In second-rate fiction, the cosmic and personal stories are irrelevant to each
other -- we get "characters" solely to be witnesses of the cool stuff that
happens on a cosmic level, or we get "ideas" thrown in only to make standard
adventure or character stories seem like science fiction. In the best sf -- like
Nemesis -- the two stories absolutely depend on each other. Resolutions
of the problems posed by Nemesis depends on Marlene and her family, resolutions
of Marlene's needs, and the needs of her parents, absolutely depend on the ideas
and discoveries in the cosmic story.
Jackie Le on 20 Jan 12Argument: While flashbacks are helpful, often times incorporating important background information in present time storyline plays off better and keeps the reader engaged. Claim: There is no such thing as too much back story but only with certain ways of revealing the information. Flashbacks tend to slow down the story and drag out. "Less is more," find ways to cut down words to paragraphs instead of pages when explaining. Evidence: "keep background information on a need-to-know basis. Figure out what readers really, truly need to know to understand a character and her motivations--and let the rest stay underwater."
