Swashbuckler
Maybe some internal dialogue? I think it could work if this was in the POV of the character traveling.
"I've seen the Rockies of Colorado, the wild Texas west, and even seen the statue of liberty in the NYC. But only now have I finally reached my destination."
Or maybe dedicate one chapter to a small adventure they had in these locations before they got up to their destination.
I think that it can be done, yes. One idea that might work (although consider it untested) would be to describe various stages along the way, each in a few lines, like a set of mini-vignettes. For a quick-and-short example:
"First came the tall spires of the Tuellati mountains, like the Earth's fingers reaching for the sky. The track was hard and streams were rare and weak, but they persevered.
Next they passed through the grasslands, long stems brushing them as they pushed through, tickling their cheeks. Anything could hide in that yellow-brown jungle—and indeed, twice they had to fend off attacks from lions; the first attack was repelled easily, but the second they only barely escaped with their lives. But after the arid mountains the grasslands seemed lush, and though the long journey left them tired, they pressed on.
A deep forest followed. No human feet had trod here, and it was nameless. They were surrounded by bird-call, and the strange noises of alien creatures. Beyond brief flashes of bright colour against the green, however, they never saw the makers of these sounds. The long journey began to take its toll. Two of the elders died, exhausted, and were buried in shallow graves amid searching roots. One of the families gave up, turning back with the hope of finding a life amidst the tall grass.
At last, however, the party broke free of the clinging trees and found in the distance ahead of them the glittering line of the sea. Low, green-grassed hills were the only thing between them and their destination; with hearts newly lifted they urged on, eager for journey's end and the fulfilment of their goal."
My Games & Writing
Montages in written form are usually lists of events when the narrative shifts from show to tell.
Fantasy writer turned Filmmaker.
It doesn't even have to be a list, though. I mean, saying that "This happened, and then this happened, and then... and then..." just gets boring and people will skim over it.
My suggestion: Talk briefly about some notable or interesting things that happened along the way. The montage should almost be a scene in itself.
Example:
The next few days were full of wind and rain, which slowed the group a lot. It got so bad, one day, that they had to spend an extra night at the inn to avoid the hail. This made Doug pretty antsy to get to [City], but everyone else was glad for the chance to rest up before the rest of the trek.
They went on and the rain let up. They were all still tired and grumpy, and the bags were soggy from the rain, but then — as they reached the peak of the hill — they saw it. [City].
A day later, they made it through the massive gates and were browsing the market stalls before noon.
edited 5th Jul '15 9:06:34 AM by AwSamWeston
Award-winning screenwriter. Directed some movies. Trying to earn a Creator page. I do feedback here.
Is it possible to write montages in prose form, perhaps with quick pacing? I want to show that my characters are traveling, but I don't want to cut to their destination.
"Rarity, are you okay? We gotta get you and your friends outta here soon!"