Treat Backstory Like a Pungent Spice by Sandy Vaile

Treat Backstory Like a Pungent Spice by Sandy Vaile

Whenever I asked about backstory, my writing friends all said "That's easy! Don't use too much backstory!" And there I stood, wondering "How much is too much?" Waited over a year for a backstory class to come along, and boy, did I hit the mother lode! God and SavvyAuthors could tell I was desperate. Sandy Vaile took my hand and led me through the dark backstory tunnel. I saw the light! Sandy's presentation was precise and entertaining. And there I had thought dribbling was just for basketball players. By equating backstory with spices like chili powder, I realized that I had been guilty of choking my potential readers with info dump. That's a felony in Texas, right? Seriously, Sandy did a powerful job of explaining the what, when, where and how much of backstory. She responded to our homework with thoroughness and welcomed questions. Now I can tick backstory off my writing worry list. One question for SavvyAuthors. Will you please consider offering Sandy's other classes? Especially "Show Don't Tell Is Like A Layer Cake" and "Hook 'em and Hang 'em". Thanks, Sandy!