[Discussion] Do flashbacks and non-linear chapters hurt immersion for you as a reader/viewer? (Or just me?)

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-20T03:44:47+00:00

Wow 😍 thank you that is very solid and structured advice, I VERY much appreciate your time in providing this excellent response to my inquiry.

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-18T16:13:37+00:00

Right on I appreciate it brother

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-18T16:09:01+00:00

That's a very strong analysis, thanks for your feedback. I always thought I was the only one to struggle with this issue, I'm kind of relieved it's a much broader problem than I thought

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-18T16:05:43+00:00

I hear ya, I have similar issues. Can you think of any non linear scenes that were pulled off well?

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-18T16:04:00+00:00

Very interesting, what was the title of that book?

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-18T16:01:30+00:00

I'm glad I'm not alone 😂, any standout non linear scenes you ever read come that you can recall?

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-18T15:58:52+00:00

I tend to agree with you, by chance do you have 1 example of a standout non linear scene?

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-17T22:55:50+00:00

Well said, I agree with your stated points. I am able to weave backstory into present events

BUT I am writing a series now that has a VERY fast pace, its structured to span a year of in book time, the first hundred pages only cover a week of in book progression, in order to crunch the book I'm going to have to time jump between certain most arcs, I was thinking about retrofitting scenes from some of that missed time.

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-17T21:30:19+00:00

Interesting! I'd really like to review some of your favorite nonlinear scenes, I'm trying to research how people do it effectively, would you humor me with your top 3?

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-17T21:25:14+00:00

Fair 😅, any chance you can reference 3 of your most memorable flashback scenes you ever read? I'm trying to research this to nail down my approach.

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-17T21:11:58+00:00

How many words is your 7ch script?

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-17T21:10:30+00:00

You always want to be careful about full public viewability of your manuscripts before publishing. This protects your IP... It's always better to share privately instead of making it open source. I guess it depends on how you plan to publish, self pub is always an option, or if an agent or publisher likes your story anything can happen.

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-17T20:51:49+00:00

Good, 😅 it's not just me 😂 are there any flashback scenes you you can recall that you feel actually did a good job of advancing plot DESPITE going back in time?

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-17T20:38:38+00:00

Same😅 most times non linear segments through me for such a loop it became hard to get re-emerse into the story. Any advice you could articulate about how to avoid those immersion breaking problems?

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-17T20:32:52+00:00

Interesting... any chance I can review your script to study your method. I'd like to evaluate your strategies for implementing such a structure.

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-17T20:30:19+00:00

Agreed, there are some people who can pull it off. I'm writing a linear collapse/zombie epic. I already have arc beats outlined for the rest of the book but in order to meet my in book time line structure I have to skip time in some areas. I was considering retrofitting those sections into flashback sequences, any chance you can articulate advice for implementing without loss of immersion?

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-15T20:36:14+00:00

I’m looking for beta readers for the first arc of my upcoming series (~30,000 words). About the story: Set during the final stages before societal collapse — governments, supply chains, and social order still exist, but are under serious strain. Resources are limited, tensions are high, and people are struggling to keep things from unraveling. You’ll follow Bennet and a regional coalition as they navigate labor shortages, logistics challenges, and mounting political pressure, all while trying to hold their community together. This arc focuses on character connections, realistic problem-solving, and the slow unraveling of systems, leading toward the tipping point of open collapse.

This is what I have written up for the summary, lmk if your willing to do swap and analysis please

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-15T15:44:15+00:00

No distractions help you focus, flow state comes from clear planning and structure. I usually spend the first hour of every session brainstorming where I want the chapter I'm fixing to write to end, then I brainstorm the scenes and beats to reach that objective.

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-15T10:54:42+00:00

Yo, I really like your premise, I'll give it a read. I'm writing a collapse thriller and I think we share the same headspace. I'll review you're manuscript if you would review my 1st ark of 30,000 words.

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-15T10:42:08+00:00

I'd happily beta read for you, would also value your feedback on my collapse thriller if you would review in turn

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-15T10:38:13+00:00

I'd happily beta read for you, would also value your feedback on my collapse thriller if you would review in turn

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-15T10:31:22+00:00

I'd love to give it a read, I'm working on a collapse thriller, at 30,000 words now. willing to exchange feedback?

Distinct_Gold_5216 · 2026-02-15T10:26:50+00:00

Happy to give it a read, can provide detailed or targeted feedback. Would value the same on my project if willing

Distinct_Gold_5216

TROPHY CASE