Avoid unnecessary backstory from "summary" of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition by Renni Browne,Dave King
When you're writing fiction, it's important to remember that backstory, just like any other element of your story, should serve a purpose. Sure, it's crucial to provide your readers with context and background information to help them understand your characters and their motivations. However, it's equally important not to overwhelm your readers with unnecessary details that don't move the story forward. One common mistake that many writers make is including too much backstory too early in the story. While it's tempting to want to provide your readers with all the information they need to fully understand your characters and their world, it's important to remember that you don't need to reveal everything at once. Instead, try to reveal backstory gradually, as it becomes relevant to the plot. Another important thing to keep in mind is that not all backstory is created equal. Some details may be crucial to understanding your characters and their motivations, while others may be interesting but ultimately unnecessary. As a writer, it's your job to determine which details are essential to your story and which can be left out. One effective way to avoid unnecessary backstory is to focus on showing rather than telling. Instead of providing your readers with a long exposition about your character's past, try to reveal that information through their actions, dialogue, and interactions with other characters. This not only helps to keep your readers engaged but also makes the backstory feel more organic and integral to the story.- The key to including backstory effectively in your fiction is to strike a balance between providing your readers with the information they need to understand your characters and their world and keeping the story moving forward. By being selective about the details you include and revealing them gradually and organically, you can create a rich and engaging story that captivates your readers from beginning to end.
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