The Newsletter Stand

For Authors 8-27-08

When you are describing a shape, or sound, or tint;
Don't state the matter plainly, But put it in a hint;
And learn to look at all things With a sort of mental squint --Lewis Carroll

On Foreshadowing

On Foreshadowing

By definition foreshadow means - To present an indication or a suggestion of beforehand; presage. In the literary sense, foreshadowing is a technique used to heighten suspense, add depth, and engage the reader through curiosity by dropping hints. Foreshadowing can also be used to set up a believable narrative. In other words, it prepares the reader for upcoming events or actions. As action/adventure authors, foreshadowing is a tool we should become familiar with.

The super cool thing about foreshadowing is how you can intertwine it into your story in a variety of ways.

Through Dialogue – Here, the author has one of the characters do the “foreshadowing” for her, through words.
“Mom,” she says in a whisper, “Guess who’s here?”

Two things come to mind here: First, why is she whispering. And, second, who is “here”? The author could have had the character announce the arrival of the mystery person, but making her whisper , then ask the question, draws the reader in.

Through Action – You can incorporate foreshadowing into most all action scenes.
I tiptoed along the wall toward my bedroom, freezing when i got to the door. With measured slowness, my hand reached for the cold brass knob. Without a sound I gradually turned the knob clockwise

Why is this character tiptoeing? Why is the character sneaking into his/her own bedroom?

Through Descriptions – There are a wide array of opportunities here. The following is a passage from a blog:
I frantically search the usual places. Still empty-handed, I attack the unusual places. Thumbing through files, slamming desk drawers. Zero. The anxiety has not just multiplied, but spread. My hands, my lungs, my brain, all feel the effects. How am I going to tell my boss I misplaced payroll checks? At this moment, I hate myself.

What will the boss say? Will this character be fired? Is this a prelude to her misplacing something even more significant?

Through “flashbacks” - Flashbacks from moments prior, to days ago, to even years ago. Using the flashback method lends itself easily to foreshadowing. Inserting the flashback is key to reader “buy-in”.

Sitting in detention, Oscar thought back to the last time he had eaten a home cooked meal.

Through Preparation – The following is a lead-in paragraph of a short story:
The bad thing about spontaneous road trips is the lack of preparation involved, and the inevitable disappointment, which occurs with the realization that a very important item has been left behind.

We know, from the author’s words, a story about a road trip with a forgotten item will follow. As readers, we keep reading to find out what item.

Furthermore, you can add foreshadowing through symbolism, parallelism theme, and tone. Foreshadowing is a fun way to increase suspense, add depth while engaging the reader.

Until next time,

Robin

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Comments from readers during my last guest editor performance at For Authors:

Cubby~Cheering House Florent!
I enjoyed your article, Robin. The thesaurus is an absolute must for me! I use it way more than any other reference book. If you saw mine, you'd believe it. The cover is off and a few pages are loose. I should probably invest in a new one.
~Cubby ")

Why thank you Cubby. ( use the online one at http://dictionary.com )

Haloid
A couple things... A tag breaks a quotoe between sentences. What do you do?

If the tag breaks up the quotation, then the quotation will carry on without capitalization. Ex. “Are you,” she pauses to glance down at his mismatched socks, “okay?”


Boos girl
Bravo Robin, nice job!
aw, shucks, thanks.

heartofahawk
Great article Robin! I'm going to copy it into my "toolbox"!
Hawk
Wow! thanks for the compliment. glad you found it informative.