In the latest episode of Writers With Wrinkles, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid dive deep into the craft of writing effective flashbacks. Season three, episode nine, doesn't just explore flashbacks; it offers a treasure trove of advice to ensure these narrative tools enhance your story without pulling readers out of the moment.
The Anxiety of Flashbacks
Flashbacks can be a source of anxiety for writers. Beth admits to feeling nervous about using them, while Lisa emphasizes the importance of keeping flashbacks short and sweet to prevent them from becoming distracting backstory dumps. The key is to use them sparingly and ensure they contribute meaningfully to character development and plot progression.
Five Tips for Flashback Mastery
Beth and Lisa outline five critical tips for incorporating flashbacks into your narrative seamlessly:
1. Anchor Your Flashback: Establish a clear connection to the current narrative. Use a physical object, setting, or emotional state to trigger the memory, ensuring a smooth transition.
2. Have Purpose: Each flashback should serve a clear purpose, whether it's revealing backstory, character motivation, or providing context. Outline its goal and ensure it's indispensable to the narrative.
3. Keep It Brief: Focus on delivering the essential details without disrupting the story's flow. Treat flashbacks like short stories within your larger narrative, where every word counts.
4. Make It Clear: Use distinct markers to differentiate between the present and the past. Consistency in signaling transitions in and out of flashbacks is crucial to avoid confusing readers.
5. Integrate, Don't Isolate: Flashbacks should feel like a natural part of the story, contributing to the current events or emotional landscape. They should avoid feeling like isolated incidents or info dumps.
Bonus Tip: Consider Alternatives
Sometimes you can achieve the goal of a flashback by integrating the information into the present timeline. For example, if you need to show why a character loves chocolate ice cream, you could have them mention it in a conversation with a friend instead of using a flashback to their childhood ice cream experience.
Practical Examples and Personal Insights
Beth and Lisa don't just talk theory; they share personal experiences and examples from their writing. Beth reflects on her first published novel, "Original Sin," acknowledging how her unbridled approach to flashbacks as a novice writer surprisingly worked in her favor. Lisa, on the other hand, shares how she used flashbacks in her first chapter of Hart and Souls to reveal her character's long-term anxiety rooted in past experiences.
Revision and Feedback: The Key to Refinement
The co-hosts emphasize the importance of revision and seeking feedback, particularly for flashbacks that might need fine-tuning. They advocate for a critical approach, urging writers to be harsh in evaluating the necessity and execution of each flashback.
Remember
While flashbacks can be challenging, they're also a powerful tool when used correctly.When mastered, flashbacks can significantly enhance your storytelling, adding depth and dimension to your characters and plot. Use these tips to do them right!
Next episode, Writers With Wrinkles hosts Patience Bloom, a seasoned expert in romance editing and publishing, promising invaluable insights for anyone interested in the genre.
