Flashbacks

Flashbacks are difficult. Frankly, you should avoid using them whenever possible. Seriously. The difficulty of a flashback is that while it may inform your character, you're not moving forward. Best to keep them brief and sprinkle them throughout your book as needed.

Here are some thoughts:

Use minimal, but vivid detail. If you choose your words carefully, you won't have to use many of them.

Insert "triggers" to your character's memories. Your character hears a song or sees an image that makes h...