It's a Flashback

A flashback is a quick and (preferably) short relocation to a previous time. When the flashback is over, we return to the present moment in the story.

Flashbacks aren't backstories. A backstory is a "longer trip" and includes much more details.

In a flashback, a character is usually triggered by something which reminded him or her of something or someone from the past.

One way to effectively use a flashback is to infuse a clue or two into a mystery or when some character trait needs to be enhanced or explained.

This flashback is used a pivotal point in the story. In The Lion King, Simba's reflection triggers him to think about his father. In thinking about his father (and hearing his father's message to him) he is motivated to further reflect on his life, who he has become and who he is destined to be.

Key Points to remember in using Flashbacks:

• Use to give insights into a character's current state of mind or emotional state. It's a flash to the past that is intentional and connected to the present moment in the story.
• Write it as a complete scene.
• Use a flashback only after the first "thirdish" of the book. Use of a flashback earlier, might be confusing to readers who are trying to get oriented to characters and setting.
• It must have direct impact on the current story.
• Have something specific and clear trigger the flashback.
• Establish a clear setting (time/place) for the flashback.
• Watch the verb tense and be consistent. Most likely, you will be using past tense.

Always Be intentional!

Effective storytelling stems from many elements, the most crucial of which are unseen or blended in so unobtrusively that they are difficult to spot and analyze. Still, they are necessary to the wholeness and coherence of a story–to create a work that lingers and resonates in the reader's imagination.

In Between the Lines, author and writing instructor Jessica Page Morrell shows you how to craft a unified and layered novel or short story by mastering subtle storytelling techniques, such as:

• Using emotional bombshells, surprises, and interruptions to intensify cliffhangers

• Enlarging your story world through the use of layered subplots

• Building suspense one scene at a time to maximize the emotional payoff

• Anchoring your premise to your protagonist's character arc

• Transitioning into and out of flashbacks without interrupting the mood of your story

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