I'm at the stage in the novella where I need to use a flashback.
I've always been ambivalent about flashbacks. Done well they can help a story; done badly, they will ruin it.
As I'm only on the first draft, it doesn't matter if I don't get it right the first time- that's what further drafts and editing are for... :-)
I'm sure I'm not the only writer who has weak spots, so yes, flashbacks are one of mine.
Now fortunately I know a writer, A J Humpage, who is good at explaining how to use flashbacks effectively, so I looked up her blog 'All Write - Fiction Advice' for the post on the subject. Read it here.
Found some useful pointers in avoiding getting flashbacks wrong, here, at Fiction Notes.
So next week I will be attempting the short flashback scene that leads to secrets being revealed...
Any advice on successful flashbacks?
Or any thoughts on the subject?
Then please leave a comment. I enjoy reading, and responding to them. :-)
Carol Bevitt's blog on her writing and inspirations, along with occasional literature related news...
Don't know why but I tend to use flashbacks more in short stories than longer ones.
ReplyDeleteMy very first published short story (also prize-winning) contained flashbacks, although I don't use them much now. We're usually told to avoid them but I found it worked when weaving in snatches of the past within the story, as the past very much influence the present story. Difficult to explain without examples!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean, Rosemary. I have a similar situation in the current novella.
ReplyDeletePatsy, I've noticed flashbacks can work quite well in short stories.