Every story has to have a history but how should it be shown without dumping it all in chapter one? That can be rather difficult when as the author you are sure that something should be revealed to the reader. Since backstory influences an entire story, how is it best done? If writers can make too much backstory is added early or in one giant dump, then the story can take a turn back in time--not where you want it to go. Info dumping can also slow the progress of the story and at times bore readers. Starting a story with a lot of history may even make the reader set the book down.
One of the first mistakes writers make is the big info dump but also adding too much too soon. It isn't necessary to fill in everything about the past right away. A reader can learn a little backstory all the way through a novel. The author needs to know and understand the backstory but it isn't wise to put it in there all at once.
Only insert the backstory where it is relevant. Drop in a line or two as a character remembers something. Maybe a smell triggers a quick memory. Or maybe a character sees something that reminds him of something that happened in the past.
Readers should only be told information as they need to know it, not all at once. Again this will slow the pacing of your story.
And it's a good idea to explain any info that is given to readers. The reader needs to understand why something has been given to them in backstory information. Maybe add a line or two, even in dialogue of why the memory of thought is important to the character's internal and external conflict. Readers like to be able to figure things out and the hints you do give are appreciated.
Types of info-dumping:
Backstory-Info on what happened before the present story
World-building-Where the story might have been located now or in the past. Readers should not need a history lesson to engage in a story.
Technical-Explanation of how something works
Character Motivation-A character explaining themselves takes readers out of the story
Some thoughts on what to ask about the backstory you are adding.
Does the reader need to know this now?
If the info is not given, will this damage the story?
What is the best way to deliver the information? Hints or imagination or memory etc.
Readers need to know enough about the story to understand what is currently happening. Adding past information can cause a reader to care about a character or what drives them. Show only what is happening in the scene with a quick glance back when you are ready to give past information. Remember, less is more. Sometimes it is even best not to tell it all to leave a reader guessing and reading for more. Keep your character in focus on the here and now as you give hints in thought or dialogue.
Backstory can be how your characters understand the world around them, but as you give that information, readers need to understand the why. Think about what is at stake if you tell too much or not enough and find the happy middle of what the reader needs to know. Have your characters use their past to understand where they are in the story. Think about Goal, Motivation, and Conflict in what and why backstory information is needed. Make sure what is added is truly needed---does it push the story forward. Make sure the backstory is only revealed when needed and make sure its meaning is clear. Try not to add backstory first. Avoid dumping ransom facts. Never stop the current story for a dump of info from the past, work it into dialogue or thoughts or memories. Confusing the flow of the story will only confuse your reader.
Backstory should highlight the character's reasons for decision making. Make sure any information from the past matches the goals and fears of a character. If it sounds like a backstory, reword things to make it a snapshot inside the character's head or something that is said. And if you add backstory, make sure to stay true to the current time period of story as not to lose the focus of where the story is currently.
All in all, add backstory sparingly throughout a novel and where it fits and bests give the hints you want a reader to gain.
