I need opinions on writing a flashback

[secretme]

So I want to put a flashback into a story I'm working on. I don't like the way flashbacks are done in most of the things I've read. So I'm looking for opinions on what people think is the best way to insert a flashback into text. I don't want the reader questioning that it's a flashback and not currently happening. What's the best way to transition?

 

[The_Fractal_King]

So I want to put a flashback into a story I'm working on. I don't like the way flashbacks are done in most of the things I've read. So I'm looking for opinions on what people think is the best way to insert a flashback into text. I don't want the reader questioning that it's a flashback and not currently happening. What's the best way to transition?

You could just start with: he/she/it/they/we/I/you flashed back or something similar to avoid any possibility of confusion.

I tried switching to present tense to make the reader aware it was a flashback once. I changed it to past by the time of posting but it did have an interesting effect, IMO.

 

[jomar]

So I want to put a flashback into a story I'm working on. I don't like the way flashbacks are done in most of the things I've read. So I'm looking for opinions on what people think is the best way to insert a flashback into text. I don't want the reader questioning that it's a flashback and not currently happening. What's the best way to transition?

I used music to help a character transition to a flashback scene, then a radio call to bring him back to the present. I'll PM the transition section. Maybe you'll like it, maybe not.

On the other hand, how you structure it might depend on how long the flashback is vs. 'this happened then' sort of thing to bring the reader up to date.

 

[secretme]

You could just start with: he/she/it/they/we/I/you flashed back

I tried switching to present tense to make the reader aware it was a flashback once. I changed it to past by the time of posting but it did have an interesting effect, IMO.

See, I just think there's got to be a good way of doing it without explicitly saying "hey reader flashback here"

Maybe changing the tense could work.

I guess I'm looking for a transition that will be obvious without saying it. Not asking too much, I know...

I was thinking something phantom-of-the-opera-eque... Maybe he walks into the room and the visual goes through some kind of change. Like the way the chandelier lights the theater and everything seems to change...

 

[secretme]

I used music to help a character transition to a flashback scene, then a radio call to bring him back to the present. I'll PM the transition section. Maybe you'll like it, maybe not.

On the other hand, how you structure it might depend on how long the flashback is vs. 'this happened then' sort of thing to bring the reader up to date.

Thanks, I'd appreciate the read. I'm having one heck of a time deciding how to do this...

 

[Belegon]

I'm usually pretty obvious about this... the only way I would not be is if I was intentionally trying to throw the reader, say in a mystery story where I was looking for a head-slapping "d'oh!" moment later out of my audience.

To my way of thinking, this is one of those areas where it is entirely possible to get way too cute about it and end up in a "kill my darlings" decision later. At least for my own writing. I'm not big on dictating to others unless I am being paid to do so.

I'll be interested to see how you do it...

 

[tickledkitty]

I actually did a lot of that in my current story. (See thingy below) I think it depends on how long the flashback is, but you can either separate it by **** or, if it's short, you can put it in italics. Really, it all depends on how you're writing it. I my case, I didn't want to separate it with asterisks or a line or whatever, but it seemed confusing otherwise.

I agree with jomar about using whatever's happening as the catalyst for the flashback though. I used a phone ringing to bring my character back at one point, as well.

 

[secretme]

I'm usually pretty obvious about this... the only way I would not be is if I was intentionally trying to throw the reader, say in a mystery story where I was looking for a head-slapping "d'oh!" moment later out of my audience.

To my way of thinking, this is one of those areas where it is entirely possible to get way too cute about it and end up in a "kill my darlings" decision later. At least for my own writing. I'm not big on dictating to others unless I am being paid to do so.

I'll be interested to see how you do it...

LOL, when I figure it out I'll send you a copy!

 

[Carnevil9]

I use flashbacks a lot. I generally set them off with a row of asterisks, but more importantly, I set the stage before hand by giving the reader information that will make the flashback obviously.

For instance, you might mention, before the flashback, that the character used to be a sailer in the Navy. Then, start the flashback with something like, "Melvin held on to the rail as the rough seas tossed the ship, the crisp white of his uniform soaked with salt water...." At that point, even the densest reader will figure it out. Good luck!.......Carney

 

[jomar]

Yes, do read TKs Daisy Refined - she an artful job of weaving current with past throughout the story.

 

[tickledkitty]

Yes, do read TKs Daisy Refined - she an artful job of weaving current with past throughout the story.

Thanks.

 

[jomar]

Thanks.

Well, you did!

 

[Stella_Omega]

I use flashbacks a lot. I generally set them off with a row of asterisks, but more importantly, I set the stage before hand by giving the reader information that will make the flashback obviously.

For instance, you might mention, before the flashback, that the character used to be a sailer in the Navy. Then, start the flashback with something like, "Melvin held on to the rail as the rough seas tossed the ship, the crisp white of his uniform soaked with salt water...." At that point, even the densest reader will figure it out. Good luck!.......Carney

HAH! I'm with Carney! I think this is the most elegant way to do it-- if you can.
otherwise, I use italics...

 

[Oblimo]

Wayne and Garth crab-walk across the room, wiggling their fingers and chanting in moronic sing-song. "Diddle-dee-do! Diddle-dee-do! Diddle-dee-do!"

That's how I do it, anyway.

Explains why my US Civil War stories are so unpopular.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

I contain flashbacks in diaries or photo albums or letters, it makes the transition seamless because the action is in the present, too. The character is reading a diary!

 

[TE999]

I'm with Stella and Ob--flashbacks in italics are the way to go.

My story "Someday...I'll Find You" made extensive use of this technique. Check it out.

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

The classic reply to the question of how to best handle flashbacks is by avoiding them. That said, most authors flash and some do it all the time.

I third Stella's second of what Carney said. A time/scene shift marker, such as a series of, # or * clues in readers that something is about to happen. Writing coach Sol Stein contends writers should keep the transition into and out of the flashback as brief as possible.

Past perfect tense (had been) is commonly used when going into the past. It tells readers you're moving backward in time. Once it's clear you've gone back in time, write in the simple past tense. When ready to rejoin the here-and-now, try slipping into the present again with an unusual word, event, sensory awareness, object.

There's no right or wroing. For instance, I don't use italics in flashbacks. TE does. Just be consistent and go with whatever seems to work best for you.

Rumple Foreskin