I agree, Melissa--I'm not anti-flashback at all, if they don't interfere with the reader's experience of the story. Sounds like you found a good, organic way to weave yours in--I like the idea of making them part of what your character is relating to a therapist, a natural fit for memories. Thanks for sharing!

Right?! 😀

😂 Glad I could help. And that's a decent idea for a story🤔

Hahahahaha! Now I've gotten a chuckle out of it too.

Glad this was well timed, John! I hope the questions help you determine whether your flashbacks are working well for your short story. Good luck with the competition!

Also, at first I read, "Both flashbacks show how they got the dog and when and why they broke up" as a man's breakup with his dog, which flat-out made my day. 🙂

Like everything, it's all personal preference. I do like them when they're used well and smoothly, but I don't miss them in stories without, by any means, as long as the backstory and context are clear. Thanks for the comment, Denise.

In my experience, it's the clunky ones editors take issue with. I don't know if any story *needs* them, per se, but honestly, well-woven ones can add so much to a story and to characterizations. If an author wants to use them, I think there's no reason not to see how they work, and how well they serve the story. Worst case, it results in exploring some essential backstory that the author might use to add context and color. Thanks, Jenny--and I hope the class is helpful!