Having a relatable, connectable character is the most important element of your story, so working to build that character from any angle is important. A focus on your main character’s history can be an important area of study – specifically, how to use flashbacks effectively in your story.
There are many trains of thought about using flashbacks in fiction. Some editors say ‘no flashbacks’, some say ‘use them sparingly’. For middle grade, effective flashbacks serve specific purposes that are extremely valuable in building connection with the reader. So, for your middle grade story, flashbacks are great – IF they meet the needed purposes.
I like to divide flashbacks into 2 categories: Full Flashbacks, and Moment Memories.
Full Flashbacks are long, detailed memories that are strategically placed in a current scene to help the reader connect to the protagonist’s emotional state and gain important information for the present. Full flashbacks include physical details, sensory details, and emotional presentation. Typically, the main connection goal is emotional. The trick to using a full flashback in your story is the placement. Does your current scene need physical, sensory, and a strong emotional connection with the past? If not, you probably don’t need a full flashback.
Moment Memories are tidbits of memory that rush to the front of your protagonist’s mind in a current scene that reminds them of the past. This memory is triggered by either physical, sensory, or emotional similarities, but probably not all three. Typically, moment memories focus on the physical or sensory details. The moment memory is short – sometimes just a phrase, to maybe a few sentences long. Again, these moment memories are strategically placed within a scene to build depth to the protagonist’s history in simple, connectable moments.
Using flashbacks effectively can add a depth to your middle grade novel that is relatable and fun for your readers to connect with.
Examples in middle grade fiction
Before your story starts, your character has already had a lifetime of experiences. Those experiences will color everything they do. They also will be the catalyst for how they see, understand, and choose. A common tool writers use to help the reader understand personal history is flashbacks.
Full flashbacks – strategically placed – can connect the protagonist emotionally to the current scene. Moment memories – strategically placed – can connect the protagonist physically or sensorily to the current scene. Both types of flashbacks are effective tools to deepen your character. Using them well is the key.
I created this video where I talk about full flashbacks and moment memories, and then I give an example of both from some great middle grade fiction. You can watch the video here.
Using flashbacks to your full advantage will help build connections between your protagonist and the reader that will keep them coming back for more.
In your manuscript
As writers, we understand the importance of having a robust character, but often flashbacks are used too much. Learning how to identify when and where within a scene to drop a flashback or moment memory takes thought and purpose.
Too many flashbacks and they lose their potency for connection. Too few, and the reader is confused. Finding that perfect balance is key.
I created a worksheet to guide you in weeding through the flashbacks and moment memories in your manuscript, and determining which are needed, and which are not. You can access the downloadable PDF Analyzing Flashbacks here.
Flashbacks are a wonderful character building tool to give depth to your protagonist and also make connections with your reader.
Use them well.