Dreams

I've heard that too, but I don't remember why. I've used dream sequences in my stories, in order to reveal something about the character that wouldn't have come out otherwise - like some secret about their past or a hidden fear - which was important to the overall plot. I have never used them at the beginning of a story - only after the reader has already gotten to know the characters.

One problem a lot of people have with writing dream sequences is that they make them feel like the character's real, everyday life. Real dreams are not like that. Even normal-seeming dreams had a surreal quality about them. When I've included dream sequences, I've tried to include odd things that give the reader a clue that what they're reading isn't really happening. I also only use them when I can't get the information to the reader in a more conventional manner.

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In general, any time there is a "rule" like no dream sequences at the beginning of books, there is always a way around it. Rules in fiction aren't really rules... they're usually someone's personal pet peeve. Think of the no adverbs! "rule"... adverbs aren't evil, they can just be overused and a sign of a weak writer.

Write your story the way you feel it needs to be written. If the opening dream sequence doesn't work, then you can change it. Plenty of authors break the "rules" and get published anyway. JK Rowling was told that no one would want to read a story about a boy at a boarding school... and you see how that turned out. ;) Ignore the rules. Write.

Heather
Forums Moderator

I think it comes from starting the story with a dream and not telling the Reader that it's a dream. The "and then he woke up" feels startling. A lot of Readers don't like the feeling that they've been tricked. That's just my thought on the matter.

"Be nice to the imaginary people. Don't kill too many." -- e-mail from my youngest sister, June 23, 2008

Knowing why there is that general rule is a good idea though. So here is a list of the reasons why one should not start with a dream sequence:
1. Usually it's not critical to the plot. Or even it doesn't relate to the plot.
2. It sets up false expectations in the reader.
3. It tells nothing about the character having the dream.
4. The clichéd ends to the dreams. My favorite to date is after having a nightmare for the character's eyes to flutter open. *snicker*
5. The use of the dream is usually clichéd like a prophecy, a premonition or some such other device.

Dream sequences in general are looked down in the west because it doesn't deliver the story. However in Asian dramas Dream sequences are usually used to underscore the situation and the frustration that a character feels at a given situation or even to illustrate how scattered the character really is by having multiple day dreams. If you can bring those aspects in and tie it to the plot to move the plot forward, I don't think people will object so much.

Now you know why, you can break the rule. ^_^ Knowing the reason behind rules means that you can break them later once you understand them.

Telling someone you're a writer is like telling them you're an obsessive compulsive bipolar schizophrenic that goes to AA meetings once a week.

Rule = Broken

hahah

I actually used the dream sequence to reveal what happened earlier in the story during a whiskey-induced blackout. Instead of the character all of a sudden recalling what happened, he has these dreams that vaguely recount the events, mixed in with weird imagery, of course. What's a dream with out weirdness?

2007 - Faint Pulse, Winner!
Coming Soon in 2008 - The Reclaimers

Best dream sequence I wrote showed the inner workings of a character's mind -- she was terrified her companion would leave her. Her dream reveals this.

There should be a reason to show what the character dreamed. Otherwise you Reader'll just end up saying, "So what? Why are we including this?"

"Be nice to the imaginary people. Don't kill too many." -- e-mail from my youngest sister, June 23, 2008

It's funny you shuold ask that today. I was reading a book on writing scenes just last night that covered that exact topic.

The reason they give is that it cheats the reader. They get into the dream, and then you pull that away and say, "Hey, just kidding." Most readers will toss your book and not read any further. Just like tv viewers felt robbed and their emotions cheated with the "Dallas" dream sequences.

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What is the book called? I want to check it out :)

2007 - Faint Pulse, Winner!
Coming Soon in 2008 - The Reclaimers