I am writing a book that is fiction. I just wanted to know if any of you like the idea of the main character looking back at past events that have happened to him/her...Or do you like the book to go in chronological order? Anyhow, if you have any suggestions to make a story better, then post any ideas that you have.
2006-10-27 10:54:34 · 10 answers · asked by TKDchikadee 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
You might want to check the movie "Memento." It is a good model for structuring a nonlinear plot. I would say that it's a matter of preference, but there are probably more people who prefer a linear plot. People who enjoy puzzles (like me) are more intrigued by nonlinear plots. A compromise is to have a linear plot with flashbacks or flashforwards.
2006-10-27 13:25:42 · answer #1 · answered by Mark S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is great when the character tells you about past events. It lets you see where s/he is now and how they got there. Just try not to make it too confusing.
I read a book called "The Lovely Bones" Perhaps you've read it, perhaps not.. But the author wrote what was happening presently, and went back upon what happened in the past... And she did it VERY well. It was such a great novel!! I think maybe if you read that book it could give you some insight on exactly how to do it.
2006-10-27 17:59:12 · answer #2 · answered by . 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i like a book that's a little bit structually inventive.
however lewis carroll once said something along the lines of.... "begin at the begining, carry on until you get to the end, and then stop" - deceptively simple advice.
looking back at past events is nothing new in writing, however if you feel like it would uincover something that would otherwise be lost, then go for it.
know your characters inside out and round and round.
don't be afraid to let the plot develop a life of its own.
2006-10-27 17:59:26 · answer #3 · answered by David R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe you NEED to do kind of both...
you need to keep going back in time and explain certain things about the characters...then catch up to to day and whats going on with them now..then just like anyone..things trigger thoughts from times past..stuff like sounds, smells ( good or bad smells) we all do it..even when we should not do it..like driving, or taking a test at school we day dream about good and bad things from the PAST...so that is what I think you should weave into your book..
good luck
smile
2006-10-27 18:01:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you make sure that people can tell what's past and present the its great. If not it gets confusing. If it goes in chronological order it can be slow and boring. Good Luck.
2006-10-27 17:58:46 · answer #5 · answered by armwrestlemania 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow that's great! I love to read. Your character can look back at the past but just be sure that the reader understands they are looking back because some books can be confusing. My daughter (8yrs) love to write. When she grows up she wants to be a writer and illustrator. Good luck!
2006-10-27 17:58:03 · answer #6 · answered by who_am_I? 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
cool! email me the story if possible! i love to read! i think you should try having the character look back on his/her past...like in the beginning of the story, introduce the character, and then in the first chapter or starting the second chapter, make him/her tell about what happened in the past...that would be an awesome read! good luck!
2006-10-27 17:59:28 · answer #7 · answered by Christina B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Flashbacks are a valid and often used method in writing.
2006-10-27 17:58:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i say that you make the book your way because its your book =)
2006-10-27 17:57:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
use your imagination
2006-10-27 18:03:36 · answer #10 · answered by acid tongue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋