Ask Jerry

Same Character at Different Ages

Asked by Bamise Oyetayo on September 9, 2020

Hi Jerry. It's been some eye-opening three months for me as a member of your guild. Thank you.

In my manuscript, I have opened some chapters with relevant pasts and I transition to the current story of the same character (using third person limited throughout the book). How do you suggest I make the distinction between the two times?
Also, is this a good idea?

Jerry's Answer

Colorado Springs, 2020

With a location and date tag like the one above. Flush left, in italics, preceding your copy.

And yes, I think it's a good idea, Bamise.

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