Leaving Out Information When Writing Fiction
Fiction writers leave out information. It’s just the way of writing novels. This is usually done to keep the reader interested. However, there is some information that should never be omitted, but sometimes crucial information ends up forgotten in the rush to create a good story.
As a writer, it is important that your readers have some basic information at all times. You need to tell your readers where you are. If your character is standing in the middle of a field, you need to make sure your audience knows. And when he or she leaves that field, you cannot simply assume that your readers will pick up on that. You have to make settings and transitions very clear in your novel.
A writer will often forget to indicate the passage of time, or assume that the audience just knows. Does the next scene happen a day later? A week later? You need to tell your audience when you are, unless withholding that information serves a specific purpose.
Coincidence is Not Believable in Fiction
Readers love fiction, but they’re not easy to fool. And most readers will not accept the idea of coincidence. You might need something to happen to advance your story, but if it doesn’t make sense, your readers will put down your book and go find another, one with an engaging plot that makes sense. Every piece of your story needs to fit together to form a cohesive whole.
If your main character is backed into a corner, you’d better find a reasonable way to get him or her out of that situation. If you have a hero who’s now locked in a cage, he’s probably not going to discover the key in his pocket. Or if he does, there’d better be a very good reason why. If he suddenly and unexpectedly ‘finds’ the key in his pocket, your readers will be confused and annoyed.
Don’t Talk Down to Your Readers
Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, a writer will suddenly start talking down to readers. This is most common when writing for younger readers. Don’t make this one of your mistakes. Your readers are not idiots, and treating them as such will only offend them. Write your story in a way that conveys your message and communicates your own passion. You don’t have to dilute your story, or dress it up, for your readers.
Write with your readers in mind. If this means that sometimes you have to go back and change something, or add a bit of information that you were hoping to withhold, then so be it. Keep the basics of fiction writing upmost in your mind, and be aware of hints and tips for aspiring writers.
Thinking first of your audience and what they need from your story is the first step in avoiding common mistakes when writing a novel. With that in mind, it's time to start writing that first novel.
