What is the proper way to write a flashback? - Page 2 - Writers Forum

James T Palmer · 06-23-2005, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hodge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talia_Brie

Is it a flashback then, or is it introspection. I think they are two different things. It's subtle, but they're different.

It's a flashback that happens as a result of introspection. Methinks the rules are a little different for first person than they are for third person...

Yes. If you're writing in first person, flashbacks tend to work a lot better.

Dan101 · 06-23-2005, 05:23 PM

I have a book where most of the second part consists of flashbacks, and that non-linear style of bringing things together stated earlier, which set the emotions and the setting for part three of the book.

I felt it was easier for me to write the flashbacks in first person, but decided that it didnt quite fit the story comfortably, so went back and changed it to third person.

I feel that its however you feel comfortable writing them.

Talia_Brie · 06-23-2005, 08:35 PM

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Originally Posted by Hodge

I like introspection. I have a flashback scene in my novella where the narrator is alone in the woods, and he remembers something that happened a long time ago (a typical "questioning of the faith" type scenario).

So there is no other point in that story, where you can relay that information? (Sorry to revive an old argument, but I was too busy yesterday to really get into it)

If it is a significant event that is not contained within the time stream of the main plot, wouldn't it be effective to foreshadow the 'questioning of faith' by relaying the event in a Prologue?

shadowseer · 06-23-2005, 08:59 PM

usually, for a flashback, i start a new chapter. It works for me, i don't know how well it will work for other people.

Hodge · 06-23-2005, 09:31 PM

Quote:

If it is a significant event that is not contained within the time stream of the main plot, wouldn't it be effective to foreshadow the 'questioning of faith' by relaying the event in a Prologue?

No. The prologue slot is taken up by something else and the flashback wouldn't make much sense in the prologue.

Unless it would. Hmm, that actually seems like a really good idea... In fact, I think I'll make the flashback the prologue and the prologue the flashback.

Jill · 07-27-2005, 04:10 PM

I have also been struggling with ways to use flashbacks in my book. I am looking for ways to TRANSITION into and out of flashbacks smoothly... something more subtle than "Back at the Hall of Justice..." if you know what I mean. I see where, visually, skipping a line can help, and how to the reader's ear changing from present to past could help, but I am feeling the need for more transition. What are some transitional techniques for flashbacks? Thanks.

Wizzy · 07-27-2005, 06:51 PM

I suggest taking a look at IT - King does a great job with flashbacks.

I also love how he runs into them by having the current sentence suddenly break and continue in a new section of the chapter.

Talia_Brie · 07-27-2005, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hodge

Quote:

If it is a significant event that is not contained within the time stream of the main plot, wouldn't it be effective to foreshadow the 'questioning of faith' by relaying the event in a Prologue?

No. The prologue slot is taken up by something else and the flashback wouldn't make much sense in the prologue.

Unless it would. Hmm, that actually seems like a really good idea... In fact, I think I'll make the flashback the prologue and the prologue the flashback.

Aaaarrrrrrrrgggghhhhh!!!!!!

Talia_Brie · 07-27-2005, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wizzy

I suggest taking a look at IT - King does a great job with flashbacks.

I also love how he runs into them by having the current sentence suddenly break and continue in a new section of the chapter.

As I've said, those aren't really flashbacks. That's two storylines, happening at different times, being told together. That's non-linear storytelling.

Hodge · 07-27-2005, 11:22 PM

Flashbacks rock.

"Gillian was wearing a pink skarf.

Two years ago, Gillian and I had gone on a vacation to Jamaica. A gay Rastafarian was wearing an entourage to die for—so I mugged him and presented Gillian with that same scarf. She loved it."

Oh, I left the flashback and prologue as they stood, but I also added sections in each chapter that contain another storyline happening in the past—and the flashback is incorporated into them.

Jill · 07-28-2005, 08:07 AM

Thanks for the tip. I love Stephen King and I will definitely check out It!

suzakugaiden · 07-28-2005, 01:20 PM

Right, do it entirely in past perfect.

TimK · 07-28-2005, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzakugaiden

Right, do it entirely in past perfect.

I assume this was sarcastic.

For long flashbacks, you can start out in past-perfect but then switch to simple past tense. As long as the immediate context makes it clear which storyline your telling, the reader won't get confused.

-TimK