Flashbacks and Information Dump

 

Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Writer

If you're a storyteller, you face a constant balancing act: how to convey essential background information without disrupting the flow of the narrative. 

Flashbacks and information dumps are two commonly used writing techniques, each with its own set of benefits and pitfalls. And knowing when to use each is essential for maintaining reader engagement and story coherence.

But how do you tell the difference between them?

FLASHBACKS

When incorporated ‘the right way,’ flashbacks can provide valuable insights into a character's past experiences, motivations, and emotions. They allow readers to delve deeper into the story, bringing a broader understanding of the characters and plot. 

However, mishandled flashbacks can disrupt the story's rhythm, pulling readers out of the present action and causing confusion.

INFORMATION DUMP

Compared to flashbacks, information dump entails the straightforward delivery of background information, often through exposition or dialogue. 

While these dumps can effectively convey necessary details, they run the risk of overwhelming readers with an excessive amount of information all at once. This can lead to boredom or detachment from the story, as readers may feel immersed in facts rather than the narrative.

Another risk of this writing technique is that the information being presented can feel forced, as if it’s there just to inform the reader of something the author doesn’t think the reader will get otherwise.

Don’t underestimate your reader.

TWO STRATEGIES TO USE TO DETERMINE WHICH IS WHICH

So, how can authors determine whether a particular narrative element is a flashback or an information dump, and how can they integrate these techniques seamlessly into their storytelling?

1. First and foremost, it's essential to consider the purpose of the narrative element in question. 

Is it primarily serving to convey a character's backstory and emotional journey, or is it purely for an explanation aimed at providing essential plot details? 

If it’s to enhance the emotional journey, it's likely a flashback. If it’s to provide an explanation, it may be an information dump.

2. Next, it’s wise to pay attention to the timing and pacing of the narrative. 

Flashbacks are most effective when strategically woven into the story at moments that enhance tension, deepen characterization, or clarify current events. 

On the flip side, information dumps should be introduced sparingly and woven organically into the narrative flow to avoid overwhelming readers.

HOW TO USE THESE TECHNIQUES

Flashbacks

Crafting seamless transitions between the present story and flashback sequences is crucial for maintaining reader engagement. 

Establish clear cues:
Using cues, such as changes in tense or formatting, to signal the shift in time and place will ease the reader into the transition. In addition, ensure that each flashback serves a specific narrative purpose and advances the story in some meaningful way rather than merely providing background filler.

Dialogue:
Using dialogue, including internal dialogue, can also be a powerful tool for conveying backstory and world-building without resorting to information dumps. 

Authors can avoid the pitfalls of excessive explanations by allowing characters to reveal key details through natural conversation, keeping readers invested in the story.

Where to Place Them for the Best Effect: 
The timing of flashbacks is vital. Introduce them at moments of heightened tension or emotional significance, where they can provide context or insight into the character's current predicament. 

Avoid interrupting the flow of action with unnecessary detours into the past.

Information Dump

Balancing information download: 
Information dumps, while sometimes necessary, should be approached with caution. Rather than dumping a large amount of information all at once, sprinkle essential details throughout the story in digestible bites. 

Use a mix of exposition, dialogue, and sensory details to weave background information into the story, ensuring that it feels natural and fundamental to the story's progression.

Show, Don't Tell: 
Instead of relying solely on exposition to convey backstory, strive to show key events through vivid imagery and sensory details. 

Allow readers to experience past events alongside the characters. By engaging the reader's imagination, you can avoid the pitfalls of dry exposition and create a deeper reading experience.

Dialogue as Exposition: 
Dialogue can be a powerful tool for conveying information in a natural manner. 

Use character interactions to reveal backstory, world-building details, and character relationships. This will allow readers to gather essential information through the subtleties of conversation. 

By incorporating exposition into dialogue exchanges, you can maintain story momentum while deepening characterization and moving the plot forward. Just don’t overdo it.

SUMMING IT UP

The bottom line: to get a handle on balancing flashbacks and information dumps, you’ll need to pay careful attention to narrative structure, pacing, and characterization. 

By carefully using these techniques and prioritizing the needs of the story and its characters, you can create a compelling story that holds the reader from beginning to end.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, working ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach (picture and chapter books). If you need help with your story, visit Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi. 

You can check out Karen’s books HERE.

You can connect with Karen at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencioffiventrice 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcioffiventrice/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karencioffikidlitghostwriter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenCV
  

 

 

Children’s Writing and Information Dump

As a ghostwriter and editor, occasionally I get clients who give me a draft of a story that has information dump within the first few spreads of a picture book.

This is a no-no.

Information dump is when an author literally dumps a chunk of information for the reader to absorb.

Granted most new writers may not realize they’re hitting the reader with these big chunks of information. Or, the author may want to tell the reader what she thinks the reader should know, but doesn’t know how to weave the information into the story.

I think the problem is the ‘author’ wants to make sure the reader understands what’s going on. For example:

Billy and Joe had been best friends since Kindergarten. They played together every day and even had sleep overs. They were also on the same football team. Then Billy insulted Joe last year. After that, Joe didn’t want to be friends with Billy anymore. Now, it’s a new school year.

While this example isn’t too long, there are some info dumps that are paragraphs long, pages long, or in the case of picture books, spreads long.

Another possible reason for information dumping.

Another possibility is that the ‘author’ is writing the story for himself. He’s writing to see what he wants to see in the book. He’s not thinking about what a seven year old or a 10 year old will want . . . even expect in a book.

Whatever the reason, information dump at the beginning of a story leads to a very boring beginning. And, it delays the initial problem that the protagonist must overcome.

While this has touched on the beginning of a story so far, it’s not a good idea to dump clumps of information elsewhere within the story either.

Why information dumping isn’t a good idea.
Children, even adults, have short attention spans. Being told what went on is boring for the reader. She wants to see or hear what’s going on through action and dialogue. Information or backstory must be weaved into the story here and there.

For example, going back to Billy and Joe. Instead of telling the reader flat out in the beginning of the story why they’re not friends, bring it in through dialogue.

It was the first day of the new school year. Joe walked past Billy in the yard without looking at him or saying a word.

“Okay, enough already. I insulted you last year. Get over it already,” chided Billy.

This lets the reader know what’s happening without knocking him over the head or dumping clumps of information. It brings the reader into the action and conversation. It’s effective writing.

While you may not be able to get every bit of information into the story that you think should be there, it doesn’t matter. Your reader will read between the lines. .

So, think twice before dumping that information on your reader.

This article was originally published at:
http://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/2017/04/30/childrens-writing-information-dump/

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author. She runs a successful children’s ghostwriting and rewriting business and welcomes working with new clients.

For tips on writing for children OR if you need help with your project, contact her at Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi.

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