Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips #184. 3 Must-Know Tips For Writing A Novel With Dual Timelines
Struggling to weave together dual timelines in your novel? Discover essential elements that make these narratives work. Learn the crucial distinction between true dual timelines and flashbacks. Explore proven methods to arrange chapters and create meaningful connections between timelines. Keep readers hooked, regardless of which timeline they’re following, and tackle the common pitfalls of dual storytelling. Get ready to craft a captivating story that resonates with your audience!
30:43
Structure for Dual Timelines
- Structure dual timelines strategically, ensuring each has a complete narrative arc.
- Connect timelines meaningfully, strengthening the overarching story.
Chapter Arrangement
- Arrange dual timeline chapters by alternating or grouping sections.
- Maintain a consistent pattern for reader ease and immersion.
Meaningful Connections
- Connect timelines meaningfully using shared themes, objects, or characters.
- Explore similar challenges or decisions from different perspectives.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Crafting Compelling Dual Timelines in Novels
01:54 • 14min
Mastering Dual Timelines in Novel Writing
15:35 • 15min
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“I want to write a dual timeline novel, but I’m struggling to weave the storylines together. Help!” 👈 This is something I hear from writers all the time. And while it’s true that writing a story with dual timelines presents its own set of challenges, the possibilities are often worth the effort.
Tune in to this episode to learn the essential elements that make dual timeline novels work, common mistakes to avoid, and practical writing strategies you can use to write a dual timeline story that truly resonates with readers.
In this episode, I cover things like:
- [03:00] The difference between true dual timeline stories and stories that use flashbacks to convey backstory—and why this distinction is so important
- [08:45] Two proven methods for arranging the chapters in your dual timeline novel, including the most common approach that works for all genres
- [11:25] Why creating a connection between timelines is so critical—and 5 specific ways to create meaningful connections between your timelines
- [18:00] How to keep readers engaged in your story no matter which timeline they’re in (and what to do if one of your timelines falls flat)
- [25:55] Final thoughts and episode recap
If you want to write a novel that has more than one timeline—or if you’re editing a novel with dual timelines—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:
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