Sit down and have a cup of coffee or tea. I want to talk to you about something. Here’s the deal. You and your friends are watching a movie that really speaks to you. You’re totally immersed in the story. But one of your friends has already seen the movie. She keeps interrupting with little tidbits of information she thinks you need to know to fully appreciate the making of the movie. Tidbits she is sure you are interested in. Maybe you would be, at the appropriate time, but right now you just want her to shut up and let you enjoy the movie. She is so annoying! Do you have a friend like that?
It is the same when you read a good book. The story is fascinating, totally up your alley, when suddenly someone interrupts. Who? The writer, of course. He stops the action in order to feed you tidbits of information he thinks you, the reader, will want to know. That is so annoying!
If I’m submersed in a story, don’t tap me on the shoulder and make me look up so you can show me all the research you did. I don’t need to know every detail of each character’s clothing. I don’t need to know each character’s background. Details should only be used if they reflect, reinforce or add to everything else. So don’t be so annoying! Let me enjoy my fantasy in peace.
What about you? Have you ever been engrossed in a good story until the writer interrupted the action? Did it ruin the experience for you?
Good article. Well written and thought provoking. To answer you question, yes. Sometimes too much is given away. Even worse is when the author’s action or plot line is not plausible or too convenient.
Thanks, Bruce. It is difficult for authors to resist explaining in-depth, but we all need to remember that a well-written story is like a good joke. The punch line shouldn’t need to be explained.