tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207356626683365538.post8509439089735735748..comments2024-03-07T09:26:21.305-05:00Comments on My Hogwarts Sabbatical: The Urge To InfodumpChemist Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738272332470397248noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207356626683365538.post-17850481400149303352013-03-16T10:31:55.709-04:002013-03-16T10:31:55.709-04:00I'm convinced that the real problem with info ...I'm convinced that the real problem with info dumps is authors who try to shove them in places in the story where they don't belong. If you're in the middle of an action sequence or a part of the story where there's supposed to be suspense and tension then you just don't stop to info dump. However, most stories have ups and downs. They have times of action and times of rest for the characters. The times of rest are where you put the info dumps. <br /><br />The Lord of the Rings is a great example. You have the suspense and action of the flight to Rivendell for several chapters. But then they get there safely and are allowed a time of rest. Tolkien uses that time to allow the reader to rest and learn along with the characters. The Council of Elrond is an entire chapter long info dump, but it's fascinating. It's the point there the full conflict of the story finally takes shape. And it doesn't interrupt the flow of the story at all. <br /><br />Personally, I enjoy info dumps, when they are placed and used competently. And I suspect a lot of fantasy readers do as well.Sarah McCabehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10985261436020635823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207356626683365538.post-4893250207851652062013-03-16T00:42:45.885-04:002013-03-16T00:42:45.885-04:00In a word, yes. As recently as writers' confer...In a word, yes. As recently as writers' conference. The women on the panel did not want to know about the dead brother on page one. They didn't even want to know about bullies until they cared about the character. So too much info for a male is not the same as for a female. But in earlier versions, I gave too much info for both at the start. I may never get it right. Oh, dribble.Sher A. Harthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03067955594103356768noreply@blogger.com