Ask Jerry
Backstory
Asked by Emma Ryan on January 11, 2021
Hi Jerry ,
When introducing backstory
eg: 5 years earlier
how far into the book should you leave it until eg: 20,000 words in. My backstory for the main character is going to be quite a different one to tell her journey right up until the present day and I don’t want to jarr the reader with a sudden u – turn to settle into a different story . ( eg she will have had a different boyfriend 5 years earlier etc )
thanks !
Jerry's Answer
This'll sound like a copout, Emma, but it goes where it works best for the sake of your story. If it feels right, put it where it's needed. I'm not one for recommending absolutes like "Never before here," etc.
If it works in chapter two, so be it. If not till later, trust your gut. :)