Hello everyone!
Today I wanted to take the time to talk about the famous information dumping that can happen when writing a book. We all do it. I've done it and still do sometimes, even in a second or third draft. We need to learn to recognize when we have dumped too much backstory in one area of our manuscript.
Here is an excellent example of how not to info dump. I recently watched the Netflix movie Bright. After the first two minutes of the movie, I knew exactly what kind of world the story took place in and even a bit of history without one word spoken. How? Here's a small spoiler for those who haven't seen it.
Graffiti. The opening credits show graffiti and street signs from all over L.A. They show us that this is a world that contains orcs, elves, humans and other magical creatures living alongside each other. It even mentions a dark lord and civil unrest between the races. With a few flashes of images and no dialogue, we have already learned our setting, what our characters' races may be, and that there could be an underlying tension between races that could affect the plot.
Now, isn't that just magic in and of itself?
I know what you're thinking, "Okay, that was a movie. We have to explain everything with words, without using these famous info dumps." Right you are, my invisible antagonistic friend. You have to find your own graffiti. You have to discover a way to introduce your characters and setting in an interesting way that will keep the reader's attention. You have to show (and not tell, of course!) the reader a setting without going on for ten pages about the way a city looks and why. You have to explain a history without a prologue that tells you every little detail about it. You have to establish a character's backstory without them sitting down with their best friend and rehashing their entire existence. (Because really, who does that in real life? Nothing irks me more than characters who sit around and talk about topics they both already know as fact for no other purpose than to give the reader this info.)
It is always easier said than done.
The trick is being able to recognize when you have left info dumps in your writing. If a beta reader or editor points them out to you, even better. Then you have to use what I like to call the sprinkler effect. Take that information and sprinkle it all throughout your story. Not only will this help with info dumps, but it could make for more interesting writing.
Instead of knowing Amy's entire past at the beginning, perhaps we are shown small pieces of her past here and there through flashbacks, off-handed dialogue, or her own inner thoughts. Her character could become more mysterious and interesting if we find out more about her gradually.
Maybe we discover the setting by following our main character as they go for a jog in post-apocalyptic New York, skirting abandoned cars and leaping overturned hot dog stands. Later, she may show us her thoughts about missing the time before the great war/plague/invasion that left the world this way. Or maybe she hears an old song and it brings back a memory of her pre-apocalypse life.
You have to find your own system that works for you.
Good luck, writers. The best way to research how to help with your own information dumping is to read. Read other amazing books that bring you into the story in ways that don't give you pages and pages of why Jimmy hates his mother. Discover a way to use more imagery and everyday circumstances to show the rain forest the story takes place in.
Have fun and happy writing!
Happy New Year, everyone!
I hope 2017 treated you right. I didn't quite reach my reading goal for the year, but I did read 106 books. Considering there were a few months that I didn't read at all, that's not bad. I read some seriously amazing books last year, especially from indie authors, so I think my next post will have to be my top ten of the year. But for now, let's see what indie books I read in December!
Origins of the Never
by CJ Rutherford
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
An interesting fantasy.
Though
this has all of the typical overdone high fantasy elements like elves,
magic, and good versus evil, it held my interest. The story was
well-written and drew me in, making me care about the characters in a
short time.
A good intro to a series.
Mutant Toe & the Risky Recruitment
by Edward Davies
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
To be Continued?
This
book is not to be taken seriously, as in, it is one goofy roller
coaster ride of laughs and crazy plot lines. If you grew up watching 80s
TV shows or cartoons, the one-liners will have you giggling and rolling
your eyes. Even the other characters can't take someone seriously when
they yell out "You won't get away with this!" and "You'll never escape!"
which makes it all the funnier.
This feels like it would be a good
comic book, but some of what he is trying to convey just isn't coming
out well on the written page. This is definitely a more visual story.
Also, being as long as it is, the story would have more appeal if it
were broken down into comic book issues.
All around, a decent story if you want a laugh. Perhaps a bit too over the top for my taste, but amusing nonetheless.
Blood Master
by Kirsten Campbell
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
An
interesting take on a dystopian world that drew me in from the first
chapter. The main characters are fleshed out so well that we follow
their exploits with great interest. The details we are given about their
lives, their thoughts, and their feelings make them real for the
reader, and that's exactly what I look for in a book.
The story
itself is complicated but intriguing, keeping me glued to the pages to
find out what happens next. I won't give anything away, but let's just
say that I am rooting for the albino! If Book Two is half as good as
this one, it will be a wonderful adventure indeed.
I'm excited to read more amazing indie books this year and tell you all about them. Happy reading!
* Books that I read but rated less than 3 stars are not included.
Hello, fellow book lovers!
I'm back with a book review blog. Hurray! Prepare for lots of indie fun because I did some serious reading in November.
Jon Archer
by JB Taylor
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A crazy, fun adventure that had me shaking my head and chuckling more than once.
The Distant Sound of Violence
by Jason Greensides
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
I
don't often read coming of age stories, but I was glad I decided to
pick this one up. An excellent story about how every decision can affect
your future and how real friendship doesn't die over time.
I
enjoyed the struggles of the main characters and how we witnessed them
grow and learn from them. Equally heartbreaking and enlightening, this
is a book I would recommend for teens and adults alike.
Vulnerable
by April Wilson
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This
is your typical steamy romance. It doesn't offer much new as far as
stereotypicsl characters and circumstances, but the style of writing
draws you in and gets you hooked. Though I had read these characters a
million times in other books, I still found myself caring about them and
wanting to read more.
This is impressive for an author's first
published work. If you are looking for sexy and heartwarming, this is
the book for you.
Necrograph
by Garrison Kelly
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
I
have to give this book a solid 4 stars. The lyrics, though often angry,
are riddled with truths about modern society and our strange priorities
these days.
My favorites were "Chemicals," "The Meditation Song," "Micronism," and "Thou Shalt Not Steal."
A good read for anyone who lifts a middle finger to the world!
The Infinite: Witness for the Persecution #1
by Trevor Wooten
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
A
lot of background info is thrown at you in this first installment that
may have been better to show us slowly throughout. It makes for a
somewhat confusing, yet still interesting, story.
Sinsual Delights
by Cinnamon Sin
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Hot!
I enjoyed this short, sexy, erotic story. I need to read more of the steamy going-ons in this magical world. More please!
Catching Whitney
by Amy Hale
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This
was a fun, warm-and-fuzzy read that had me smiling. Though there was
the usual "misunderstanding" between the couple that seems so popular in
romance books (I mean really, just talk!) this story was sweet and the
characters real and amusing.
Carved Wooden Heart
by Elizabeth Horton-Newton & Starla Hartless
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Though
rather long and drawn out, this was a cute romance that left me
smiling. Cutting the excessive action details would have made it a
shorter and more concise read, though I wouldn't have minded hearing a
bit more about Jesse's life in those lost five years. Dani's character
was quite real and three dimensional. She made mistakes, grew a little,
made a few more mistakes, and still kept her head, and that had me
rooting for her.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read.
Full Exposure
by Amy Jo Cousins
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Fun, sexy, and surprisingly deep.
I
definitely enjoyed this sexy little story. It's always fun when a
regular Joe gets to see the real side of a celebrity, and have amazing
sex as well. Well written and naughty, a winner in my book!
Merry Chris Witch
by CK Dawn
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Ho, ho, ho, and away we go!
What
a fun and cute holiday story. I'm with Chris on the holidays: Halloween
is my favorite and Christmas is kind of, eh. Good to know he found a
reason to enjoy the holiday besides his birthday!
I highly recommend this one.
Pirate Dave & His Randy Adventures
by Robyn Peterman
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Raunchy and hilarious!
If
you are looking for a quick read that will make you laugh, look no
further. Ridiculous, over the top humor and a silly story will keep you
entertained.
Only recommended for those with a twisted sense of humor.
Well folks, that's all I have for you this month. I hope I can reach my Goodreads reading challenge of 120 books this year. Perhaps not, since I am only at 102 right now, but hey, reading over 100 books in one year is enough for me.
I'll be back next year with more indie book reviews for you book worms out there. Have a wonderful holiday season, and happy reading!
Hello everyone.
No, I haven't died, though it does kind of feel like it. You haven't seen a book review post from me in some time because I took a long break from reading. I haven't read any new indie books in months, in fact.
Until now. This month I am trying to play catch-up and get through books that have been on my actual shelves or in my Kindle library for far too long. I have read two indie books so far, and hope to get through at least three more before the month is up.
I can do this!
Meanwhile, holidays are coming and if you need a warm read on a cold night, I have a few suggestions.
If you are looking for something a little dirty, try A Naughty New Year's Eve by yours truly. Hot sex between two vampires will be sure to melt the ice outside your window. Purchase links are in the sidebar.
If you are looking for something more wholesome for your holiday season, try Winter Wishes of the Heart by my alter ego, Ashley Uzzell. These four short stories are all kinds of sweet. Available November 30th, here are the pre-order links:
Amazon, Books2Read (includes B&N, iTunes, Kobo, etc.), and don't forget Goodreads.
Both books are only 99¢. Okay, now that I am done with my shameless self-promotions (If I don't do it, who will?) I can say Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
And as always, happy reading!
