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Ah! So many good thoughts! How did I fall into a group of such smart people? 🙂

For the initial questions, I develop backstory a bit differently, I think. I’m a “plot-first” writer, so where plots explode into being as easily as hot popcorn, trying to discover a character is like mining for gold. It’s SUCH HARD WORK. Of course, I know I need lots more experience, and it will get easier with time. For now, I utilize my plot-popcorn tendency to help me.

After I figure out some basics about the character (a little info on: basic appearance, strengths, weaknesses, core temperament, etc.), then it helps me so much to write out my character’s backstory. It feels like the plot behind the character, so it’s easier for me to do. I have this desire to write out their whole life story up until the book begins. Some things are summarized while other, important things, I might write out a whole scene. This helps me get to know the characters before I start trying to write the “real story” about them. I learn little things, like what scars they have, if there are any important tokens they own, etc. It adds depth in the story later, because I can mention these things offhand, but each has a story. I mean, how much fun is it to sit around with your friends and swap stories of your scars! Okay, maybe that’s just me.

To utilize it then . . . well, I want to get better. Knowing all the details I do, it’s natural to drop details that make the character seem more real. The motivation factor is certainly there. But yeah, what I’d really love to do is use backstory to influence the future plot. Not just decisions the character makes, but the events that happen. I can usually do this at the beginning of the book, to set up the rest of the story. Even that, though, is heavily internal monologue, character arc stuff, etc. Sometimes it fuels the events, but I haven’t figured out how to weave backstory through the entire thing so mid-book, *wham* there’s something that just blew the reader’s mind. Maybe someday.

Honestly, I don’t think I thought much about doing that until now. Thanks, smart people!!! I shall strive to incorporate these beautiful ideas.

Oh, and how could backstory arise to drive the plot? Weeeeell, I’ll give it a shot.
~~A woman who grew up as the daughter of a prostitute, and lived on the streets thereafter, finds shelter with a priest. However, when she is found to be with child, because the people think she is a prostitute (though she’s not), they are livid with the priest for harboring her. Her safe home is taken from her and she is forced to flee. Thus the inciting incident of the story is based on backstory.
~~A young boy witnesses an event that has great significance, but is unaware. When grown (story beginning) he begins to figure out what national event is brewing, and the deeper he digs, the more what he witnessed as a boy makes sense. What he saw helps him figure out the key he needs to thwart the villain. (Can ya tell I made that up off the top of my head? Hehe.)

That’s all I got for now.