Backstory:

the story that explains what precedes the main story

Writers know about the backgrounds of their characters and the events of their fictitious universe. However, how important are those details to readers?

Consider the advice of A. S. Gruzinsky (Anton Chekhov): “One must never place a loaded rifle on the stage if it isn’t going to go off. It’s wrong to make promises you don’t mean to keep.”

Every detail you provide must have significance, and must be close enough to succeeding events in the main story for readers to remember it.

Simplify or Delete “What Happened Before”

Zapping unnecessary details has the potential to save hundreds — or even thousands — of words in a novel.

Scrutinize the following flash fiction. For purposes of demonstration, let’s assume the story is intended for a market that requires 250 words or fewer.

Unedited Story

In the mid twenty-second century, scientists developed gene therapy based on Dr. W. Edelstein’s unprecedented research. The therapy, dubbed nano rejuvenation, depended on an array of nanobots that repaired damaged DNA and partially deactivated the aging gene.

Although Edelstein received global recognition for his therapy, he wouldn’t allow the world to name it after him. Moreover, he donated all cash prizes to charity and released his research to the public domain.

Only one problem: Although his therapy repressed the aging gene and increased life expectancy, people still developed grey hair and wrinkles.

Two decades after Dr. Edelstein released his research, I developed a unique way to deploy it.

The average lifespan is now 250 years. Problem is nobody wants to look old. So they come to me. People would rather pay my prices than

Many only want a tightening of the jowls. Others a brow lift or a tummy tuck. But some insist on a complete nano rejuvenation. Me? I don’t care if I look like a fossil. Or how many kids stare at my old-man wrinkles and white hair. I’ll be here long after the narcissists are gone.

I have a successful business — satisfaction guaranteed, reasonable rates. Two credits for a lift or a tuck, one hundred for a nano rejuv. I always warn clients about the potential consequences, but they don’t care. The results are worth any price, they say.

I can process a dozen at a time. They lie back, smeared with nanocyte gel and wrapped in expensive spa towels. Then they drift off to sleep in their translucent tubes, listening to soft synth-music in the background, and inhaling sweet scents wafting from the aroma-sims.

We’re Already up to 278 Words. And There Are Still More.

Meanwhile, I sit back and smile while my benefits accrue. With every treatment, they shave away their credits, and I reap the rewards.

My machines work — every time. They’re miracles, the closest you can come to divinity without being touched by God. With every credit, my machines add a day to my life — and siphon a tenth from theirs.

Like I said, the vainest ones always die first.

Time to Zap

What if we delete the backstory?

The preamble in the first four paragraphs, although many writers might consider it important, doesn’t add to the irony of the story. In fact, it slows plot progression. How would the piece read without it?

Edited Version

The average lifespan is now 250 years. Problem is nobody wants to look old. So they come to me. People would rather pay my prices than allow wrinkles and turkey necks to betray their true age.

Many only want a tightening of the jowls. Others a brow lift or a tummy tuck. But some insist on a complete nano rejuvenation. Me? I don’t care if I look like a fossil. Or how many kids stare at my old-man wrinkles and white hair. I’ll be here long after the narcissists are gone.

I have a successful business — satisfaction guaranteed, reasonable rates. Two credits for a lift or a tuck, one hundred for a nano rejuv. I always warn clients about the potential consequences, but they don’t care. The results are worth any price, they say.

I can process a dozen at a time. They lie back, smeared with nanocyte gel and wrapped in expensive spa towels. Then they drift off to sleep in their translucent tubes, listening to soft synth-music in the background, and inhaling sweet scents wafting from the aroma-sims.

Meanwhile, I sit back and smile while my benefits accrue. With every treatment, they shave away their credits, and I reap the rewards.

My machines work — every time. They’re miracles, the closest you can come to divinity without being touched by God. With every credit, my machines add a day to my life — and siphon a tenth from theirs.

Like I said, the vainest ones always die first.

We Zapped 108 Words

The edited piece now contains 245 words — well within the maximum allowed. Does it tell a complete story with a beginning, a middle, and an end? Read it again if necessary.

And Now, the Truth

The edited version of this story was previously published in Shoreline of Infinity. I added the first four paragraphs to illustrate a point. The details about Dr. Edelstein are insignificant and don’t contribute to the narrative.

Tip: When trying to reduce word count, examine backstory. How much is necessary, and how much is bloat? Is your preface and/or prologue just backstory in disguise?

Master List of Word-Count Reduction Posts for Writers