How to Avoid Narrative Fluff: Tips for Concise, Engaging Writing

Hello, fellow storytellers! Ever start reading a book or article only to find yourself slogging through pages of random tidbits that make you think, “Is this really necessary?” That, my friends, is narrative fluff—the extra, sometimes irrelevant info that sneaks into our writing and slows the whole show down.

So how do you know what’s fluff and what’s not? Let’s dig in!

What Is Narrative Fluff?
“Narrative fluff” refers to details that don’t add value to your story or message. Maybe it’s a lengthy description of a minor character’s breakfast routine, or several paragraphs on the weather when it’s not crucial to the plot. Fluff can feel like it’s padding your word count, but it usually ends up boring your readers (or viewers) before they can reach the good stuff.

Personal Anecdote:
I once wrote a short story with a five-paragraph rant about my protagonist’s obsession with antique teaspoons. When my beta readers practically begged me to cut it, I realized it added nothing to the plot or character growth—I just thought it was “cool.” Lesson learned!

Why It’s a Problem

1. Slows Down the Pacing: Too many unimportant details can make readers lose interest and put your story aside.
2. Dilutes Your Main Point: If your readers are busy skimming through fluff, they might miss the crucial parts of your narrative.
3. Creates Confusion: Too much irrelevant info can muddle the storyline, leaving your audience unsure about what truly matters.

How to Spot Fluff
1. Ask, “Does This Serve a Purpose?”
Does this detail advance the plot, reveal character traits, or contribute to the overall theme? If not, it might be prime fluff territory.
Example:

• Relevant: Describing a room’s storm shutters if a hurricane is about to play a pivotal role in the story.
• Fluff: Spending five sentences on the texture of the wallpaper if it doesn’t tie into the plot or mood.

2. Get an Outside Opinion
Sometimes we’re too close to our own work to see what’s necessary. Ask a friend or writing buddy to read your piece and highlight sections that made them zone out. That’s your fluff alarm!
3. Watch Out for Tangents
If you catch yourself going off on a completely unrelated topic mid-scene, there’s a good chance you’re wandering into fluff. Bring it back to the main point or cut the tangent altogether.

Trimming the Fluff
1. Stay Focused on Your Main Objective
Whether you’re writing a novel, blog post, or script, remember your core message or plot line. Anytime you stray, ask if this detour genuinely helps. If not, snip it.
2. Use Concise Descriptions
Avoid rambling. If a few precise words can paint the picture, there’s no need for an entire paragraph. Quality beats quantity, every single time.
3. Prioritise Strong Verbs and Specific Nouns
​Instead of filling your text with unnecessary adjectives and adverbs, choose powerful verbs and clear nouns that carry their weight. This helps you keep it punchy and interesting.

Humour in Moderation
Sure, jokes and random fun facts can keep readers engaged. Just be sure they don’t overshadow your narrative. If your one-liner or anecdote fits the story’s tone and theme, go for it. But if it feels forced, it might be fluff in disguise.
Example:

• Worth Keeping: A quick, witty aside from a snarky character that shows their personality.
• Cut It: An unrelated joke about your cousin’s shoe obsession when you’re writing a serious crime drama.
  

​Final Thoughts
We all love getting creative, but remember: less is often more when it comes to storytelling. By cutting unnecessary fluff, you make room for the details that truly shine—those that move your plot forward, deepen character development, or strengthen your message.

Got any fluff-busting tips or hilarious stories about tangents gone wild? Share them in the comments! Let’s help each other avoid those dreaded yawns from our readers and keep our narratives tight, exciting, and thoroughly fluff-free.