Oh yes, definitely agree! Reader vs. writer can be very different! And sometimes I think we take the “writing rules” too far as writers.

Hi Lori,
Thanks for reading! I’m glad it was helpful!

Nicco, glad this was helpful. Thanks for reading and commenting. I did some journalism growing up, and it is quite different than creative writing. Best wishes!

Indeed, September! I also noted I was commenting as a reader rather than writer, as there can be a difference. I’m more tolerant as a reader than as a writer, since my writing must pass muster with publishing professionals before it can reach its ultimate audience.

Professionals have various rules which do not seem to be shared by most of the reading public. Whether those standards are higher or merely narrower is another day’s debate. But I would like to please as many readers as possible, including professionals and lovers of rules.

Hi John!
As a general guideline, I think that idea is really helpful. However, as long as it’s not overdone, and it’s placed appropriately, sometimes sprinkling in some background info can make the story feel more authentic and well-rounded–like it’s bigger than what’s on the page or in the book.

I think the problem comes when the writer overuses it and misuses it thinking it will work as a draw to keep the reader reading. But especially for any beginning writers, that is a good guideline to follow.

Thanks for reading and commenting.

You said that all so well. Hope is so important, but we really don’t talk about it enough in this industry. It’s probably one of the most powerful draws in getting human beings to move forward.

Yeah, I agree too. I actually love a good (and properly done) flashback, but in unpublished work, I often see them overused to try to get the reader invested. Fear and hope are more effective for that, typically. Thanks, Donna!