Is Multitasking in Fiction a Bad Idea? | Dear Writer # 15
101 Writer Questions Answered!
Overall, is multitasking in genre fiction a bad idea?
A fantasy story. A crew of people tear down a magical dome using a water cannon. Engineering vs. magic. A mage, thought to be powerless and insane, casts spells. That same mage casts an illusion on the POV character, messing with his senses.
My dad, reading that chapter, stops reading and calls me at work to ask what the heck is going on. I’m certain what I wrote was clear.
Is the problem the multitasking (too many things happening at once)?
Dear Writer,
Narrative complexity ("multitasking") is neither good nor bad in and of itself. The central question is how complexity works with or against the sum total of your work.
Two comedians can tell the same joke. Whether or not the audience laughs depends very much on delivery. Anything can work provided you do it well.
The word "overall" in your question betrays a desire for aphorism—let me apologize now. As with many such "rules," the answer is most likely: "Yes, but..." or "If it works, do it," or something to that effect.
Should you use correct grammar in novel writing? Cormac McCarthy often didn’t, and he was widely celebrated. As for me, I was done with Suttree after about three pages.
Look to others who have done a good job with complex/multitasked narrative moments in books and other media. How did they do it? How can you capture the spirit of their success without compromising your work? Study the masterpieces that most move you.
It’s difficult to answer a specific question about a work-in-progress without the contextual clues the piece itself provides. Pose this question to your readers. They’ll be able to see all the elements of the narrative moments working together.
If several people agree with your dad, you probably need to do some revision. If others aren’t confused, it's most likely your dad's issue, though still look closely at his specific areas of confusion to make your work the best it can be.
In the literary arts, context is king. Asking specific questions in isolation sets you up for perfunctory responses.
Best,
DRM
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DANIEL RODRIGUES-MARTIN is the author of books, articles, essays, poems, reviews, and countless rants since 2004. His debut novel, GODDESS FROM THE MACHINE, earned a Kirkus Star and is available from most major carriers.