Writing Ideas #3

There are so many rules to keep in mind when writing. Following all the rules/suggestions is virtually impossible, and many are in conflict with each other. Karen Dione (The Marsh King’s Daughter) produced a gem with her article, “Weaving in a Seamless Backstory: Creating the Tapestry of Your Character’s Past”, which appears in “The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing”, and the rules she lays out should not be ignored. The main thrust of the article is that writers should strive to eliminate backstory from the start of a novel. At the beginning of a story, the reader wants action. When presented early, backstory, defined as “character history and other story elements that underlie the situation at the start of the book”, bogs down your book. Show backstory later in the story when the reader is begging for it.

This is terrific advice, and Karen’s article is one I go back to time and time again. Its message is one I have top of mind whenever I sit down to write.

Today I’m reading a novel nominated for a major award. The first few chapters are loaded with backstory that I don’t need to know right off the bat. I’m sure the middle and the end of the book will be thrilling, but I wish the author had read and taken to heart Karen’s article.

If you can find Karen’s article, read it. It would be time well spent.