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Post by Chirugal on Nov 10, 2004 11:44:49 GMT
Would you say flashbacks are a good idea for a novel, or does it overcomplicate things?
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Post by Cj on Nov 10, 2004 15:43:39 GMT
what inspires you most? thats to everyone
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Post by Jocasta on Nov 10, 2004 20:28:21 GMT
Would you say flashbacks are a good idea for a novel, or does it overcomplicate things? Hmm, as a general rule, I'd say try to tell the story without it. If you really need a flashback, make sure you place it after the story in real time is established. Make it quick, and don't write it all in past perfect, i.e. "she had had a bad time that morning. She had gone to the store and had found they had been all out of Crispy Pops." Instead, "She had had a bad time that morning. When she went to the store, they were all out of Crispy Pops..." But usually you can find a way to fit the information in a flashback into the story in a different way. What do you think, Marianne? (can't recall offhand if you have any flashbacks--Parrish usually reminisces in real time, doesn't she?) Cheerio MM
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Post by Jocasta on Nov 10, 2004 20:29:13 GMT
what inspires you most? thats to everyone Being alive. MM
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Post by Chirugal on Nov 10, 2004 22:45:16 GMT
what inspires you most? thats to everyone Reading. I haven't been doing it much lately, and my writing is really suffering...
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Post by marianne on Nov 11, 2004 8:01:20 GMT
What do you think, Marianne? (can't recall offhand if you have any flashbacks--Parrish usually reminisces in real time, doesn't she?) Hi Guys, I think flashbacks are best avoided where possible. They are overused and often done badly and therefore tend to make editors groan. I have a couple of small ones and I try to keep them short and make it very clear they are a flashbacks. When they go on too long it makes the reader yawn. Most people want to know about the future not the past. Realtime reminiscing can be quicker and more efficient. If you really feel the need for them, perhaps consider if you are starting your story in the right place/time. Hope that helps! MDP edited for quote-tags - Amy
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Post by Chirugal on Nov 11, 2004 9:40:06 GMT
It does, thank you!
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Post by marianne on Nov 12, 2004 6:31:22 GMT
Well Patchers,
Maxine has only one more day, and haven't we enjoyed having her!
Your thread will remain open Maxine, so perhaps you might like to pop in once in a while to see if there are any new postings specifically for you, and of course you are most welcome anytime to chat on the other topics.
We will have a new guest author in a few weeks but for the moment a resounding....
Thanks Maxine!!
MDP
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Post by Chirugal on Nov 12, 2004 12:17:29 GMT
Awww... will be sad to see you go, Maxine - you rock, and I will try to track down some of your stuff to read! You're welcome here anytime... ;D Thanks for all your help!
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Post by Cj on Nov 12, 2004 17:51:27 GMT
Its been so great talking with you Maxine your advice is gold dust! and thank you for sharing it! and me like Amy shall be eyeing out for your stuff! Thanks again
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Post by Mouse on Nov 12, 2004 23:15:05 GMT
*Ditto above* Thanks Maxine! ;D
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Post by Jocasta on Nov 13, 2004 0:25:25 GMT
Well Patchers, Maxine has only one more day Thanks Maxine!! MDP The time has gone so quickly! Thank YOU all for having me, and for making me feel so welcome. I really enjoyed it, and will definitely keep popping in to see what you're all up to. If you ever need me, just post! Congratulations, everyone, on such a well-run and hospitable site. Keep writing, and reading! ;D MM
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Post by marianne on Dec 2, 2004 2:13:32 GMT
I should reiterate that Maxine's thread will remain open, so feel free to post questions to her. However, as she is not currently 'here', I can't guarantee on how quickly she will reply
MDP
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Post by marianne on Jan 24, 2005 2:05:48 GMT
Congratulations to Maxine for winning the SF novel category of the Aurealis Awards. YAY!
MDP
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Post by Chirugal on Jan 25, 2005 13:21:27 GMT
YAY Maxine! ;D How do you feel?
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