#TIP FLASHBACKS

[novlr]

How do you write a flashback? When a character remembers something they’ve forgotten?

How to write flashbacks

Flashbacks are a powerful tool to deepen character development, create tension, and unveil hidden truths. They have the unique ability to transport readers to pivotal moments from the past, adding layers of richness to your story

Why are flashbacks useful?

Flashbacks serve various purposes in storytelling, each contributing to the overall narrative in its unique way. Here are some of the most common ways flashbacks are used:

1. Deepen character development and provide backstory:

Flashbacks allow you to delve into a character's past, unveiling formative experiences that shaped their personality. By revealing childhood memories, past relationships, and significant events, you can provide readers with a deeper understanding of the character's motivations, internal conflicts, and complexities.

2. Create tension, suspense, or surprise:

Flashbacks offer a powerful tool for building tension and suspense. You can strategically use them to foreshadow future events, creating anticipation and keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Additionally, flashbacks can introduce surprising revelations, challenge readers' assumptions, and add unexpected twists to the plot.

3. Reveal hidden motivations or secrets:

With flashbacks, you can peel back the layers of your characters and expose their hidden motivations and secrets. By delving into the past, you can uncover buried secrets that impact their present actions, unveil the true nature of supporting characters or antagonists, and provide readers with a deeper understanding of the characters' complexities.

4. Highlight character growth or transformation:

Flashbacks are excellent tools for showcasing character growth and transformation. By contrasting past and present versions of your characters, you can illustrate their development over time. These glimpses into their past can reveal pivotal moments that trigger significant changes in behaviour, allowing readers to witness their journey of self-discovery and personal evolution.

5. Provide historical or contextual information:

Flashbacks offer an opportunity to provide historical or contextual information that enriches your story. By exploring past events, you can offer insights into the historical backdrop or cultural context of your narrative. This enhances the authenticity of your world-building and provides a deeper understanding of the setting in which your story unfolds.

6. Surface a forgotten memory:

One fascinating aspect of flashbacks is their ability to surface forgotten memories. By resurrecting your characters’ buried experiences, you can explore the impact of past traumas or significant events in their lives. This allows for emotional depth and character growth as they confront unresolved issues and find closure.

What makes a good flashback?

A good flashback is relevant to the main narrative, providing crucial insights into the character's motivations and conflicts. It evokes strong emotions and utilizes vivid descriptions to immerse readers in the past. A well-executed flashback contributes to character development and maintains a balanced narrative flow, seamlessly transitioning back to the present story.

Choosing a strategic moment that adds depth or context to the story.

Using sensory triggers from the present moment to initiate a transition to the past.

Having a clear transition in and out of the flashback.

Ensuring the flashback doesn't disrupt the overall pacing and narrative, and that it serves a functional purpose.

Connecting to the present with an object or a sensory experience that triggers the flashback.

Bringing flashbacks to life

To make your flashbacks come alive and immerse readers in the memory, effective descriptions are crucial. Consider these six quick tips for engaging descriptions within flashbacks:

Use vivid language to paint a picture of the scene.

Incorporate sensory details like sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures to immerse readers in the memory.

Focus on details that are relevant to the plot, character development, or thematic elements of the story, avoiding excessive tangents or unnecessary descriptions.

Choose words and phrases that reflect the intensity of emotions experienced during the flashback.

Instead of relying on exposition, use action, dialogue, and interactions for characters to reveal information.

Highlight specific moments or key aspects of the flashback that contribute to the overall narrative.

Emphasise body language and gestures to draw attention to the emotions and reactions of the event.

Demonstrate character development by highlighting changes in behaviour, belief, or attitudes.

Showcase conflicts and resolutions, allowing readers to witness how they were resolved or left unresolved.

How to fit flashbacks into your story

There is no hard and fast rule for the best way to incorporate a flashback. But here are some interesting ways you can work it into your narrative, each with a different feel depending on the type of story you’re telling.

Consider shifting the narrative perspective when transitioning to a flashback. For instance, if the main story is told from a third-person limited perspective, you could switch to a first-person perspective during the flashback to immerse readers in the character's direct experience.

Switch between past and present-moment reflections to create a sense of urgency. This can be done by having the character contemplate the significance of the memory or showing immediate connections to a character’s present situation.

Adapt the voice of the flashback to match the character’s age, knowledge, and emotional state during the flashback. This helps differentiate the narrative style and adds depth to the character's past experiences.

Blend flashbacks seamlessly into the main narrative by incorporating them into the character's thoughts, dialogue, or actions, rather than separating a flashback out into its own scene.

Use clear markers, such as chapter breaks, section headers, or formatting changes, to signal the beginning and end of a flashback to keep it contained within a scene.

[feketeribizli]

me when im a silly goose

[thenotoriousscuttlecliff]

It's great that the show is going all out to establish the Forsaken as the most powerful and scariest fuckers on thee planet because that'll just make it ten times funnier when they reveal Moghedien was an investment adviser, Graendal was a therapist, and Asmodean was a really insecure Ed Sheeran.

[chuluoyi]

how do you all pass the deepspace trial open orbit lv. 50 😭

[salty-dracon]

POV: You're a tired college student sitting in the lecture hall before Reca's class in 2.6

(written entirely based on the 2.6 trailer)

(update: I have never written anything so inaccurate in my life I wanna curl up into a ball orz )

You're attending Penacony's Paperfold University College. It's the middle of the night (it's Golden Hour, Penacony, it's always the middle of the night, good luck waking up on time for your classes LMAO) with a professor your film major buddies have only described as "passionate" and one outwardly finds super weird. You looked him up on the universe's equivalent of RateMyProfessor and he's sitting at 3.5 out of 5 stars because no one can live up to his exacting standards and also he's apparently a little crazy? Like you've had sadistic professors who loved failing their students, but you'd think they would mention that in the reviews. So who knows what that means. Hopefully nothing bad.

Anyway this is just a one-time seminar for fun so you're thankful, but the art building sucks. You're sitting in the coldest, draftiest lecture hall you've ever seen. You can hear the radiator hissing. The desks are so scratched and cut-up they look like they might give you splinters. For how many years have these desks existed? How many generations of animators and film people have been taking notes on this thing? Is this what all film majors have to suffer through? Hell, is this what all art majors have to suffer through? Thank goodness you're... not that.

And there's a chalkboard. If there's one thing you don't need when you're this exhausted, it's the sound of chalk squeaking on a chalkboard.

And while you're watching the seconds tick by, in walks a trio of people your age. and you're looking at them and you're like, none of them have ever been to a college before. (Probably offworlders.)

Like there's this guy with black hair who's just super quiet (way too quiet, and way too serious) but when's the last time you saw a college student carrying around a fresh case bound notebook that doesn't look like it was bought at the mall? Those things get destroyed if you carry them around in your bookbag for too long- you figured that out your first week. He looks way too ready to take notes amidst the background noise. He's writing the planet name, system date, and "Seminar with the film director Mr. Reca" at the top of that expensive looking notebook's second page. And the ink isn't feathering or bleeding through the page. Your animation friend would probably be obsessed with that paper, she keeps going on about how important good paper is, but you can't afford the stuff. Maybe you should ask him the brand later.

And he's being talked at by a pair of chatterboxes. One of them is, once again, way too well-dressed to be a habitual college student. She did her clothes up in blue, pink, and white to match her hair and eyes. It's pretty cute, all things considered- you wish you still had the energy to dress up like that at 6am. Maybe you should ask her for fashion advice. The pitch of her voice rises above the din of the room. "Ooooooh, I can't wait! This is going to be so cool! A seminar by a real film director! It's a shame Mr. Yang couldn't attend. He'd love this kind of stuff!".

The second chatterbox is this snarky looking person you can't really get a read on. They didn't even bring a notebook. They outright state they've never been to a college before. And now they're going on and on, trying to compare this lecture hall to buildings on planets you've never really heard of. "A museum on the cold, frosty planet Jarilo-IV"- your mind wanders for a moment as you consider what that would be like. Still, something about them seems to signal that they're a singularity of experience. They've probably seen more in a system year than you have in your entire lifetime. That might be why they keep speaking in words you don't understand. What's a 'surprised Pikachu face'? Must be one of those jokes that only makes sense if you were there to witness it.

Yeah, this strange-looking friend group is probably from off world. And they're probably adventurers at that. They probably don't want to be bothered with the ramblings of a tired college student.

The door opens. You hear leather boots on a wood floor, and the room quiets with the weight of a man's presence. He's finally here.

You sure hope everything goes smoothly. Getting stuck in the Oak Family's dream ruined your weekend that one time, but that was a long time ago. Seriously, what's the worst that could happen? The professor traps the room in some kind of film reel dimension and a horde of monkeys attacks the campus? ... Nah, that would never happen.

[byoldervine]

How do you write dream sequences or flashbacks or things like that?

When it comes to dreams, you generally wanna go for a vibe or theme rather than a full-on repeat of what happened. If you want a flashback, do a flashback, but a dream should convey the emotional impact of what happened rather than the events themselves

It’s been a while since I’ve looked into dream sequence flashbacks since I don’t tend to write them, but dreams are usually much more symbolic than literal. Figure out how the event made the dreamer feel, then have that be consistent throughout the dreams/dream stages, even if everything else is random nonsense

[harmandmac]

for everyone disappointed and expected more... there's more, just not for tonight

[nastasya--filippovna]

Why did my mind think of this. I guess we'll never know

[luna-azzurra]

tips for writing an effective flashback:

1. Purpose and Relevance: Ensure that the flashback serves a clear purpose in advancing the story or deepening the understanding of the characters. It should provide essential information, reveal backstory, or shed light on a significant event or emotion relevant to the present narrative.

2. Smooth Transitions: Use smooth transitions to introduce and exit the flashback. Set up the transition by establishing a trigger or cue in the present moment, such as a sensory detail, a visual image, or a line of dialogue that connects to the past event. Similarly, ease the reader out of the flashback by transitioning back to the present smoothly.

3. Engage the Senses: Incorporate sensory details to make the flashback vivid and immersive. Engage the reader's senses by describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures relevant to the flashback scene. This helps the reader visualize and experience the events alongside the characters.

4. Show, Don't Tell: Instead of simply telling the reader about past events, show them through scenes and actions. Use dialogue, actions, and interactions to bring the flashback to life and make it feel immediate and tangible. This creates a stronger emotional connection for the reader.

5. Character Perspective: Present the flashback from the perspective of the character experiencing it. Use their point of view to provide insights into their thoughts, emotions, and reactions during the past events. This adds depth to the character and helps the reader understand their motivations and choices.

6. Selective Details: Choose the most important and impactful details to include in the flashback. Focus on the key moments, conversations, or actions that have a significant impact on the characters or the plot. Avoid excessive exposition or unnecessary information that may slow down the pacing.

7. Emotionally Charged Moments: Flashbacks often involve emotionally charged moments that have left a lasting impact on the characters. Highlight these emotional aspects to evoke a strong response from the reader. Explore the characters' feelings, conflicts, and growth during these pivotal moments.

8. Maintain Narrative Flow: While flashbacks provide a break from the present timeline, it's important to maintain the overall narrative flow. Ensure that the flashback integrates smoothly into the story without disrupting the pacing or confusing the reader. Consider the placement and length of the flashback to maintain a coherent storytelling rhythm.

9. Use Dialogue and Action: Incorporate dialogue and action within the flashback to create dynamic and engaging scenes. Show characters interacting, engaging in conversations, and experiencing events. This adds depth and realism to the flashback, making it more impactful for the reader.

10. Return to the Present with Purpose: As you transition back to the present, make sure there is a purpose or impact in the present timeline due to the flashback. Connect the past events to the character's current situation, growth, or decisions. This helps to reinforce the relevance of the flashback and its impact on the overall story.

Here's an example scene that incorporates some of the tips discussed:

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

The living room is filled with sunlight streaming through the windows. EMILY (30s, introspective) sits on the couch, clutching an old photograph in her hands. Her gaze is distant, lost in thought.

FLASHBACK - EXT. BEACH - DAY (5 YEARS AGO)

The scene transitions to a vibrant beach setting. Younger versions of Emily and JAMES (30s, adventurous) frolic in the surf. They laugh, their carefree expressions mirroring their joyous energy.

EMILY (V.O.)

Do you remember that summer? The days seemed endless, filled with sun, laughter, and endless possibilities.

Emily and James walk hand in hand along the shoreline, leaving footprints in the sand.

Remember, effective use of flashbacks requires careful consideration of their purpose, seamless transitions, engaging details, and emotional impact. By incorporating these tips, you can craft flashbacks that enrich your storytelling and captivate your readers.

[writingwithfolklore]

Call for People who Have First Hand Experience with PTSD

(Part of The Research Game, question by @z-mizcellaneous-z)

We are wondering if anyone who has first-hand experience can share with us what PTSD flashbacks look or feel like to you, as well as what it might look like from the outside perspective (such as witnessed by friends/strangers).

(please only share if you're comfortable. You can also send me an anonymous ask instead!)

Everyone else, reblog this around until we can find someone who has the answer!

(Otherwise, there's a Youtube channel I know of that aims to spread awareness of PTSD and may help you here: https://youtu.be/vdLfrJSzMY8, though it's important to note she has Complex PTSD, which is slightly different and is characterized by prolonged trauma rather than a single event)

[mino-diabolik]

DIATOBER 2023 : DAY 11

DAY 11: ❝ TEARS ❞

Created by @fruit-of-infidelity

The party attendees watched on with bewilderment as the royal guards wrestled the blade from the princess’ hands. They retained her arms behind her and struggled to keep her at bay. Carla couldn’t watch for a moment longer and turned his back to the scene, ashamed.

Kazuha whined, freed her right arm and launched for his hand. He turned, fighting to keep his poise. Tears burst from the princess’ eyes as she choked back a sob and desperately held the prince’s gaze.

❝ Father, please look at me for once in your life! ❞

@daughter-of-royalty

[hazeltailofficial]

FLASHBACK FRIDAY

Base Coat- OPI Natural Nail Base Coat Nude Base- Rimmel London Salon Pro Nail Polish in 377 Chic Chick Red- China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Tip Your Hat Orange- China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Orange Knockout Yellow- Ulta Salon Formula Nail Lacquer in Sun-Sational Green- Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Exotic Green Blue- e.l.f. Nail Polish in Skinny Jeans Purple- L.A. Colors Color Craze Nail Polish in Boomerang Black- Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Black On Black Top Coat- INM Out The Door Fast Drying Top Coat

MANICURE VIDEO BLOG POST

Pride Nails 2023 | Rainbow French Tip Manicure #pridemonth #beauty #pridenails #shorts

@hazeltailofficial / hazeltail on youtube / hazeltailofficial on tiktok / hazeltailofficial on ig

[pastafossa]

I’m curious, are we ever going to find out what happens to Jane’s parents? Like, was she taken from them or if they were killed trying to protect he, or if they gave her up, whether it was under unknown circumstances or they knew what was going to happen to her?

(PS THANK YOU FOR WRITING ONE OF MY FAVORITE STORIES OF ALL TIME I’VE LOST COUNT HOW MANY TIMES I’VE GONE BACK AND REREAD IT TO FEEL BETTER SO THANK YOU SO MUCH)

YOU ARE VERY WELCOME FRIEND ANON, ALL MY LOVE TO YOU!

We're going to find out some of it, yes! Some with Anthony and some when White Coated Asshole finally rolls into town! We'll find out what experiments potentially went on before Jane was born (implied in the last chapter), how she was taken, and if her parents/family know she's alive (and how much they knew about what was going to happen). Essentially we've been locked for a while into 'how much does Jane know?' and she knows relatively little about her family. But soon we're going to start running into people who do know, and from there, a lot of it will start to unravel, including the question of, 'are her abilities natural or man-made?'

[shamelesslymkp]

I kind of want to know what the fuck kind of fight went on while I was sitting on that one couch as a kid, because in flashbacks it's like, always that one couch, but I have no memory of what was actually happening just the frozen feeling and emotions.

I mean. I'm guessing actually if it was bad enough to become like. the go-to flashback, it maybe isn't something I want to remember, but I still would LIKE to.

I don't even remember when exactly we had that couch!!

[shippofuri]

very funny realization I'm having as i work on the highly ambitious "thistle is girl-coded" essay (which started out as a joke but the more i look into it the more real it becomes) is that a lot of people seem to be under the impression thistle's clothing is feminine, when it is very much not (unlike every woman in the kingdom, we never once see thistle in a dress.) it just reads as feminine to us because it's styled in a very flamboyant way (because he's a jester!)

but this actually plays into my theory. soon... you will all understand...

[brainworm-blitz]

actually I hate this recent genre of commercials that's like haha you have to tip for EVERYTHING nowadays isn't that wacky?? Yeah, actually, it IS concerning that more and more jobs skimp out on their employees wages in an attempt to guilt trip you into paying more and supplementing it, but NOT because its just annoying or a personal inconvenience to you. So close! Try again 💖