[quakerbuck]

I know it varies from person to person, so I was wondering what the general consensus is for everyone on here in the way that they prefer to be told the backstory of a book.

For example, do you prefer it all at once in one chapter, or in short blips throughout the book?

[Cielina]

Why should it matter what we think? It's your story.


I'd personally say it depends on the circumstances. Would it flow more to have it shown in moments, or they interrupt the story? Or would having one big block of flashbacks be too heavy? It really depends on how much backstory there is, and how your story works structurally. It can swing both ways.

Either way, I'd suggest not to get bogged down in unnecessary back-story if you can avoid it. Sometimes having a bit of mystery to a character can make them more interesting - but sometimes it is necessary to have backstory, sometimes it can create depth adding flashbacks into sub-plot, and sometimes can evoke empathy where you thought it impossible.

Fine balance. You make the choice on what suits your story.

This post has been edited by Cielina: 25 October 2009 - 02:19 PM