BWFoster78
Myth Weaver
Two important principles for my writing:
1. Seek clarity. If a reader doesn't understand the writing, the reader isn't going to be engaged by the writing.
2. RUE (Resist the Urge to Explain). Overexplaining insults the reader's intelligence. Not a great way to win fans.
In my mind, these two principles very much contradict each other. I just got some developmental comments back, and I'm trying to find the right balance between the two. I'd love your thoughts on a specific instance.
Situation:
I throw the acronym E-HHART out there in a short story. Very military thing to do, in my mind, so staying in my protagonist's head. Seems like him giving the full meaning of the acronym at that point would be overexplaining and out of the character's head.
My editor says, "What the crap is an E-HHART?" Clearly, this situation has introduced a lack of clarity, though I give that the meaning later in the story.
So, which is worse in this case: lack of clarity or overexplaining?
I think I tend to do this kind of thing a lot. I'd rather throw stuff out there with the expectation that the reader is going to keep up than slow the pace with a lot of explanations.
Thoughts in general?
Thanks.
Brian
1. Seek clarity. If a reader doesn't understand the writing, the reader isn't going to be engaged by the writing.
2. RUE (Resist the Urge to Explain). Overexplaining insults the reader's intelligence. Not a great way to win fans.
In my mind, these two principles very much contradict each other. I just got some developmental comments back, and I'm trying to find the right balance between the two. I'd love your thoughts on a specific instance.
Situation:
I throw the acronym E-HHART out there in a short story. Very military thing to do, in my mind, so staying in my protagonist's head. Seems like him giving the full meaning of the acronym at that point would be overexplaining and out of the character's head.
My editor says, "What the crap is an E-HHART?" Clearly, this situation has introduced a lack of clarity, though I give that the meaning later in the story.
So, which is worse in this case: lack of clarity or overexplaining?
I think I tend to do this kind of thing a lot. I'd rather throw stuff out there with the expectation that the reader is going to keep up than slow the pace with a lot of explanations.
Thoughts in general?
Thanks.
Brian