Flash Forward - problems? - Writers Forum

dawjr · 02-04-2008, 08:25 AM

Hey, Guys. I'm editing a recently finished novel, my first. I have three flash forward chapters; the first chapter, another in the middle and one near the end. These chapters can stand alone as a short fiction work, but the characters are not visited again. The questions raised by the flash forwards are made clear as the story develops, then obvious after the climax.

No good? I've been told that they have no place in fiction. That they're a gimmick; like a funky football play that looks cool if it works, but wastes yardage if it doesn't. The main story should be strong enough to stand without it.

I like them and think it adds some depth to the work. That probably means I'm wrong.

All the best, Don

JohnN · 02-05-2008, 10:35 AM

Who told you they are a gimmick? Is it someone who writes? A successful writer? A seasoned reader?

You always have to encourage feedback as a writer, but that doesnt mean you should always follow peoples advice.

Erik Buchanan · 02-05-2008, 11:01 AM

What JohnN said. If you think they work, use them.

dawjr · 02-08-2008, 07:41 AM

Thanks, Guys.

dawjr

lin · 02-08-2008, 09:20 AM

Writers do this quite a bit, actually.

Opening a story in the present or future, then going back to establish and tell the tale is very common. So one question would be: is the first chapter a "flash forward" or the subsequent chapters a flashback?

Whoever advised you on this is full of it.

Mike C · 02-08-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lin

Whoever advised you on this is full of it.

Indeed. If someone tells you not to do something, it's generally a good reason to try. I've even read a novel where the story starts at the end, then chapter by chapter takes you back to the beginning. It sounds like it shouldn't work, but it was quite revalatory seeing stuff happening, then finding out later why; finding one's perception of events changed dramatically when more information came to light. Pinter wrote a play this way also.