
8 154Levi's Sick Day
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8 103An Unknown Bond [Zeldris x OC]
Shortly after the kingdom is freed from Hendrickson, you feel a well to known strong power and know that the Holy War will continue. There is only one way for you to avert the impending danger: you must find Meliodas and fight against Zeldris and the Ten Commandments. There is only one problem: thousand of years back you lived with the brothers and they still mean a lot to you. Will you be able to stand the fight between what's wrong and right?Highest Rankings:#1 in deadlysins & dragonsin & TenCommandments & nanatsunotaizai & Meliodas#2 in Zeldris & Liones#3 in sevendeadlysins#5 Sins #12 in Manga
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