Flashbacks

[Zeb]

I hope this is the right place.

So, I'm wanting to write a story that (hopefully) uses flashbacks throughout. If any of you have ever watched Lost, then that's the type of flashbacks I mean. Sort of dropped within a chapter at relevant points to further explain the backstory and such. Of course Lost is a TV show, so it's much easier to understand what the flashbacks are because it's visual. I'm just worried that it could potentially become far too confusing for the reader and they will find it hard to keep up with.

I've thought about maybe doing one chapter present and one chapter flashback and alternate between the two throughout, but again, I'm not sure how well it would work and it seems like it could get stale.

During college, when we had to write our coursework, a friend of mine actually used flashbacks by separating them with * much like * is used to show a change of setting/time. But this was a short story that he wrote, therefore I'm not really sure how well it would work on a larger scale with a more complicated plot, more characters, etc.

Any advice or suggestions anyone has in regards to including flashbacks would be great.

I'm hesitant (more reluctant if I'm being honest) to remove them completely, since what happened in the past is planned to be important to the plot. But I am willing to hear any suggestions about how to incorporate flashback-type sequences into the story if it sounds like actual flashbacks could become too confusing.

 

[Kihote]

Hmmm, this reminds me of how Holes was written. If you've read it then you know what I mean, if not, I recommend you skim it a bit

The whole one chap flash, one chap not, would make it obvious to the reader without making them lose track of information, but the flash within the chapter idea makes for smoother transitions in my opinion. I'd say, determine it to see if you can get the timing right. If you use a long flashback at the wrong time, the reader will get confused, but if done at the right moment, then it will help the reader move forwards.

 

[Kyuuketsuki]

As you mentioned, using signs such as * or a line could be one way to do it. The other way, which is jumping straight into the memories without any warning, will confuse the readers.

If what you're going for is explaining past events to the readers, then go with the signs, as it will be much like a scene change. I used the second technique when I wanted to indicate that it is the main character who is remembering the events, and I usually did it by changing the tense.

 

[Zeb]

I generally would prefer to do the flashbacks within the chapters as opposed to give them entire chapters, because I'd rather feel like I can drip feed the relevant plot points as and when I like, whereas devoting entire chapters would mean doing it all in one lump. Since you both seem to say that within chapters would make for a good option I'll probably go ahead with that and use some sort of indication such as the * or try changing the tense like Kyuujux has recommended (although, I'm horrible at tenses haha).

Thanks for the help.

If anyone else has any suggestions/adivce please just t@g me otherwise I probably won't check back now.

 

[Necrozma]

@Blitzle : The easiest way for me to recognize flashbacks is text in italics. Thus, I use that technique myself.

I suggest you do too. It's up to you though.

 

[LightningTopaz]

I use italics too, after setting up the flashback. (eg. "I remember like it was yesterday..." said Character A.)

 

[Shadow Victini]

I use italics for flashbacks also. I usually right them at a crucial moment in the chapter. (For example, in a sequel to G/S/C/HG/SS, when Silver remembers he actually met Leaf before, it's near what I'd call the 'Middle, Part 1'.)
Although of course, you can dedicate a whole chapter to a flashback if you want. I also did that in said planned G/S/C/HG/SS when Blue remembers a promise he made to red several years ago to protect Leaf always or some sappy crap like that.

 

[Zeb]

I actually never thought about italics. I suppose that could work. Now to decide which to use...

 

[diamondpearl876]

I actually never thought about italics. I suppose that could work. Now to decide which to use...

I wouldn't actually recommend using italics if the flashbacks are going to be long. It could eventually hurt the eyes or annoy reader if the flashbacks are too long.

I was a huge fan of LOST, and I can see how it would be easier to see flashbacks visually. If you use flashbacks, I would recommend making all of them relevant to whatever is going on in the present. That will help make transitions smooth, will not disrupt the flow of your story too much (with flashbacks, ruining flow seems inevitable, so you will have to make sure it's not too distracting), and will help delve into and develop the character's personality better than if you just randomly stuck them in.

I also wouldn't recommend the alternating chapters for fear of ruining the flow too much. It's also harder to make the flashbacks relevant to the present this way, because if you want to emphasize on something important from the present, the reader may forget it by the time you release the next chapter with the flashback. This will be especially true if you are the type of person who doesn't update often.

Hope that helps.