Writing Tip: Writing Non-linear Narratives
Nonlinear narratives mix up timelines and perspectives to create stories that play with time and structure, offering a refreshing twist on the conventional plot. Sometimes this is dual-timeline, and sometimes it follows no real linear path whatsoever. Either way, it can really enhance the reading experience and allow us as writers to share information only when it suits the story we’re trying to tell.
Nonlinear narratives toss out the old chronological playbook and embrace a more fluid approach. Instead of a straight line from start to finish, these stories unfold through flashbacks, parallel timelines, or multiple perspectives, making readers piece together the story like a complex puzzle. Aside from the manuscript I’ve written and queried this year, I’ve reviewed a few books with multiple timelines here on the blog. The Day Death Stopped by Rebecca Thorne is one such book, and the format was essential for delivering this story.
A nonlinear narrative keeps us on our toes, creating a sense of mystery just through structure alone. By breaking up the story, we invite our audience to actively engage and dig through layers of information, adding a touch of excitement and discovery to their reading experience. Nearly everyone who has read the manuscript I queried this year has commented on how they can’t imagine this story being told in any way other than the dual-timeline structure I used. I wholeheartedly agree. But that’s because it allows us to tell multiple stories at once, and when they all come together, it’s immensely satisfying as the reader.
Ways to Make Non-linear Storytelling Work
Strategic Flashbacks: Drop hints from the past at just the right moments. Flashbacks can offer valuable insights into characters’ backstories and motivations, adding context to the current events. Make sure each flashback has a purpose and reveals something crucial.
Parallel Timelines: Juggle multiple timelines that run side by side. We might explore different phases of a character’s life or show events happening at the same time. This technique creates a more dynamic story that shows how past actions influence the present.
Narrative Pacing: Control the flow of revelations. Unveil key pieces of the story gradually to build suspense. Managing how and when we reveal information helps keep readers engaged and the tension high.
Symbolism: Use recurring symbols or motifs to tie different timelines together. These elements help anchor us through the story, providing a cohesive theme. This little detail can help guide us through the time shifts.
Character Echoes: Reflect character traits or key moments across timelines. Seeing familiar elements in different contexts can deepen readers’ understanding of character development and highlight how experiences shape characters over time.
Foreshadowing: Drop hints about future events throughout the story. Cleverly placed clues or subtle hints keep readers guessing and excited to see how everything will come together in the end.
Make it Fun
Remember, nonlinear storytelling isn’t about mixing up timeliness just for the hell of it. It’s about engaging readers in a fun, collaborative way. Encourage them to question, connect the dots, and piece together what’s happening. By making the reading experience interactive, we also (hopefully) make it super fun and engaging.
In a nutshell, nonlinear narratives are a fantastic way to shake up traditional storytelling. They let us play with time and structure, keeping readers intrigued and invested. If you’ve never written in this way before, I highly suggest giving it a try. You may surprise yourself with the stories you’re able to tell when you allow yourself to step outside of the linear story.
Happy writing!
