Is Backstory *the* Story?

Modern, mainstream publishing is no fan of "the backstory" -- but backstory remains essential to good storytelling. So, how can you use backstory to its full effect? How do you truly make it a driving force rather than a story perk or a byproduct?

Please bring a scene of text from your current work-in-progress to our December meeting, where we'll discuss the merits and pitfalls of backstory and how it impacts your work.

We hope you can join us!