Formatting Flashbacks and Daydreams in Narrative Writing

On-demand journalism offers a practical approach suggesting that flashbacks should be kept concise, often no longer than the triggering narrative event. This is because the human brain can only process a limited amount of information at one time and overly detailed flashbacks can lead to confusion and forgetting. A better approach is to keep flashbacks brief and focused, enhancing the reader's engagement rather than overwhelming them.

Common Approaches to Formatting Flashbacks

Flashbacks are a powerful narrative tool, allowing writers to explore the background and motivations of characters. However, there is no one-size-fits-all standard for how to format these moments within a narrative. A common approach is to distinguish flashbacks from the main timeline using italics or other stylistic devices.

Stylistic Choices

Using italics is a widely adopted practice to set apart the flashback from the present narrative. This helps readers distinguish between the main storyline and the recalled events. For example:

Italic text Sarah stared at the old photograph. Memories flooded back to the summer of '95, when everything seemed simpler.

This stylistic choice is effective in maintaining clarity and allowing readers to smoothly transition between different timeframes.

Standard Padding Markers

Flashbacks are often signaled by slug lines such as 'FLASHBACK' or 'BEGIN FLASHBACK,' and ended with 'END FLASHBACK' or 'CURRENT TIME.' This makes it clear to the reader that the narrative has temporarily shifted. In some cases, the end of a flashback can be indicated by a new scene heading that brings the reader back to the present time.

Considerations for Effective Use

Given that there is no rigid standard, writers must consider the most effective way to present flashbacks based on the specific needs of their narrative. The goal is to create a seamless and engaging reading experience. I believe a book should be as simple and typographically straightforward as possible, suitable for both print and digital formats.

Typographical choices such as font changes, capitalized text, or emphasized words can be powerful tools when used judiciously. For instance, in my recently self-published book set in Kyoto, I emphasized nihongo words and used a unique style for "voice in the spy earphone," as it was cost-prohibitive to use italics again. The key is to make these choices on a case-by-case basis, ensuring they serve the story effectively.

Clear Division and Signal Lane Changes

To maintain narrative flow, writers should clearly signal the entrance and exit of flashbacks. A clear shift, such as a new chapter or a full-paragraph in italics, can help readers understand that they are entering or exiting a different time frame. For example:

Henry sat back, remembering that day on the fields of Ypres...

The artillery shattered the air in that cold morning of November 1917 as the battle for Passchendaele...

His pipe had gone cold. Henry looked up, seeing how the sun had already set over the skyscrapers of Chicago while he was lost in his reminiscences...

This clear signaling allows readers to remain engaged and fully immersed in the narrative, even when the story takes a different turn.

Placement and Purpose of Flashbacks

The placement of flashbacks is crucial. They should not disrupt the flow of the current-day story, especially during climactic moments. Instead, flashbacks can be used to provide character depth, develop themes, and enhance the emotional arc of the story. For instance, a brief flashback can be used to reveal a character's backstory, which can be tied to the main narrative's conflict and resolution.

For example, a line or two of flashback during a critical scene can provide context, such as:

To failure.

Katherine. It was her father's voice. Those warm summer days back in Anaheim before she had joined up, before everything had changed. Before his murder. She lay on that green grass, knees scraped, breath coming in painful gasps. I believe in you.

By integrating flashbacks effectively, writers can craft a more dynamic and engaging narrative, without breaking the flow of the main storyline.

Remember, the goal is to use flashbacks strategically, enhancing the story rather than complicating it. Novice writers sometimes rely too heavily on flashbacks, prologues, and multiple points of view due to a lack of trust in the reader's ability to follow the narrative. However, with practice, writers can learn to use these tools more effectively, ensuring a seamless and powerful storytelling experience.