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Dream sequences

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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.

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