Day 11 – 30 Days of Writing Advice – When Flashbacks Work

 

DAY 11

This month of daily writing advice will include tidbits, tips, and sometimes tricks. This isn’t a replacement for editing or book coaching, it’s meant as a jumping off point for exploration and thought! I hope it helps! ~Amy

When Flashbacks Work

Flashbacks (or backstory, call it what you will) work when they matters.

When do they matter?

NOT when they catch up the reader up on what she needs to know.

NOT when they reveal a secret from the past.

NOT when the main character is just pondering.

NOT when you want the reader to know something because it’s interesting (so you think).

Flashbacks matter when they impact the present-day of the story you are writing IN THAT MOMENT.

Flashbacks matter when they spur your protagonist to act and to change, to notice something she wouldn’t have been able to notice without the flashback.

Flashbacks are literary tools that help you tell your story.

In real life you can think about something for no reason. In fiction, not so much.

See you tomorrow!

Amy xo

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