Why your writing is full of info dumps a ...

Why your writing is full of info dumps and what to do about it

Mar 13, 2024

The number one reason your writing is full of info dumps is because of the world building.

Hear me out.

Authors do a lot of research.

A lot.

Even when we are writing about something we are reasonably knowledgeable in, we still need to research to fill in details and to make sure our knowledge is accurate.

When we conduct that much research and craft detailed worlds, we might fall into the trap of pushing all the information we are researched into the reader's mind in large chunks. One simple way to combat this tendency is to find a blank page and scribble out your main character's typical day.

What do they wear? Why are they dressed like that? What do they eat? Why do they eat that? How do they talk? Why do they talk like that?

Sprinkle this information into the introductory chapter. Use dialogue to some details clear and use insinuations to allow readers reach their personal conclusions.

For example, if your main character is a woman with long hair and every other female character has shoulder-length hair, your reader will probably reach the conclusion that your protagonist belongs to a distinct social class without you expressly stating so.

The temptation to info dump is strong. But some details are better left unstated. If you'd like a Notion template to help you craft a detailed world and interesting, relatable characters, use this link to download the Comprehensive Writing Dashboard: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ebonypriestess/e/219419

Enjoy this post?

Buy Ebony Priestess a coffee

More from Ebony Priestess

PrivacyTermsReport