Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[MellzBellz]

Figured since I've been MIA for long I'll try to start some conversaton here. Just wondering on what everyone's opinions are on dream sequences in fan fics. I know a few of us have used them in our stories. Do you think they add to the story? Or are they a waste of time? Do you prefer serious cryptic dreams or funny dreams that give the readers something to laugh over?

I'm asking cuz I have lately come up with a series of really out there crazy dreams to include in UMS and its sequel that in a weird way do foreshadow future events, but I think they'd be enjoyable for my readers in the sense that they are so ridiculous. What do you all think?

[mare]

Oh good topic Mel lol

I go back and forth with the dream sequences. I have used them a lot in my fics. I think they are only good if they add something to the story or further the plot along. I enjoy using them as a foreshadowing tool as well as another alternative to flashing back.

When they are used for comedic purposes that's all good too but again as long as there's a rhyme and reason for it. My favorite dream sequences are the ones that you can't really tell it's a dream until the person wakes up.

[starbeamz]

I think there's a time and a place for dream sequences. I don't use dreams often because mine always end up sounding cheesy. Using dreams to foreshadow is great because it keeps you wanting to read.  I think when the Code Blue team was working on a dream sequence chapter together, my favorite thing about that was writing a dream as though it were really happening and not knowing it was a dream until it was over, like Mare said.  It sucks the reader in, especially when it's a fairly action-packed dream, and then it leaves them wondering what just happened when they discover it's a dream. That would be my favorite way to use a dream. I hope that made sense lol

[RokofAges75]

I agree with what's been said so far.  Dreams can be cool and can add a lot to a story when used right.  I think, like most scenes, they just need to have a purpose, whether they're foreshadowing something, expressing some hidden feelings, hinting at some back story, or whatever.  Sometimes the deep, cryptic ones can get kind of confusing to read, which is why I don't think they should be overused, but dreams ARE confusing, and I think it's okay to write in a dream that isn't totally spelled out for the readers, as long as it adds something - even if it's just a sense of suspense and uncertainty.

I went through a big dream phase when I was writing Broken - I was really into dream interpretation and creating these dreams that would foreshadow in sort of symbolic way.  Then I got over that phase, and now I'm not big on the dreams anymore, but they can still be cool sometimes.

[Purpura Lipstick]

The only time I believe I've used dreams was in More Than That and that was because the characters sub-conceiences were bringing their past lives out in the form of their dreams.   

Like most people here, if it is used to further the plot then they can be very useful.

[A-RokzStalker]

Oh, I'm SO glad you brought this topic up! lol. I'm actually working on a story right now that I know I want a dream(s) involved in it. Before, I wasn't sure how many dreams I should use, because I'm using them to build suspense, but reading everyone's responses has given me an idea of how many dreams I should use and how much I should incorporate in them. Thanks!

[honey]

I'm not really a fan of the dream sequences so much. I think they're hard to pull off and if they go on for too long, it's easy for them to take away from the story and distract the reader. But I suppose if done right they can be good. As long as they have a definite purpose for being there. I've only ever done one that I can think of and it was in NYACS. I actually debated writing it and tried to find a way of getting around telling the actual dream, but realized I really needed to because for Cindy it was more than just a dream, it was bits of her memory coming back and completely essential to the plot. I guess I'd say just try to keep them short, sweet and full of purpose.

[MellzBellz]

Thanks for all your opinions! I do sometimes enjoy dreams. They really hook me in when they're meaningful like Nick's recurring dream about the shark attack in Broken which is obvious foreshadowing in more of a symbolic way.

My goal is to create scenarios that on the surface seem jumbled and almost a lil silly cuz lets face it, realistically a lot of dreams are. But beneath the surface I'd like there to be deeper issues going on. I wish I could give an example, but unfortunately it would give away a big surprise for my sequel that I'd rather not reveal until its started to be posted. Just I hope that they will be something the readers can laugh over the over the topness of it and still see the symbolism of it. Sort of an opportunity for the things you'd really like to see almost happen. Again I'm citing Julie's stories here, but sort of like the whole "revenge on Jamie" dream  Nick has in By My Side.

[RokofAges75]

^ Hehe, thanks!

[Steph]

I like dream sequences. I've used them once or twice and it can add a lot of depth to the story, as well as possible forshadowing that can make the reader go "Hmmm..." and want to continue reading.

[Teri]

I use dream sequences occasionally to highlight the inner turmoil going on in a character and sometimes those dreams tend to turn out to be comical too

[Steph]

I use dream sequences occasionally to highlight the inner turmoil going on in a character and sometimes those dreams tend to turn out to be comical too

Yeah, it can help break up tension and make the reader chuckle, lol.