Recently I posted a piece of writing online (an action scene containing a lengthy flashback to an event occurring in the protagonist’s childhood) and asked for some reader feedback about flashbacks in fiction writing. Readers were split in their opinions about flashbacks: some loved them and some hated them.
As a psychologist, I adore flashbacks. I believe that our pasts have immense influence on our present experiences and world views, and catching a glimpse of that past can be enlightening for the reader. However, other authors totally avoid flashbacks in their writing. I recall when author Jennifer Crusie shared her negative opinion in a writer’s workshop I attended.
“What do you think of flashbacks?” one scruffy, young male author had asked.
Jennifer Crusie wrinkled her nose in distaste. “I think they’re a sign of a lazy writer. If you can’t figure out a way to explain plot and character in the present, you probably shouldn’t be doing this.”
I felt dismayed by her answer, thinking about the nine-hundred and thirty-three flashbacks in my recently completed novel.
Another author, this one a large-and-in-charge woman in her fifties, butted in. “But don’t flashbacks give insight into the character, if they’re well done?”
“Flashbacks totally interrupt the flow of the narrative,” Jennifer dismissively replied.
A sense of panic set up camp in my stomach.
And we’re back to the present. Hi, reader! *waves* I bet you didn’t expect a flashback in a blog entry, eh? I told you that I loved them!
I believe that flashbacks can have their place in an emotionally evocative story, as long as they are not too plentiful, confusing to the timeline, or disruptive to the narrative. eHow.com has some tips for managing flashbacks effectively here, for example. What do YOU think of flashbacks?
It's time again for Meet an Author Monday! If you like, you can flash back to the past three Mondays and read the instructions for our blog hop, but it's basically a chance to meet new authors, hopping from one blog to another.
As a psychologist, I adore flashbacks. I believe that our pasts have immense influence on our present experiences and world views, and catching a glimpse of that past can be enlightening for the reader. However, other authors totally avoid flashbacks in their writing. I recall when author Jennifer Crusie shared her negative opinion in a writer’s workshop I attended.
“What do you think of flashbacks?” one scruffy, young male author had asked.
Jennifer Crusie wrinkled her nose in distaste. “I think they’re a sign of a lazy writer. If you can’t figure out a way to explain plot and character in the present, you probably shouldn’t be doing this.”
I felt dismayed by her answer, thinking about the nine-hundred and thirty-three flashbacks in my recently completed novel.
Another author, this one a large-and-in-charge woman in her fifties, butted in. “But don’t flashbacks give insight into the character, if they’re well done?”
“Flashbacks totally interrupt the flow of the narrative,” Jennifer dismissively replied.
A sense of panic set up camp in my stomach.
And we’re back to the present. Hi, reader! *waves* I bet you didn’t expect a flashback in a blog entry, eh? I told you that I loved them!
I believe that flashbacks can have their place in an emotionally evocative story, as long as they are not too plentiful, confusing to the timeline, or disruptive to the narrative. eHow.com has some tips for managing flashbacks effectively here, for example. What do YOU think of flashbacks?
It's time again for Meet an Author Monday! If you like, you can flash back to the past three Mondays and read the instructions for our blog hop, but it's basically a chance to meet new authors, hopping from one blog to another.
Comments
Doing it well is the key, because I have read stories where the flashbacks only proved jarring and confusing, but handled in the right way, the story will flow and readers will get some fantastic insight into the character's psyche.
Neat flashback!
So what if Jennifer Crusie said flashbacks are the sign of a lazy writer.
Same can be said of a writer who virtually relies on dialogue throughout a novel as its driving force: to such an extent it becomes obvious the author is either too damn lazy to put effort into the deeper side of a character's psyche, or lacks the wherewithall to do it in a stylish and unobtrusive way. ;)
best
F
Your comment was similar to some reader feedback I received: you have to stay with what works for YOU as a writer. Flashbacks might not be Jennifer Crusie's thing, but they are definitely part of my style, and I need to accept that and move forward. I guess moderation is key with any element of the story, as well as skill.
1) They should be short so as not to interrupt the flow of the present narrative.
2) They should pertain to what came before it, illuminating that scene in ways that couldn't be done in the present.
3) They should begin and end with a hook to ramp up reader interest.
But you are an author who is about to have her book published, where I am but a struggling writer yet to find an agent.
You must go with your instincts. You think Hemingway, Faulkner, or Chandler listened to nay-sayers?
May your book hit the best seller lists. Roland
May you find the bestest agent ever, followed by a kickass book contract. I was feeling rather downtrodden when I couldn't find an agent but then I came across a small publisher that was the perfect fit for me. Who knows when that moment will happen for you!
LOL at your blog flashback! Next time try a flashback WITHIN a flashback! ;D
The way I see flashbacks: Some writers use them; others don't. If they're used well, then they add to the story immensely; if they're written poorly, it's disjunctive. It's a matter of style and skill!
That's an interesting eHow.com article. As a reader (and not a writer), I don't analyse HOW things are written, unless I specifically put my mind to it -- I just get carried along by the story. I adore you writing, so you must be using flashbacks effectively! :)
A flashback within a flashback? I like the way you're thinking! I've tried a therapy flashback within a therapy scene, but I don't think I've tackled the double flashback yet.
It's comical to me that I haven't really studied the craft of writing much either. I'm learning a lot, AFTER WGB was published. :)
Thanks for your comments!
Personally, I think it's up to the author and their preference, but flashbacks can be helpful when a simple retelling of the scene just won't cut it. How the author manages the flow and segue into the flashback is important.
As most have said, I'm all for flashbacks so long as they are done well, move the story, and are relatively short. Although, I recently read The Reincarnationist by MJ Rose that was done fabulously, I thought anyway. The main character bounced around with lengthy flashbacks from the 16th and 18th centuries, but it was so well done you couldn't help enjoy it.
So I say, hellya! Go with your gut and flash away! :-)
Now I'll return to "flashing away"! Thanks, Ella. Jen
I'm sorry...
Great blog, by the way! ;)
Elyse