infodump issue

RG570 · Mar 15, 2007

Is it considered an infodump if there's an aspect to the character that he doesn't know about that is later revealed by triggering memories or finding new information?

I mean, at first I want to say no, because the character didn't know about it and knowing it ties in with his personal stakes. But now I'm worrying that I'm bogging down the climax of my story with a run of the mill infodump and backstory. Personally, I find this kind of backstory interesting, but I don't know that editors feel that way.

I guess I have this tendency to build secret revelations into my plots, and always end up revealing them at the end, in addition to the resolution of the main conflict. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not anymore.

As a sidenote, now I realize the need to stay away from how-to-write books while you're in the middle of a project. I'm second guessing everything I do now.

TheIT · Mar 15, 2007

Whether it's called an infodump is usually a function of whether the reader gets bored. Is this your first draft? If so, write it down so that you know what happens. You can always pull out what's unnecessary to the story as a whole during revision.

I'm about to start revision of my first draft. I know I've got some "Holy infodump, Batman!" sections in there, but since I was not writing with an outline, I needed somewhere to put the thoughts as they came to me. During this revision, I will tighten up the story.

TrainofThought · Mar 15, 2007

I’m not sure what ‘infodump’ means but guess it has something to do with filling in the blanks. Cut out information that doesn’t move the story along. Like TheIT said, write it down to refer to it later.

Regarding your side note that’s why I don’t read how-to-write books. I’d rather spend time writing than obsessing over every writerly rule.

Lyxdeslic · Mar 15, 2007

Seriously, for once, I'm not attempting to be a smart-ass here but -- isn't the majority of the 1st chapter of To Kill a Mockingbird, by today's standards, considered an "info dump"?

I love the aforementioned book; probably one of my ATFs. I just question the definition of this generic term.

I think -- ouch, it hurts -- if its necessary to the story, keep it. Someone, somewhere, will, naturally, label it an "info dump", but, I say, damn that guy too hell.

virtue_summer · Mar 16, 2007

I have to say that sometimes stories do need short interuptions for backstory and other information. It is best though, I think, to try to mix this stuff in as much as possible with action and dialogue.

TrainofThought said:
Regarding your side note that’s why I don’t read how-to-write books. I’d rather spend time writing than obsessing over every writerly rule.

I think this is maybe the difference between a lot of writers who enjoy books on writing and those who don't. One sees the advice as being rules. The other (I, for instance) see it as making me aware of the options.

TheIT · Mar 16, 2007

For a definition of infodump, take a look at the "Uncle Jim, Undiluted" thread stickied at the top of Writing Novels, and search for the link to the Turkey City Lexicon.

Julie Worth · Mar 16, 2007

Lyxdeslic said:
Seriously, for once, I'm not attempting to be a smart-ass here but -- isn't the majority of the 1st chapter of To Kill a Mockingbird, by today's standards, considered an "info dump"?

Very common in the past, and, as far as I can tell, still okay with literary fiction (for long attention span readers), but less good for commercial fiction (short attention span readers).

infodump issue

RG570

TheIT

Infuriatingly Theoretical

TrainofThought

A flowering bud of bitchiness

Lyxdeslic

Laughing every time I choke.

virtue_summer

Always learning

TheIT

Infuriatingly Theoretical

Julie Worth

What? I have a title?