In a novel, you don't NEED to use dialog to show that information.
Variations I've found less cumbersome: 1. Show from Bob's perspective. "Bob dug into his mental filebox and reviewed what he knew about the conflict on Delta Five. The old colonial outpost was habitable, but barely, and unless the hydroponics had really been more productive than forecast, they'd be largely dependent on supply ships. A particularly desperate winter had forced them to trade with the locals, and a deal had gone south -- primarily due to the colonials sending an idiot to the negotiating table -- after which the outpost decided to simply take what they needed...and then what they wanted. It went predictably after that point..."
2. Make sure it's triggered by something that really causes introspection and mental review.
3. Omit it unless you REALLY need it -- otherwise you can trim at least 50% of the exposition you think you need. Pull it out entirely, then add in only what's needed. "Hey Bob -- just a note on those plans I sent over -- there's a misprint in that version of the manual. The range of the X22 Cargo Loader, fully loaded, should be 105 orms, not 150 orms." "So that means a delivery what, every 10 days?" "Yeah, at worst -- you might get away with an 8-day schedule."
4. Military briefings, however, are EXACTLY like that in real life. "Here's what you need to know about your mission. The old colonial outpost is primarily supplied by cargo ships every 9 days, give or take. They have limited hydroponics, and they're in conflict with the local tribes because the idiots decided to simply TAKE resources when they missed a cargo ship last year. Details are in your briefing packets."
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2008-06-26 04:42 pm (UTC)Variations I've found less cumbersome:
1. Show from Bob's perspective. "Bob dug into his mental filebox and reviewed what he knew about the conflict on Delta Five. The old colonial outpost was habitable, but barely, and unless the hydroponics had really been more productive than forecast, they'd be largely dependent on supply ships. A particularly desperate winter had forced them to trade with the locals, and a deal had gone south -- primarily due to the colonials sending an idiot to the negotiating table -- after which the outpost decided to simply take what they needed...and then what they wanted. It went predictably after that point..."
2. Make sure it's triggered by something that really causes introspection and mental review.
3. Omit it unless you REALLY need it -- otherwise you can trim at least 50% of the exposition you think you need. Pull it out entirely, then add in only what's needed. "Hey Bob -- just a note on those plans I sent over -- there's a misprint in that version of the manual. The range of the X22 Cargo Loader, fully loaded, should be 105 orms, not 150 orms." "So that means a delivery what, every 10 days?" "Yeah, at worst -- you might get away with an 8-day schedule."
4. Military briefings, however, are EXACTLY like that in real life. "Here's what you need to know about your mission. The old colonial outpost is primarily supplied by cargo ships every 9 days, give or take. They have limited hydroponics, and they're in conflict with the local tribes because the idiots decided to simply TAKE resources when they missed a cargo ship last year. Details are in your briefing packets."