Writing Backstory That Actually Works (5 Guidelines You Must Know!) | Episode 43

Описание: Do you know your story needs backstory… but every time you try to include it, it just feels wrong?
 


Clunky. Awkward. Like the story suddenly stumbles instead of flowing forward.


Or maybe you’ve gone the opposite direction—cutting nearly all the backstory out because you’ve been warned about info dumping—only to realize your scenes now feel thin, confusing, or emotionally flat.


You’re not doing anything wrong.
 Backstory is one of the most misunderstood elements of writing a novel.


In this solo episode, I break down how to write backstory that actually works—backstory that deepens character, clarifies motivation, and pulls readers closer instead of pushing them away.


This episode pairs closely with Episode 41 on Interiority, and together they form a powerful foundation for writing scenes that feel emotionally alive and fully grounded.


You’ll learn:


✨ Why backstory is non-negotiable—and why the real problem isn’t having backstory, but how it’s used
✨ The five core guidelines that make backstory feel seamless instead of disruptive
✨ How framing backstory through interiority transforms it from explanation into emotional experience
✨ The difference between vague, abstract backstory and specific, concrete details readers can visualize
✨ How to place backstory inside a scene so it feels triggered, relevant, and purposeful
✨ Why “less backstory” isn’t always the answer—and how to find the right dosage
✨ How to use backstory to illuminate the present moment without stopping the story cold


If your backstory feels clunky, misplaced, or never quite right—and you’re tired of guessing what to cut or keep—this episode will give you a clear, practical framework for using backstory with confidence.


By the end, backstory won’t feel like a liability. It’ll feel like one of your strongest storytelling tools.


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