Pretty much all you need to know as a writer. Going up on my wal today.

Keep Writing!

I'm not sure about the "Forget the past" thing. Sometimes backstories make for some great moments in a film.

E.g. The Lord Of The Rings wouldn't work without the backstory of Bilbo's adventures etc. But I'm sure Lehane isn't talking about movies like that.

Everthing else is good advice. Goes up my digital wall as well.

Perhaps a better way to make a point regarding Flashbacks: If you have to use a flashback to introduce something that pertains to the next moment, then yes, your story isn't working. Flashbacks can be used effectively in certain cases. People who rely on flashbacks instead of properly introducing concepts well before they're needed are using shortcuts to tell their story.

Wonderful read. Its the motivation I needed this morning.