[Erebus]

Plot or Padding? When reading a novel, do you prefer plenty of plot, or detailed padding while the story unfolds?

I have posted this question in a poll at my Reflections of Erebus Yahoo! group, and thought I'd ask the same question here...

Oh, and for the record, while I understand the need for page upon page of padding and detail in some novels, I'm definitely a plot man myself! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Rob B]

Plot, Plot, Plot.

If you mean padding in terms of endless descriptions of clothing (see Anita Blake or Jordan's often tedious descriptions), I tend to scan over padding.

I know from a writer's perspective it can be tough not to waste words, but often it is done in these padding scenes.

[Erebus]

If you mean padding in terms of endless descriptions...

Yes, that's exactly what I mean, FF, and Jordan certainly comes to mind. But many people like that style. However, I tend to prefer to read, and write, more leaner works, with plenty of storyline unfolding to keep the readers' interest. As a writer, I would hate to have my much-labored-over words "skipped" and are very conscious of this in my own novels, most of which have been, to date, around 50,000 words.

[MrKip]

I think padding does have its merits. I'm always a big fan of developing charectors in directions which are not neccesarily anything to do with the plot. I think charectors with plenty of depth and indeed a world with plenty of background only adds to the wealth of a book.

[Mithfânion]

too much plot easily makes for an underdeveloped book. Too much padding makes a book tedious, lame and in the end unfinished http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

As much as I detest the middle way, I'll have to say the best books combine these two factors.

[Bond]

Plot, plot, plot.

I cannot stand Pratchett despite his wonderful humor because his plots are a
joke (literally!).

Jordan is probably a strange exception with his verbosity in my reading. His redeeming virtue is that the plot he spins despite the filler is among the best I have ever encountered.

[Loaba]

I'd have to agree with Mith, you need a pleasant mixture of both plot and padding.

However, if I'm gonna go heavy handed on one side or the other then give me plot! Details are nice and can make a story come alive to a certian point. But who cares about details if the story isn't any good to begin with?

Plot is key.

Loaba

[Pathir]

Too much padding is exactly that: too much.
But some padding(like how Jack vance, the master of giving details without overdoing it, does it) can be handy, insightful and amusing to read...
A good writer can bring his padding to his readers in an interesting and credible way, without losing the plot..

[Bardos]

Moderation. 50% Padding 50% Plot to make the cake. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

Though, I can stand too much plot without padding. But padding without plot I cannot stand.

[This message has been edited by Bardos (edited February 07, 2002).]

[SusF]

Plot, no ammount of padding and interesting worldbuilding can make up for lack of plot.

Susan