Tess Barron
- Feb 18
- 11 min read

Dumping the Info Dump: How to Craft Engaging Fiction that Doesn't Turn Off Readers

Write Fiction That Engages by Dumping the Info Dump

Within the craft of fiction, there exists a perilous obstacle that many writers must face on the path of their hero author's journey. It is a dire beast that must be slayed: the dreaded info dump.

For writers and readers alike, the info dump is like hitting a wall (literally a wall of text) in the storytelling that completely rips them from the narrative.

Info dumps are chunks of exposition packed with needless information and dumped onto your readers' heads, derailing the story's momentum in one fell swoop.

In today's guide, we're getting straight to the point, hopefully without getting distracted by providing you with more than you need to do the job! I will dissect the problem for you, explore its nuances, and provide some practical solutions.

No frills, no fancy pants language—just actionable insights to help you avoid the info dump like a pro.

Contents:

What is an Info Dump?

Ok.

So, let's dive into this hurdle—one that can catch you off guard at any time. It doesn't matter if you write in third person, first person, past tense or present. It doesn't seem to matter if you are a pantser or outliner.

No one is safe!

But what is this thing, really?

An info dump occurs when authors attempt to cram an entire library's worth of information into a solitary scene or chapter, often manifested as verbose exposition.

This practice disrupts the organic flow of your story and risks drowning your readers in a deluge of unnecessary details.

Lazy storytelling is what it all really comes down to when info dumping.

Instead of allowing the story to unfold naturally, allowing character growth, and revealing information in a nuanced manner, some writers opt to unload all the details onto the reader in one fell swoop. It's a sure route to being labeled an amateur in the eyes of your audience.

Info Dumping Info-dumps - The Problem with Info-dumps in Your Fiction Writing

The Importance of Avoiding the Info Dump in Fiction Writing

Info dumping is a HUGE issue in fiction writing.

Why, you may ask?

Well, for starters, we already mentioned what it does to the pacing of your story. When you dump a ton of information on your readers all at once, it's like slamming on the brakes and jolting them out of the world you've worked so hard to immerse them into.

...Or maybe you haven't worked that hard, which is part of the issue...

But that will have to be addressed another day. Anyway.

Granted, there are instances where backstory or world-building explanations are indispensable to the plot. However, bombarding your readers with an avalanche of information is a surefire way to extinguish their engagement with your story.

Avoiding info dumps is an absolute must for writers who want their work to be respected by critics and general readers alike.

By steering clear of this common pitfall, you'll be able to keep your readers engaged, maintain the flow of your narrative, and leave them wanting more as they follow your characters on their journeys.

Dumping info-dumps - Types of Info Dumping

Types of Info Dumps

You want to provide your readers with the right amount of information at just the right time, little bit by little bit. It is about deliberate plotting and characterization and gradually revealing historical background information.

But sometimes, in an effort to get all the necessary details out there, writers can and do fall into the trap of info dumping.

Info-dumps can take many forms, from long-winded explanations of a world's backstory to pages upon pages of technical jargon or personal opinions.

Below, we'll explore the different types of info dump, why they're problematic, and how to avoid them.

By understanding the different types, you'll be able to recognize them in your own writing and take the necessary steps to create a more engaging reading experience for your audience.

We'll kick things off with two prominent offenders before delving into lesser-known issues.

Maze of information good fiction - info dumping - image made with Leonardo.ai — Image made with Leonardo.ai

The Backstory Info Dump

You've probably stumbled across a book or two where the author goes on and on about a character's past.

We call this a backstory dump, and it's one of the most common styles of info dump in fiction writing. These long-winded descriptions can be a real snooze-fest to read.

You might have even encountered a few books where the author crammed a character's entire backstory into a single chapter. A prime example of lazy writing.

Instead of revealing details about a character through actions and dialogue, the author chooses to dump it on us all at once.

Like spoon-feeding their readers baby food. "Here comes the backstory airplane. Brrrrwwrrrr."

I wonder if these writers just finished the first draft and thought it was all over.

The result is that readers become disinterested in what could have been a fascinating character if handled more delicately. Rather than engaging with the story and empathizing with the characters' struggles, readers get bogged down with information they don't need or want.

And admit it. Three-quarters of that stuff could be kept safely in your head and not affect the story one bit!

The World-Building Info Dump

Ah, world-building—both a blessing and a curse.

While crafting immersive environments is essential, bombarding readers with excessive detail can prove detrimental to the narrative's flow. Just as too much seasoning ruins a dish, an overdose of world-building can leave readers craving substance amidst the verbosity.

If your readers must slog through countless pages of descriptions before reaching any character interaction or dialogue, chances are they'll lose interest before they ever do.

When it comes to world-building in fiction writing, subtlety is key.

Sprinkle world-building details thoughtfully throughout the narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the setting without drowning in unnecessary minutiae.

Woman wrapped in wires - information overload - Image made with Leonardo.ai — Image made with Leonardo.ai

The Historian Info Dump

The Historian Info dump is related to the backstory info dump and the world-building type.

A big problem in the fantasy and SF genres especially.

This is where the author has decided to commit pages upon pages to their world's history. They ramble on endlessly about old kings and great battles.

Now, this is not necessarily a problem if those things are integral to the plot, but even then, there is a better way of giving the information to the readers than in a long history text-like manner.

Fantasy/SF writers like to emulate the classic authors and write hefty prologues, but there really is little place for this in the modern age. Don't get me wrong; some people can and will do this beautifully, and chances are, you are not one of them.

Sorry.

A good rule of thumb is this: It doesn't need to be there if it has nothing to do with the plot and current story. If it does, then try to add it as you go.

Readers like information to be revealed to them as they read along. No one wants to do a bunch of work right at the beginning just to understand the premise of your story.

The 'Look How Smart I Am' Info Dump

This kind of info dump really encompasses the term.

To write your novel, you have done a ton of research and learned some super interesting things along the way! And now, all you want to do is share that new knowledge with the rest of the world.

These authors overflow their pages with technical jargon, meaningless explanations of scientific or social issues, or just plain use their novel as a platform to spout their personal opinions on matters that have absolutely nothing to do with their story's plot.

By no means is this EVER ok.

Reason one: It bores the hell out of your readers.

Reason two: It can alienate your readers because it's so clear you're trying to "educate" them.

Reason three: It will keep you from ever getting published.

Please avoid this info dump, like the kid picking his nose and eating it!

Abstract take on info dumping - Image made with Leonardo.ai — Image made with Leonardo.ai

The Digression Info Dump

Many famous authors do this. It might not be considered an info dump per se, but it is a distant cousin.

This one is where the authors go on...and on... and on, and on and on, and on and on, and on and on, and on and on, and on and on...about something that has nothing to do with the plot at all.

Stephen King is terrible for this, to the point where I can barely get through some of his books (just my opinion. Calm down, King fans).

We all do this, and it is easily rectified through the rewrite process and hiring a good developmental editor/manuscript critic who is competent at their job.

Again, if it has nothing to do with the plot, get it outta there. I don't want to see an info dump of world-building details, and I really don't want to see an info dump of your brain vomit!

The 'You Just Had to Be There' Info Dump

This is another distant, distant cousin of the info dump. It could also be called the 'Narrative Summary Info Dump.' If you want to know what narrative summary is, read this post on the components of narrative storytelling in my Show, Don't Tell series.

The problem occurs when the author glosses over an essential part of the plot.

Instead of making a scene (or scenes) where the character comes to a realization, finds out something vital, or really does anything that drives the plot forward, they instead tell us about it in several paragraphs to 'catch the reader up.'

This one gets similar advice to the others: If it's important to the plot, get it IN there!

Take the time to show us the evolution of your characters and plot.

Woman in a library surrounded by too much info - info dumping - Image made with Leonardo.ai — Image made with Leonardo.ai

The 'Wandering Soul' Info Dump

Some authors write scenes to the opposite effect.

They will have entire scenes, or even chapters, dedicated to things that do not have any importance whatsoever.

If you're writing a novel that involves a great deal of travel, and you have three chapters about the journey where nothing significant to the plot happens until they reach their destination, you have fallen into this trap.

Turn around; you've reached the "No publishing beyond this point sign."

When an editor or agent tells you your manuscript is too long, this is what they mean. You have overwritten the story, and most of it is filler that has no bearing on the plot.

They are not against large word counts...they are against large, needless word counts!

This could be considered less of an "info dump" than a scene dump, or well...ok. It's just bad plotting.

But it's still good advice.

Novel Writing & Info Dumping - How to fix info-dumps in your fiction writing

How to Fix an Info-dump in Your Fiction Writing

Show, Don't Tell

Ok.

So, now you understand that an info dump is like a deluge of exposition that inundates readers with a torrent of irrelevant details and are aware of some of the sneaky spots in your narrative that it could pop up.

(Now, that was a sentence!)

And let's face it, new writers are notorious for doing this. They unload a truckload of information at once, leaving readers overwhelmed and confused.

But fret not, for there's a solution—the "show, don't tell" technique.

Instead of telling your readers what's happening, show them through vivid descriptions and character actions that gradually reveal crucial information.

For example, instead of saying, "He's angry," describe him clenching his fists, his face turning red like a ripe tomato, and steam coming from his ears.

By doing so, your readers get to experience events alongside your characters, making the story more engaging and immersive.

So, ditch the info dumps and start showing, not telling. Your readers will thank you, and your novel will be better off.

info dumping in fiction in abstract - Image made with Leonardo.ai — Image made with Leonardo.ai

Crafting Narrative Through Action and Observation

I want to talk a little more about show, don't tell. I want you to really get this down.

Actions speak volumes, and your character's observations are the basis upon which you can paint your vivid pictures. Let the story unfold through them.

Avoiding the info dump is also about developing your narrative around not what is there but what is experienced by your characters and what they do.

Show them acting on the world to provide details about it. If you want the reader to pick up on an essential piece of the puzzle, have your characters take direct action on that thing.

Allow your characters to notice the details of their surroundings—the way sunlight filters through leaves, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting in from a nearby bakery, or the subtle changes in a loved one's demeanor.

Keep the narrative in the immediate scene by letting us see and move through the world with them as they do it.

I talk a lot more about this in my series on how to REALLY show, don't tell. In it, I teach you to think of your novel as giving a single impression and building upon layers of imagery and emotion.

You can get to it here.

Integrate Information into Dialogue

Info dumps resemble never-ending PowerPoint presentations—tedious and draining. We get it; you have much information to convey, but nobody wants to be lectured at length.

Luckily, there's a better way to deliver that information without putting readers to sleep: integrating it into dialogue.

Let your characters do the heavy lifting for you.

It's an effective way to reveal critical details about your characters and plot and makes for engaging and dynamic dialogue to boot.

For instance, let's say you have a doctor character. Instead of going on a tangent about their medical expertise, have another character ask them a question that allows them to demonstrate their knowledge.

It's killing two birds with one stone—the conversation moves the plot forward and reveals important information.

Not to mention, integrating information into dialogue also makes your story feel more organic and less like a textbook. It's a win-win.

Plus, it allows for character development as readers learn more about them through conversation rather than the author's narration.

Info dumps in Fiction - Creative solutions to avoid the info dump

Creative Solutions to Avoiding the Info-Dump

Use Metaphors, Similes, or Analogies to Explain Information

If you're struggling with how to get information across without putting your readers to sleep, try using metaphors, similes, or analogies. These literary devices can take complex ideas and emotions and make them exciting and memorable.

For instance, instead of saying:

John looked at the office building with dread from the outside. He hated his job. His boss.....blah blah blah....dump-dump-dump...

Say:

John sighed as he opened the door to the turning wheel that was his office. Him, the hamster, for yet another day.

See how that works? It paints a picture in your reader's mind and gives more depth to your character.

Not only that, but using metaphors, similes, or analogies lets your readers' imaginations run wild, giving them the space to interpret and engage with your story on a deeper level.

Too many story ideas - drowning in information - Image made with Leonardo.ai — Image made with Leonardo.ai

Use Flashbacks or Memories to Share Information

Nobody likes to read an entire chapter dedicated to a character's backstory when they just want to know what's happening right now.

So, let's get creative.

One option is to use flashbacks or memories to reveal important information throughout the story rather than cramming it all in at once.

It's the same principle of letting your readers experience the story in the "immediate scene" rather than summarizing it for them.

Using flashbacks can create an immersive reading experience, letting readers feel like they're discovering secrets alongside the protagonist. Plus, it can build suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they puzzle the timelines together.

No one said time has to be linear (not in physics or fiction), so if your story allows it, take the reader back to the relevant point in time and let them experience it.

Not all stories will allow for this, and be mindful of whether or not it really needs to be revealed at all.

Remember that cutting is a rough process but a necessary one. You can do it now and save your poor editor some time (and save you s0me money).

Abstract painting of an info dump in fiction writing - Image made with Leonardo.ai — Image made with Leonardo.ai

Final Words

The info dump is a sneaky sucker that has come for everyone at one point.

And listen up: don't try to convince yourself that leaving these dumps in your novel is a stylistic choice (an argument I have heard multiple times in my editing career). It's just lazy writing, plain and simple.

Embrace the principles of show, don't tell, write better dialogue, and get more concise with your plotting details and where they should be placed to create a better experience for your reader.

By weaving your story around action and character, you will have an easier time keeping your readers engaged.

Remember: your journey as a fiction writer is an ongoing, perpetual evolution. Hone your craft, embrace the challenges, and above all, keep writing.