How To Write Backstory Into Your Novel

Backstory is an essential part of your characters development. You, as the author of this amazing story you are writing, need to know the ins and outs of what it was like to grow up as your character. Did they have a terrible childhood? Did they have many friends? What were the pivotal moments in their life that shaped them as fully fledged fictional characters?

Backstory defines your characters and helps create who they are.

Backstory is one of those slipperly slimey parts of the novel where you want to know everything there is to know about it but you want to use 0% of it in your novel.

A lot of beginner writers use backstory for context so the reader understands what is happening during the present day and why. The effect of this on the reader is *slam* as the book closes forever.

Why?

Because no one cares about backstory.

When you meet a new friend, do you start off by telling them what your childhood was like and the significant moments that shaped who you are today? Or do you focus on the moment and share what you are interested in in the present day?

Most likely it's the latter.

Your friend doesn't care about what your childhood was like, yet. They will care, but only once they've decided to like and care about you.

This is the same for our characters. We want our readers to feel they are friends with the characters in the story. And that means we need to introduce them to each other slowly.

How to intigrate backstory:

Backstory does not need to be pages upon pages explaining what life was like way back when. Instead, use the way your character carries themselves to show what their past was like.

Before I explain, I want to ask you a question.

Do you ever find yourself doing something, and then think 'I used to act like this as a child.'?

Do you ever find yourself stepping back from a ledge due to your fear of heights you've had since you were young?

Do you ever think to yourself, "If only I didn't experience this when I was younger, I would be braver?"

I was very shy as a child and everytime I said "Yes, I can do that." I would recieve praise. Now as an adult, without consiously realising it, I will often say "Yes, I can do that." When I want someone to like me. I might not want to do what I said yes to, and I might even kick myself later for saying yes. But it's been conditioned into me that that is how you gain praise and reward. (Reward being friends).

If I were to write a character that had a similar people-pleasing personality I would simply get them to say "Yes" to everything. Especially when it put them in a difficult situation.

Let's take two examples and you can tell me in the comments below which you find more interesting to read.

A) Kayla loved saying yes to everything. Anytime someone asked her to do something she said yes with enthusiasm. Even when she didn't actually want to say yes. The worst times were when she really wanted to say no. One time Kayla hadn't had time to herself in weeks, she finally had a moment to herself when it was ruined by a phone call and her need to say yes.

B) Kayla slipped into her pajamas and popped open a bottle of chardonnay. The sweet fruity smells drifted past her nose and her toes tingled in anticipation as she reached for a wine glass sitting at the top of her cupboard. Dust had started to form on the rim of the glass, Kayla blew it away with a light puff.

Ring*Ring Ring*Ring

Kayla picked up her cellphone.

"Kay Kay, wanna be sober driver tonight?" A voice shouted through the phone.

"Yeah sure." Kayla said putting the bottle of Chardonnay back in the fridge and the wine glass back in the cupboard. "When should I be there?"

Notice how in B) it was never mentioned by the narrator how much Kayla liked to say yes or even why. From this short scene you can grasp the fact that Kayla will say yes even when it is inconvient for her. With more scenes like this, the reader will slowly learn about Kayla's people-pleasing habits and in time they will learn why she has them.

Use your characters backstory to influence the way they talk, walk, and interact with their peers.

If your character was an orphan and grew up in multiple foster homes and felt they couldn't trust adults. Would they latch on to any adult they met, or would they become suspicious of those older than them?

If your character grew up in a wealthy home where they were sent to prestigious schools, would they swear every time they spoke?

Think about how you grew up and how that upbringing and moments throughout your life influenced how you are today.

Think about your friends lives and how certain moments influenced how they are today.

How can you incorporate your characters life into how they are today... Without spelling it out for the reader?

Showing the reader your character in a natural setting, will help the reader get to know your character, live their life alongside your character, and ultimately enjoy your story.