Trust the Reader: Writing with a Velvet Glove

In my discussion with Joanna Penn on her podcast (listen here), the topic of "overwriting" came up—a common pitfall where a manuscript is bogged down with unnecessary detail, what I often refer to as "story for story’s sake." This happens when a writer includes information that, while interesting, doesn’t propel the narrative forward, ultimately dragging down the pacing.

Overwriting can take the form of a drawn out conversations, redundancy, or flowery prose. These tendencies can slow the story to a crawl, preventing readers from fully investing in the story.

Overwriting can also result when writers feel the need to overemphasize a point, stating directly what is or should be implied/inferred through action; otherwise known as "spoon-feeding"—a reluctance to trust the reader to grasp the intended message or subtle undertones.

Whether I’m reading submissions or editing I find myself reminding writers to trust their readers. The temptation to spoon-feed—to ensure the reader fully grasps the nuances—is understandable, but it underestimates the reader’s ability to engage with the text on a deeper level.

There are various ways and techniques used to tell a story. Take Aaron Sorkin, for example—a master of fast-paced dialogue and, ironically, extensive monologues. He often drops the audience into a scene mid-conversation, compelling them to lean in and piece together what’s happening. This approach keeps the viewer engaged, actively participating in the story.

Similarly, filmmaker Andrew Stanton (Toy Story; Wall-E) advocates for storytelling without dialogue as the "purest form of cinematic storytelling…the most inclusive approach you can take." Stanton believes that audiences want to "work for their meal," though they shouldn’t be aware they’re doing it. It’s the storyteller’s job to subtly guide them through this process.

The same principles apply to storytelling in books. If done well, readers will grasp the nuances without the need for neon signs pointing to the meaning. Forcing readers to interpret the narrative in a specific way diminishes their ability to connect with the story on a personal level. As Stanton suggests, people are natural problem-solvers, and they instinctively put themselves in the situation.

That said, it’s important not to swing too far in the opposite direction. Being overly vague can lead to confusion rather than subtlety. The key is to provide enough context to guide the reader without overcomplicating the plot.

This approach respects the intelligence and creativity of the reader. By leaving room for interpretation, you invite readers to bring their own perspectives and experiences into the narrative, making the story more personal and resonant.

Moreover, preserving subtlety in storytelling often results in richer, more layered narratives. When writers trust their readers to pick up on nuances and underlying themes, it allows for multiple readings and interpretations, adding to the story’s longevity and impact.

Ultimately, effective storytelling, whether in film or literature, hinges on this delicate balance of guiding the audience while allowing them to fill in the gaps. It’s about crafting a journey where the destination is important, but the path taken to get there—filled with personal insights and connections—is equally vital.