Hi all. I'm wondering how I can move a story-line from today to the sixties? The idea is to see the character as a child and then as an adult, or vice versa. I want to do this, back and forth, throughout the story, My problem is how do I move the story-line smoothly from one era to another? I don't want it to appear there are gaps in the story telling. Maybe this is too ambitious for me, I don't know, but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
I have a similar thing with my novel in terms of constantly switching back and forth, and I think the trick it to make it consistent. Whether its through flashbacks or whole chapters, or even whole sections, make it like a rhythm for the reader.
For instance, make each timeline Chronological/linear, for example the first time you go back to the sixties will be 1961, then 1964, then 1965. Rather than jumping from when your character was 17, to then 5, to then 10... otherwise it might get confusing for the reader.
Also, I would make sure that each flashback chapter/section, adds some information to the 'present' in the next chapter. For example... your character hates going to the movies, and then in the sixties you see an event as to why that's the case and it gives the different eras a purpose.
I've also found timelines difficult, but the easiest way is to map out timelines on paper to make sure you don't make mistakes.
Lastly, one of my favourite authors is Kate Morton, she uses multiple eras (sometimes even three different time periods) and she does it so well. So maybe look at some of her work? I recommend 'The Forgotten Garden' and 'The Secret Keeper' as the best examples.
Hope any of this is helpful and makes sense :)