Using Flashforward in
Fiction Writing
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Aspiring writers, do you ever feel like you're stuck in a rut when it comes to plotting and pacing your story? If you’re bored of chronological narration and other straightforward narrative structure, you might want to try the flashforward technique to shake things up and create interesting opportunities for your story. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the flashforward in fiction writing—how to use them, when to use them, and what they're good for.
What is a Flashforward?
First things first, let's define what a flashforward is. It's a literary technique where the narrative jumps forward in time from the present to a future event, or from the past into the present moment narrative, if you’ve been in the past for most of the plot. It's essentially the opposite of a flashback. While a flashback takes the reader back in time, a flashforward takes them forward, as the name suggests.
How Do You Use a Flashforward?
Flashforwards can serve many purposes in a story. They can create suspense by hinting at a future event that the reader is curious about, especially in a mystery or thriller scenario where you want to tease a high stakes event that’s coming for the characters. They can also help with pacing by breaking up long stretches of exposition. Lastly, a flashforward can give the writer an opportunity to reveal something to the reader before the character knows it, leading to an exciting dramatic irony.
When to Use a Flashforward
The flashforward technique is not something to be used without caution. It should only be used sparingly and only if appropriate. Consider using it when it will significantly enhance the story's tension, suspense, or pacing. For example, if your story relies on a big reveal at the end, a flashforward can be an excellent way to tease that reveal. A lot of books also use a flashforward as a prologue, as readers get a peek at something exciting that’s happening later in the story. This creates a sense of mystery, and can hook a reader, if they want to figure out how the events of the flashforward happen.
Which Genres Use Flashforwards?
Flashforwards are commonly used in thrillers, mysteries, fantasy, and science-fiction stories, though domestic thriller and psychological thriller projects have them, too. Those genres tend to rely on a lot of suspense and tension-building that a flashforward can help establish. However, that doesn't mean that flashforwards shouldn't be used in other genres. They can still be effective as long as they serve a purpose in the story and are done intentionally.
A Warning About the Flashforward Technique
While flashforwards can be an effective writing tool, they can also be overused. Be careful not to overdo it with them, as it can lead to chronology confusion and the reader losing their emotional investment in the story. It's helpful to have a clear reason for using a flashforward before implementing it into your story, and I would use these less frequently than backstory or flashback.
The flashforward technique is an excellent tool for any aspiring writer to add to their storytelling toolbox. It adds variety to your pacing and creates suspense and tension that readers will enjoy. Just remember to use it sparingly, only when appropriate, and always with a clear purpose in mind. You’re now well on your way to mastering the art of the flashforward.
Click here to purchase Writing Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters, my book on interiority and character creation. Explore your protagonist’s thoughts, feelings, reactions and interpretations, expectations, and inner struggles to create a rich, immersive experience. This guide will empower you to create characters who live and breathe on the page, fostering an unbreakable bond with your audience.