Smiling woman turning around and taking selfie photo outdoors. Pretty young lady looking at camera and holding smartphone with blurred city view in background. Selfie photo concept. Back view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Introduction:

January 31st is National Backward Day—a quirky celebration of all things reversed. While going backward is often seen as a setback, this day reminds us that stepping back or flipping the script can reveal unexpected treasures. For writers, words spelled backward and the concept of moving in reverse can be powerful tools for inspiration. Let’s dive into the magic of backward thinking and explore how it can spark creativity.


Close up of old English dictionary page with word backwards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


  1. Finding Hidden Gems in Backward Words Some words reveal delightful surprises when spelled backward. Take “level,” which remains unchanged, symbolizing balance no matter the direction. Or “live,” which becomes “evil”—a literary twist just waiting to inspire your next thriller. Playing with palindromes and reversed words can add depth to character names, plots, or even dialogue.
Examples:
    • “Desserts” spelled backward is “stressed”—perfect for a story about finding joy in the chaos.
    • “Part” becomes “trap”—ideal for a suspenseful tale of escape.
    • “Time” reversed is “emit”—a poetic prompt for a story about fleeting moments.

Tip: Use backward words to create Easter eggs for readers or add layers of meaning to your work.


 

Quote on board: Don’t look back. You’re not going that way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


  1. Positive Lessons from Moving Backward In writing and life, moving backward isn’t always a negative. It can be a chance to reflect, reassess, and revisit ideas with fresh eyes. Rewriting a draft, for example, often means taking steps back to improve the story’s foundation. Similarly, characters who retrace their steps often discover truths they missed the first time.
      Examples of Backward Positivity:
    • A character revisiting their hometown uncovers secrets that reshape their identity.
    • A writer revisiting old journals finds the seed for a new story.
    • Retracing steps in a mystery leads to the “a-ha” moment that cracks the case.

Tip: Embrace backward moments as opportunities for growth and transformation, both on and off the page.


  1. Exercises to Inspire Backward Thinking Here are some playful ways to celebrate National Backward Day and spark your creativity:
  • Reverse Storytelling: Start with the ending and work your way backward. How did your protagonist end up there?
  • Backward Brainstorming: Write a sentence or paragraph, then rewrite it word by word in reverse order. Notice how the tone or meaning shifts.
  • Palindromic Poetry: Craft a poem where lines read the same forward and backward—a fun challenge for any wordsmith.

Tip: Share your backward creations with others—you might spark someone else’s imagination too.


  1. Backward Perspectives in Literature Some of the most memorable stories play with time and perspective in reverse. From novels told in non-linear timelines to characters reflecting on their past, backward storytelling has captivated readers for centuries. Think of films like Memento or books like Slaughterhouse-Five that challenge traditional narratives by starting at the end.

Tip: Experiment with reverse chronology or flashbacks in your writing. You may uncover a fresh way to tell your story.


Smiling happy girl looking back at camera.

Conclusion: This National Backward Day, embrace the beauty of reverse thinking. Whether you’re playing with words, revisiting ideas, or exploring non-linear storytelling, going backward can open doors to creativity that moving forward might miss. So go ahead—flip the script, retrace your steps, and let the power of backward thinking inspire your next masterpiece.
Until next time…

 

 

 


About the Author

Cheryl Bannerman is a prolific and versatile author with a portfolio of ten published works across various genres including mystery novels and a children’s book. In 2018, she received the prestigious 2018 Book Excellence Award for her poetry collection, Words Never Spoken. In 2020, Bannerman’s book, Black Child to Black Woman: An African-American Woman Coming-of-Age Story, garnered acclaim, winning the Best Books Award in African American fiction and the Reader’s Favorite International Book Award Contest in Urban Fiction in 2021.

Readers can connect with Bannerman, purchase signed copies of her books, and subscribe to her newsletter through her website, www.bannermanbooks.com. When she is not writing for her next book, Bannerman is running her 28-year-old virtual B2B Training and Development company based out of her Orlando, Florida, home.