Trimming the Fat: Avoiding Unnecessary Information in Your Novel
As writers, we often fall in love with our own words and ideas, sometimes to the point of including unnecessary information that clogs up our sentences. While it's important to provide context and detail, overloading our writing with superfluous information can hinder the flow and impact of our storytelling. In this blog post, we'll explore the pitfalls of including unnecessary information in novels and discuss strategies to streamline your writing for a more engaging reading experience.
One of the main issues with unnecessary information is that it slows down the narrative pace. Long-winded descriptions, excessive backstory, or tangential details can distract readers from the main plot and cause them to lose interest. Instead, focus on what is essential to advance the story, develop characters, and create meaningful connections with your readers. For instance, we don’t need to know: ‘She picked up a can of Coke with her left hand, opened it with the ring pull, drank it.’ This is not only long winded, it’s downright boring. If the Coke is even relevant to the scene, just condense the detail and pick out the essential info, and make it interesting! : ‘She sipped the Coke with her eyes closed; she needed that hit of caffeine.’
Another drawback of including unnecessary information is that it can disrupt the clarity of your sentences. Sentences filled with excessive modifiers, redundant phrases, or convoluted explanations can confuse readers and make it difficult for them to follow the intended meaning. Keep your sentences concise, clear, and purposeful, aiming for a balance between providing necessary details and maintaining a smooth reading experience.
One effective strategy to avoid unnecessary information is to prioritize relevance. Ask yourself whether a particular detail or piece of information directly contributes to the plot, character development, or theme of your story. If not, consider removing or rephrasing it to maintain a tighter narrative. Remember, it's better to leave readers wanting more than to overwhelm them with unnecessary details.
Additionally, be mindful of the "show, don't tell" principle. Instead of spoon-feeding readers every piece of information, trust their ability to infer and interpret. Allow the actions, dialogue, and subtle cues of your characters to convey information and evoke emotions, minimizing the need for explicit explanations.
In conclusion, excessive and unnecessary information can clog up sentences and hinder the overall readability of your novel. By streamlining your writing, focusing on relevance, maintaining clarity, and embracing the principle of "show, don't tell," you can create a more engaging and immersive reading experience for your audience. So, declutter your sentences, trim the excess, and let your story shine with clarity and purpose.
