I've been told recently, by one of my live critique partners, that my stories are too linear. He's right about them being linear, but I'm wary of using many flashbacks.
It's not that I'm against flashbacks. In fact, the book I'm currently reading employs a lot of flashbacks, and it works well. So well that it feels like two distinct stories with a common thread (The Lies of Locke Lamora).
I just haven't felt the need in any of my stories...yet. Though I am open to flashbacks, or flash-forwards, if that's what the story needs (One I'm currently planning begins with a flash-forward).
My question is this:
As a reader, do you have a preference? Would you rather read a story that shifts through different periods of time, or one that tells the story in a more chronological fashion? Or, does it not matter at all?
It's not that I'm against flashbacks. In fact, the book I'm currently reading employs a lot of flashbacks, and it works well. So well that it feels like two distinct stories with a common thread (The Lies of Locke Lamora).
I just haven't felt the need in any of my stories...yet. Though I am open to flashbacks, or flash-forwards, if that's what the story needs (One I'm currently planning begins with a flash-forward).
My question is this:
As a reader, do you have a preference? Would you rather read a story that shifts through different periods of time, or one that tells the story in a more chronological fashion? Or, does it not matter at all?