i starting to write a descriptive story and i have to switch on and off from reality like in Walter Mitty story. so I think of writing about childhood having flashbacks of past. but i not know how starting it off.
Why don't you start your story like Thurber started "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty?" You could use dialogue from one of the fantasies.
"We're going through!" The Commander's voice was like thin ice breaking.
thanks ms. sue :) that great idea!
You're welcome, Mohammad.
To start off your descriptive story with flashbacks of childhood, you can try the following approach:
1. Begin with a vivid sensory description: Set the scene by describing a specific detail that evokes a strong sensory experience associated with your protagonist's childhood, such as a smell, sound, or touch. For example, you could start with: "The scent of freshly cut grass wafted through the air, transporting John back to the long summer afternoons of his childhood."
2. Establish the present moment: After the sensory description, briefly introduce the present moment to ground the reader. You can mention a specific event or situation that prompts the protagonist's nostalgic reflections. For instance: "Sitting on an old park bench, John's eyes wandered to the children playing in the distance, triggering a cascade of memories."
3. Transition with a trigger: Identify a trigger that initiates the transition from the present to the past. It could be an object, a person, or an action. For example: "Among the laughter and carefree shouts, John's gaze fell upon an old weathered baseball glove that reminded him of his first Little League game."
4. Dive into the flashback: Use descriptive language to immerse the reader in the past. Describe the setting, introduce characters, and provide details that capture the essence of the childhood memories. Show, rather than tell, the experiences and emotions your protagonist goes through. This will help your readers connect with the story. For example, you can describe the scene as follows: "The sun-drenched field stretched before John, the tall grass tickling his bare legs. His dad's reassuring voice echoed in his ears as he slipped the worn leather glove onto his small hand."
5. Transition back to the present: When you are ready to switch back to the present, signal the shift with a clear transition. You can use a sentence or a paragraph to indicate the change in time. For instance: "The sound of a passing car jolted John out of his reverie, pulling him back into the present moment. With a heavy heart and a bittersweet smile, he returned to watching the children play."
Remember, the key is to engage your readers by painting a vivid picture of the past and establishing a strong connection between the past and the present. Use descriptive details and emotional cues to immerse your readers in the story and create a seamless flow between reality and nostalgia.