flashback in a story

[jeninflorida]

How do you feel about “flashbacks” in stories? Does it add to the story or take away?

I’m toying with the idea due to some feedback I’ve gotten. I think a story in 3rd person, flashback could add some details to titillate the reader

please chime in

 

[nerk]

As a technique, I think flashbacks are often horribly abused. Like when they are used for exposition on the fly, or as a gimmicky way to build tension, or as a red herring to deliberately mislead the reader, because the story lacks sufficient interest to keep them on the hook without it.

If they are used well, they can be remarkably effective, but they need to fit the narrator and the feel of the piece, and serve the arc of the story as a whole. In a piece that is on some level about memory, nostalgia, etc. flashbacks can work wonders.

I guess my question would be, do the flashbacks serve the story and make it a better experience for a reader, or are they a convenience for the writer?

 

[sirhugs]

I use flashbacks a lot.

Starting a story in media res that is in the middle of the action, is a well known literary technique.

 

[emap]

Since horsey there uses flashbacks I would totally say stay away from them except I did one in the story I'm working on now.

It wasn't a way to add more to the story, it was simply a way to add a semi interesting part of a past experience, so instead of adding a couple paragraphs explaining a comment I just included the story behind the comment. No idea if it was good or not I haven't posted it yet though I'm hoping it fit the theme.

 

[Carnevil9]

I agree with sirhugs. Flashbacks let you start the story in the middle, when something interesting is happening (i.e., sex), and then go back later and fill in the boring parts (i.e., why they are having sex) once a reader has seen that the story is worth his while to read. Also, since you are starting in the middle, more questions pop up in the reader's mind, making him all the more intrigued.

 

[ddexxters75]

I love this type of flashback idea
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[HeyAll]

Personally, I think in the confins of an erotic story, flash backs are very difficult to pull off. It's best to just stick with linear.


btw, I loved your story about topless cleaning. It would be hot if the guy who paid her recommender her to his friends or something, and she goes around topless cleaning.

 

[snoopercharmbrights]

Flashbacks can be useful.

In the present: In the middle of a sex scene he starts to be too rough (say nipple biting hard).

Flashback: How she enjoyed it when someone else was "rough" with her in a playful way (light nipple nibbling).

In the present: How much it hurts now and how she hates it.

 

[jehoram]

How do you feel about “flashbacks” in stories? Does it add to the story or take away?

I’m toying with the idea due to some feedback I’ve gotten. I think a story in 3rd person, flashback could add some details to titillate the reader

please chime in

I haven't used the device, but my partner has. Her favorite way is to start telling the story in the present, but only use that as in introduction to the main story set in the past. It usually concludes by returning to the present for a brief epilogue.

 

[MNGuy]

I don't like them. I was always taught as a reader to avoid flashbacks, only use them if you can't make an impact on the reader in the now.

 

[RicoLouis]

I think they work well if used right. The only problem is keeping the time line straight as a writer. A draw back in erotica is that the flashback may not be as erotic as the beggining of the story which may take place currnet day where the couple has experimented more.

 

[snoopercharmbrights]

... A draw back in erotica is that the flashback may not be as erotic as the beggining of the story which may take place currnet day where the couple has experimented more.

If used properly, the less erotic flashback may serve to increase the eroticism of the surrounding events.

For example:

She has an orgasm with her lover.

Flashback to the unsatisfactory hubby - roll on, squirt, snore.

She has another, bigger orgasm because of that memory.

 

[RicoLouis]

Would you really want to read about about a bad sexual experiance in a flash back?

 

[snoopercharmbrights]

She has an orgasm with her lover.

Flashback to the unsatisfactory hubby - roll on, squirt, snore.

She has another, bigger orgasm because of that memory.

Would you really want to read about about a bad sexual experiance in a flash back?

If, as in my example, it explains her added pleasure second time round, then it is relevant. I believe it would improve the story from what happens without that:

She has an orgasm with her lover.

She has another, bigger orgasm.

 

[Larkin86]

Flashback give a new CROOK to the story but it require some great effort.

 

[jeninflorida]

I don't like them. I was always taught as a reader to avoid flashbacks, only use them if you can't make an impact on the reader in the now.

I want Pav (spell check her name, your profile picture) to be my personal assistant. Oh talk about the trouble we could get into as that woman knows how to flirt and tease! Do you have any pictures you can email me…as inspiration for a story?