As a new writer it is very easy to fall into the trap of describing every little detail of what is happening, and about to
happen, for the reader, saving them the trouble of having to think for themselves! This is often due to the writer getting excited and wrapped up in the story they are writing, focusing on ensuring it is portrayed across to the reader in its full splendour, rather than letting their imagination fill in the gaps. I, for one, am constantly guilty of this!
In small doses telling the reader exactly what is happening, or what the character is going to do and why is fine and helps to break the story up. However, if this is constant throughout, then it can quickly become boring, and prevent a
connection being made. This is a cardinal sin, as a connection between your story and the reader is ultimately what you as a writer are striving for.
More often than not, inexperienced writers like myself forget that readers typically don’t need, nor want, to be told what is going to happen all the time. As writers we often do not give our audience the credit they deserve and remember that they can work things out for themselves! So, when you are writing and you want to write about the reasons why something is the way it is, try and think of another way to put it, rather than just telling it in a chunk of narrative. Dialog can be great for this, passing mention to the scenery or surroundings by the characters in conversation, thereby moving the plot forward without crucially slowing the pace down.
As mentioned, in my opinion having the odd paragraph in a chapter telling the reader is not a bad thing - it can be a way of tying up loose points quickly and concisely, or help to set the scene for a vital part of the story that you have been building up to without slowing the pace or stalling the reader. As always though, be careful this is not overused, as the reader will want to work things out for themselves as they read, and too much ‘telling’ will put them off what could be a story they would love.
When you write your book remember to show the reader what your characters are thinking as you progress through. Soon this will become second nature, and a great habit to fall into. Your readers will engage in your story more when you give them the chance to work things out for themselves, and that connection is priceless to any author!
happen, for the reader, saving them the trouble of having to think for themselves! This is often due to the writer getting excited and wrapped up in the story they are writing, focusing on ensuring it is portrayed across to the reader in its full splendour, rather than letting their imagination fill in the gaps. I, for one, am constantly guilty of this!
In small doses telling the reader exactly what is happening, or what the character is going to do and why is fine and helps to break the story up. However, if this is constant throughout, then it can quickly become boring, and prevent a
connection being made. This is a cardinal sin, as a connection between your story and the reader is ultimately what you as a writer are striving for.
More often than not, inexperienced writers like myself forget that readers typically don’t need, nor want, to be told what is going to happen all the time. As writers we often do not give our audience the credit they deserve and remember that they can work things out for themselves! So, when you are writing and you want to write about the reasons why something is the way it is, try and think of another way to put it, rather than just telling it in a chunk of narrative. Dialog can be great for this, passing mention to the scenery or surroundings by the characters in conversation, thereby moving the plot forward without crucially slowing the pace down.
As mentioned, in my opinion having the odd paragraph in a chapter telling the reader is not a bad thing - it can be a way of tying up loose points quickly and concisely, or help to set the scene for a vital part of the story that you have been building up to without slowing the pace or stalling the reader. As always though, be careful this is not overused, as the reader will want to work things out for themselves as they read, and too much ‘telling’ will put them off what could be a story they would love.
When you write your book remember to show the reader what your characters are thinking as you progress through. Soon this will become second nature, and a great habit to fall into. Your readers will engage in your story more when you give them the chance to work things out for themselves, and that connection is priceless to any author!