Writing Flashbacks

Today we wrap up my little 3-part series on writing flashbacks. In Part 1 we talked about why to use flashbacks (and why not). In Part 2 we talked about the differences between flashbacks and memories. Today I want to talk through some of the nuts and bolts of writing flashbacks well.

How does it relate to the present story?

One of the most common ways that flashbacks can go wrong is by failing to relate the flashback to the present story line. This can be logistical or thematic.

Logistically, you need to give the reader a head’s up that a flashback is starting AND let them know when you’re bringing them back to the main storyline. The reader should know when the flashback is taking place in relation to the present story and where it’s happening. If the reader is confused about the timeline or setting, it can make the flashback feel disjointed and confusing.

Likewise, a flashback should be thematically connected to the present story in some way. If the flashback doesn’t have a clear connection to the present, it can feel like a detour and will more than likely confuse the reader.

What words to use?

Tense shifts can be a powerful way to signal to the reader that they’re entering a different time frame, but they need to be used carefully to avoid confusing the reader.

There are a few different approaches to tense shifts when writing flashbacks, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

1. Past tense for the flashback: The most common approach to writing flashbacks is to use past tense for the flashback. This can make the flashback feel more distant and less immediate, but it also makes it easier to distinguish between the present moment and the flashback.
2. Present tense for the flashback: Using present tense for the flashbacks creates a sense of immediacy and makes the flashback feel more vivid and immersive. However, it can be jarring for the reader, as it requires a sudden shift in tense and perspective.
3. No tense shift: Some writers choose not to use tense shifts at all and instead rely on other cues (such as changes in scene or dialogue) to signal that the story has shifted to a different time frame. This approach can be effective, but it requires careful attention to detail to avoid confusing the reader.

Regardless of which approach you choose, it’s important to be consistent and clear in your use of tense.

If you’re using past tense for both the main story and the flashback, make sure you’re using past perfect (had + past participle) to cue the reader into a flashback, but don’t get crazy. You don’t have to use the past perfect through the whole scene(s). Use it once or twice to cue the reader that a time shift has occurred and then carry on. Otherwise your writing can get really bogged down by all the “he had gone,” and “she had loved.”