Backstory Throw Up

Yes, you read the subject heading correct:

BACKSTORY THROW UP

That's what I call it when a writer 'throws up' backstory smack in the beginning of a novel.

Now let me ask you how can a reader connect with what you're 'backstorying' them with if they haven't even met your protagonist yet? They simply don't care if Jane has been divorced for four years now and has been a single mom and working two jobs because they don't know Jane yet.

Now remove the backstory and start with:

"For crying out loud." Jane swiped at a serving of ice cream dripping down her one hundred dollar satin shirt while keeping her cool. "No, Mikey, mommy doesn't want dessert."
The four year old laughed, flipping his dessert-filled spoon at his mom.
"Jane, your lift is here. You're gonna be late for work...again."
"Thanks, mom, I hadn't realized."
"Well, if you move in with me your problems will be solved."

Above tells you Jane is a single mom by her mom's offer. Tells you she feels a bit overwhelmed trying to get ready for work while entertaining her child. Puts her in the stressed out mood to paint her picture better than backstory would. It also introduces the character to connect with a
reader on a better level than a narrator's backstory voice.

Most of the rejections I've handed out is due to the backstory 'throw up' - and more that I'll get into in up coming posts.

So avoid this no no and avoid a 'for sure' rejection.

Lea Schizas