 Action/Adventure: July 02, 2014 Issue [#6411] |
  Action/Adventure
This week: Did we need to know that? Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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An Elf (written) Action/Adventure Newsletter
There are times in a story where the writer might be tempted to put in some information that the reader doesn't need to know. During an adventure, in action, or even the calmer part of a story, one must access what to show the reader. |
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Is there such a thing as too much information in a story? The answer is: yes.
This might sound a bit strange for a newsletter, but let me explain. I was reading a novel where they were running away from bad guys and during the travels there was a time where they slept outside, on the ground near the truck they had been using for travel. All that is fine, but there was a moment where one character, she went behind a clump of trees to go to the bathroom. While questionable, okay, sure it’s outside, not many options, napkins for toilet paper, no big deal. But at one point, she went back and was still holding the napkins. Not only that, but it didn’t deter the guy from looking at her and thinking about an attraction he started to experience. Ummm… no. While I could kind of see how a writer might think that the not wanting to leave paper on the ground shows personality, but umm no, the reader doesn’t need to know this instance.
In general, the bathroom is often considered a “we know but don’t need to see in the story” bit of information. Sometimes readers do wonder how they can go that long without bathroom, but really it’s just one of those “off camera/page” type of things that we don’t need described, except for certain circumstances. This isn’t the only thing that might not be necessary though, just exists as an example.
How do you decide what to show in a story? There are a few things you will need to consider when assessing whether it’s something the reader needs to know. Consider:
 Do they ever need to know that?
Word count limits
Point of view
Importance to the plot
Does it show something important about the character?
If you are writing a first draft, go ahead and write it. I’m a big fan of write first and fix later, whether it is flash fiction, short stories or even novels. But don’t forget to rewrite and edit. This is a good edit option, considering whether parts of the story is necessary for the reader to know or not. In that stage, maybe ask some questions and fix according to what will benefit the story the most, while keeping the reader in mind.
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Is there anything you think the reader doesn't need to know during a character's action or adventure story?
Last time I edited the Action Adventure Newsletter, I discussed two different options to consider when writing the beginning of a story. I got a good amount of feedback from the awesome readers and here are a few of them, including a little nod to the pancake discussion from the newsletter.
Comment by: Seffi
I think I lean towards the “setting” approach. I tend write shorts at the moment so this may have something to do with it, but I think it's also because as a reader I like to know a certain level of info/detail about the situation/location the character find themselves in.
What I have noticed is that I tend to do a very detailed scene setting when I am starting/drafting a new story as I like to have a very clear picture in my head of what is happening; everything from what it looks like to what can be heard or smelt; then I tend to rein it back in the revisions and tweaking.
And yes I LOVE pancakes but only on special occasions – they are a treat in my house – maybe that’s why some many people use them, what could possibly go wrong with a day that starts with something a perfect and yummy as pancakes… ;)
- Thanks for the comment. Yeah, I think the first draft it’s common to do a lot more setting to start but then cutting back the beginning in edit to get interest and also keep within word count limits. Though one can only set up so much in a really short story cause you don’t have much to tell the whole story. I like pancakes, though ate them more as dinner instead of breakfast. 
Comment by: Shadowstalker-- Covid free
I don't know if it is just me or if this is common for other people as well, but I find the PoV I use also kind of helps me determine how I start a story. I've been on a first person kick a lot lately but have found both ways seem to work equally well for me since I can "get inside the head" of the main character, bringing that near instant connection sometimes. But when I try say 3rd person PoV, I tend to go for the set up over the dive in and that makes it flow smoother.
- Ah, that might have an influence on the start. I don’t like first person, so I rarely write it. But can see how setting up a little first can come in hand with 3rd person in particular.
Comment by: NaNoNette 
GREAT newsletter, Dawn. How to begin an action/adventure is one of the most difficult writing tasks I have come across. I find it easier in other genres (also not easy in and of itself) to come up with a beginning. I like the approach you took to highlight a few options. As of now, I had the "wake up" and the "in the middle of the action" approach. Recently, I used "right before the action" where I set up the character by showing how he does something, but it's not the main adventure yet. For now, I feel this last beginning is my strongest so far. Of course until it's printed everything can change. See you in "Invalid Item" where beginnings will be part of the exercises too. I hope.
- Thank you!  I struggle with beginning novels but have a couple that I really like, including the one I’m editing. And, on yeah, umm the novel thing. I should go check the forum.
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