Categories
Craft

The Difference Between Information Dumping and World-Building

You might have clicked on this blog post out of curiosity, wondering what one thing (information dumping) has to do with another (world-building). Well, information dumping is often confused with world-building, leaving the reader swimming among complex and difficult-to-read background narratives and setting information. So, how can you pull back from information dumping while creating complex worlds for your reader? Let’s dig in!

What is information dumping in creative writing, and why should writers strive to avoid it?

Information dumping in creative writing is the act of including excessive amounts of information all at once, which can be overwhelming for readers and detract from the overall story. It may take the form of long descriptions, explanations, or conversations that provide an unrealistic amount of information. This is especially problematic when it comes to backstory or world-building, as it can make readers feel like they have to “catch up” with the story in order to understand what’s happening.

Rather than dumping large amounts of information into one scene or conversation, writers should aim to spread out this information throughout their work in a more natural way. One approach is to introduce these details gradually over time as part of the narrative, allowing readers to absorb them as they go along. For example, rather than explaining a character’s entire backstory in one dialogue exchange, writers could interweave bits of that backstory into multiple scenes and conversations so that it feels more organic. This way, readers will be able to better follow along with the story and engage with it on a deeper level.

Another way writers can avoid information dumping is by focusing on characters instead of heavy description and exposition. Instead of relying on lengthy descriptions about settings or plot points, use characters’ actions and emotions to convey key elements of your story. By doing this, you can maintain your reader’s interest while still providing enough detail for them to build a mental picture without feeling overloaded or bored by too much information.

Another benefit of avoiding information dumping is that it allows for more natural dialogue between characters. When there’s too much exposition and detail given by one character to another, it often sounds forced and unrealistic. By introducing new ideas slowly into conversations, writers can craft more believable interactions.

Finally, if used effectively, withholding excess information can create tension and excitement while providing insight into characters’ true motivations and histories. If done right, readers will be eager to learn more about each character as they experience their journey firsthand instead of having everything revealed all at once—which would likely lead to disinterest or apathy towards their struggles over time.

Ways to Avoid Information Dumping

Use the senses:
Focus on creating vivid settings. Rather than simply stating facts about a setting, provide enough details about it that readers can visualise it in their minds as if they were really there. Describe the smells, the sounds, the sights, and textures that make up the character’s environment – these kinds of descriptions will help capture the reader’s imagination.

Introduce your characters slowly: 
Ensure characters have distinct voices and personalities. Instead of introducing characters with huge info-dumps full of traits and facts, create dialogue between them within their own scenes that convey who they are while also keeping things interesting for readers. Providing subtle details like accents or speech patterns can help bring characters to life and add depth without being too obvious or expositional.

Finish the puzzle:
Finally, tie up any loose ends you create in your stories without resorting to info-dumping them near the end. Ask yourself: What questions did I raise throughout my story? How am I going to answer them? Make sure your readers don’t feel like anything was left unresolved or that you simply rushed through certain plot points just so you could wrap everything up quickly at the end – instead, strive for a satisfying conclusion where every part fits together nicely like puzzle pieces.

Building Complex Universes to Create Captivating Experiences for Readers

Now we know how to avoid information dumping and why, how do we build a complex world?

Focus on Setting and Character
By constructing intricate settings and dynamic characters, authors are able to open up windows into new worlds that captivate readers into staying within these fictional realms. A well-crafted universe can make all the difference between a good story and an exceptional one.

A great example of how a fantasy world can be built is found in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings series (you knew I would fit it in somehow!). From the language of Middle Earth to the detailed histories of Elves, Dwarves and Hobbits, Tolkien created an entirely unique world full of hidden secrets and remarkable characters that readers are still discovering today. Not only did he construct an incredibly detailed world, but he also filled it with intense battles and complex political struggles, which added even more layers to his imaginative universe.

Another example is George R.R Martin’s A Song Of Ice And Fire series, which tells a gripping tale set on the continent of Westeros where seven powerful families fight for control over the Iron Throne. Martin’s world is populated by fascinating characters with opposing goals, relationships rife with conflict and betrayals that keep readers glued to their seats until they reach the end of each book.

Building complex universes gives authors the opportunity to establish unique cultures, environments and societies, which add depth to their stories. It’s no wonder that some stories have captured public imaginations for decades – by giving readers access to worlds previously undiscovered by them before immersing themselves within these fictional realms; new experiences await! Do you need help with creating your world? Head to grab my freebies here – you’ll find world-building and character questions to help you build an amazing universe!

It’s important that writers find ways to avoid information dumping in their work if they want to create captivating, complex universes for their readers. Information dumping can hinder the flow of a story and ultimately result in a disappointing experience for the reader. By understanding what information dumping is and taking steps to avoid it, writers can hone their craft, produce better-quality work, and give their readers a world they love to read about.

Want to read something similar? Check these out:

How to Edit Creative Writing for Clarity, Style and Substance
5 Tips for Writing Trilogies by Carly Bennett

 

Categories
Coaching Craft

Writing Coach Vs Editor: What’s the Difference?

Should you hire a Writing Coach or a Developmental editor? What is each for, and how do you know how to move forward?

I have noticed that this question is bringing people to my website organically, so I wanted to answer it clearly so that people have that answer.

What is a Writing Coach?

A writing coach, also known as an Author Coach or Book Coach, is a trained coach who helps you through any writing issues. I have helped writers find the time in their busy schedules to write, create a writing routine that works for them, develop their novel ideas, and much more.

What is a Developmental Edit?

A Developmental Edit is an edit that focuses on the story. It is concerned with narrative, consistency, characterisation, dialogue – basically everything but the copy edit! When I provide a Developmental Edit to an author, it consists of my going through the work at least twice, and providing the client with an Editor’s Report and in-text comments and corrections, as well as an hour-long discussion/coaching session afterwards to discuss the work.

What is the difference between a Writing Coach and a Developmental Editor?

The difference is the focus. For example, I am both a Writing Coach and an Editor who offers Developmental Editing. When I am hired to coach, I have a series of sessions with the writer, and we work toward their goals through a series of jointly agreed action points. When I am hired to provide a Developmental Edit, I focus on the draft of a novel and write up an Editor’s Report, instead of live sessions with the author.

What stage should I be in to hire a Writing Coach?

You can be in any stage to hire a Writing Coach, from idea to fifth edit! As a coach, I can focus on whatever you would like to focus on. Sometimes that’s at the very start of a novel and is all about your idea, and how you would like the book to be written. At other times it’s after publication, and you want to work on marketing. As a writing coach, we can work together on any writing goal, however varied.

What stage should I be in to hire a Developmental Editor? 

To hire a Developmental Editor, you need to have a novel pretty much written. It could be that you hire someone to edit at a date a few months into the future, with the understanding that you will have completed the novel by then. However, the most important thing to know is that you will be required to hand over a manuscript to the editor on the agreed-upon date, so get writing!

What are the pros of hiring a Writing Coach?

As a writing coach, I can help you achieve your literary dreams. By holding space for you, identifying action points, and asking the questions that drive you to dig deep, you will leave a session with more clarity and purpose. Ultimately, coaching can help you succeed in your goals.

What are the pros of hiring a Developmental Editor? 

A Developmental Edit can give you expert advice on your novel. It will leave you with a roadmap of how to move forward, what needs improving, and how you can make your story the best it can possibly be.

Can I hire someone to do both?

Yes! In fact, I offer a great deal for someone who is looking for a coach AND an editor. This consists of six months of weekly coaching AND a full Developmental Edit when you are ready. If you want to know more about it, click here to find out – https://www.rachelgrosvenorauthor.com/coaching/

So, now you know the difference between hiring someone to be a Writing Coach or a Developmental Editor, and what is best for you.

As a Certified Professional Coach, trained by an ICF company and with an ILM Level 2, you can trust that my coaching skills are tried and tested. As a writer with a PhD, MA and BA in Creative Writing, and over six years of lecturing in adult education and at universities, I’m a professional writer specialising in helping others find their way forward. 

Any questions? Feel free to get in touch.

Want to read something similar? Check these out!

What is a Writing Coach?
4 Ways to Edit Your Own Writing

Categories
Productivity

How to Get Back Into Writing After a Break

Sometimes we need a holiday, and our writing breaks are planned, and at other times they creep up on us, and we realise that it’s been weeks, or maybe even months, since we last wrote. When that happens, how can we get back into writing after taking a break? Here are five ways. Oh, actually, I’m feeling kind. Have ten!

1) Be kind to yourself. 

It’s okay to take a break from your novel. Seriously – it is. You might have heard about writers who write 1000 words a day with ease and three novels a year, but all that does not matter. Being a prolific writer is how you define it. I try and write 4,000 words a week, but in the last few months, I have had a lot of editing to do as well, so I have split my time between two projects. This means that I’ve been writing more like 2,000 words a week. That’s okay. Whatever your situation, the fact that you are reading this means that you are ready to get back into writing, and that’s great. Be kind to yourself; a writer doesn’t have to write all the time to be a writer.

2) Mindmap. 

Get all of those ideas down on paper – whether they are reasonable, excellent, or you’re not so sure. Just the act of allowing yourself to think through ideas for your work in progress will create new inspiration, ideas, and inspire you to take action.

3) Writing exercises.

One of my favourites. I love to partake in writing exercises to get myself in the writing mood! I teach one of my favourite ways of coming up with novel ideas in my Novel Writing Masterclass, so if you’re a fan of exercises too and want a hand going from idea to publication, go ahead and take a peek!

4) Real-life research. 

From cooking the meals your characters enjoy to saddling up and experiencing their way of travel, there are many ways to enjoy real-life research. You could even sit down to create a map (I love Inkarnate for this). Doing things that relate to your novel but are not writing can help get those creative juices flowing.

5) Re-organise that routine. 

Writing routines change, and that’s okay! It might feel a bit dusty and stilted if you are coming back to an old routine after a break away from writing. Spend some time refreshing that writing routine and working out how you want it to be moving forward. If you want a hand with this, take this fun quiz on my website!

6) Chat to other writers. 

Get involved in the writing community. Whether you join a local writing group, a private Facebook group, or the fabulous writing community on Instagram, there are many wonderful places to find other writers. Within them, you will get accountability, warm conversation, and like-mindedness that’s hard to beat. Plus, there will be others who would like to get back into writing too, so you can share your thoughts with them.

7) Read, read, read.

Remind yourself of your writing passion by picking up those books again and digging in! The more you read, the easier it will be to write. Why? Because through reading we get more entertainment. We get an education on what it is to write, on tropes, grammar, and so much more. Most important of all, we get inspiration.

8) Write your favourite book. 

Well, no, not the exact same book. But, there’s a lot to be said for writing fan fiction if you want to get back into writing. If your creative faucet feels stuck, then slip into a world that you already know, with characters you already love.

9) Re-ignite your passion with a course. 

Writing courses are fantastic for getting us back into the writing spirit. If you are looking for a course to try, give It’s Time to Write Your Novel a go! It’s a 40 class course for only $99 and will take you from procrastination to print.

10) Create an experience. 

We don’t just have to be typing to write. You can create an experience based on your book too. From creating a collage on Pinterest to building a beautiful playlist that transports you straight into your world, there are many ways to develop an experience that will deliver you directly to your novel.

Do you have any to add? If so, I would love to hear them!

Found this useful? Please share it with another writer.

Looking for something similar to read? Check the following out.

3 Things I Did to Level Up My Writing Game
T
he Reset Week: Investigate Your Writing Process
T
he Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Writing Routine