Armon

I'm into sci-fi, space ships, and the likes big time. Basically, I have a big directory structure on my computer listing all the planets, nations, ship types, military rank structures, and other stuff like that. Each entry has at least a basic description of what it is, sometimes this includes some history and future direction I plan on. I also have a list of characters, both ones I've used already, and ones I haven't used yet. Also, I keep documents describing all the existing ships I've had in my stories, who their crews were, and other stuff that pops up.

Anyway, I try to keep back story down to one or two paragraphs in my actual writing. I'll then have a few paragraphs of story, and maybe another paragraph or two of further back story/stats. Since I've already got the stats and facts laid out for everything, I manage (at least I think) to be able to scatter stuff all throughout my story while allowing the reader to form in their mind the coherent whole.

At leasts that's the theory I'm working with. Your results may vary.

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A society that puts equality ahead of freedom will end up with neither equality nor freedom. - Milton Friedman

Government is not eloquence, it is not justice, it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearsome master. - George Washington

bobothegoat

sounds like a pharmaceutical add.

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Bobo the Goat

Armon

Hmm...

Reading of this post my cause dizzy bizzar, uncontrollable, well, stuff to happen that I can't explain.

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A society that puts equality ahead of freedom will end up with neither equality nor freedom. - Milton Friedman

Government is not eloquence, it is not justice, it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearsome master. - George Washington

Selorian

That was too funny Bobo.

Armon, that is a great piece of advice.

Just for the record, seeing some of the last few posts, I agree about putting too much backstory in the story as large chunks. That wasn't the problem I was having at the time I first posted this. It was about the amount of work that you put into the backstory before you actually start writing. I got so involved in the backstory that I almost didn't work on the actual story. Luckily I got past that problem.

All the suggestions people have posted are terrific and I can see that this thread is still helping some people and getting people to post things that will help others. Thats great and it shows what a great group the members are here.

Have a great day,
Cliff

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River1034

I keep a spiral notebook with a section in it for each character, i dont use an outline, it makes it easier for me to be creative. So as i go i write down my backstory for each character and descriptions and basic character notes, when you get to a place that you want to insert a backstory dont be monotonous. use different methods, you can use memories or dreams (memories when your character is sleeping lol) thoughts, comparisons, flashbacks. One thing i do on occasion is cut to a new scene, just before the main action of one, (cliffhanger) and cut back to the backstory i want, and write it like it is just happening. Then flash back to present, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt, you'll know when you write it, good luck.

gohn67

That was alot of good advice, I've been stuck for a month on my third draft of a novella. Havent even started the third draft. Can't seem to figure out how to implement the backstories correctly. I get frustrated and write nothing. I think I'm going to try writing all thebackstories for my cahracters first. Instead of making it up as I go.