Uhm… not losing sight on this project but it’s been tough to write since I’ve been on holiday. It’s as if my characters are all taking vacation as well, away from me, somewhere far from my head. I didn’t approve their leave so, how dare they? *sigh*

It’s kind of sad since I miss them, but I suppose we’re all allowed to take a break every now and then.

So what I’ve been doing is going back to earlier chapters. I found a few things I needed to fix, things I needed to delete or add, things I’ve no idea why I put there in the first place. Ah, the exercise is both taxing and rewarding (and I’m only onto Chapter 14) but I’m pleased with the result so far, albeit I may change my mind again later. Isn’t it always the case?

Anyway, something came to mind while I was doing this: Background. Ugh! I wonder if I should have added more background in the beginning rather than leaving them where they are currently–closer to when they’re important or as an after thought. Background bits in question include the Gods of the realms, the history of how the world began, the culture of the two big realms that make up the setting/backdrop of the story…

Ah, I never know how much and where/when best to put those things. Advice I’ve received has always been: exposition is bad, only show what you need to show, weave them into the story. They’re all very well, but geez, it’s tricky to do ‘em right!

I also think it makes a difference whether or not the story is written in 1st or 3rd person POV.

Anyway what do you think? how do you do it?