Norman
asked
Brian Staveley:
When penning a novel, what do you propose is the best way to handle the infamous data dump?
Brian Staveley
Hi Norman,
I actually love a good data dump. Take the Council of Elrond scene from LOTR--great stuff! I think the key is that you don't dump everything up front. If you lead the reader along with clues and hints for a couple hundred pages, usually they'll be delighted to get some answers, even if the format is somewhat expository. If you put that stuff all in the opening chapters, however, the reader has no reason to care. There's no mystery built up so no interest...
I actually love a good data dump. Take the Council of Elrond scene from LOTR--great stuff! I think the key is that you don't dump everything up front. If you lead the reader along with clues and hints for a couple hundred pages, usually they'll be delighted to get some answers, even if the format is somewhat expository. If you put that stuff all in the opening chapters, however, the reader has no reason to care. There's no mystery built up so no interest...
More Answered Questions
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more