Is the “Info Dump” Really the Bane of a Writer’s Existence?
Do you catch yourself writing info dumps in your dialogue? Or worse, the dreaded "As you know, Bob" dialogue?
Let's be real. No one talks like that in real life. The only reason it exists is to give information to the reader, making it an obvious info dump. And just because some info dumps are less obvious doesn't mean they're any less problematic.
Besides driving and description scenes, info dumps should also be avoided if they don't move the plot forward, develop characters, add tension, or engage the reader. Yes, even if the information is vital.
But there are ways to fix an info dump passage:
- Move the plot along by making the information relevant to the scene and characters.
- Use an argument between characters or a realization of how the information will affect them to show its relevance.
- Develop characters by tying the info dump to their current emotional arc.
- Create tension by having the information cause problems for the characters.
- Engage the reader by showing why the information matters to the characters.
While world-building is necessary in sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal stories, it's always better to show rather than tell. But sometimes it's not possible to do so smoothly.
In these cases, use techniques such as a mentor character or a fish-out-of-water scenario to introduce information while keeping the story moving forward and maintaining tension.
Have you struggled with info dumps before? What techniques have you used to fix them?
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