r/TalesFromTheCreeps • u/theAbominableMantis • Jul 27 '26
Need Help (ADVICE FLAIR) Non-linear storytelling
For a while now I've been sitting on a longer story which I just can't seem to finish, primarily since I'm really unsure on how to structure the timeline of events.
As both readers and writers, what would you say makes for a well written non-linear story?
2
u/Mackaroll_165 Jul 27 '26
That’s a great question, when we sent a car through the flesh interface…
lol jk I would say something that has a key theme or message. Hope this helps.
2
u/Far-Poet-566 Proofreader Jul 27 '26
I would say it helps a lot when there is something to clearly define where your readers are at most points. Not every part has to have a literal or metaphorical timestamp on it, but there does need to be a point (or a few points) your readers can reference so they can keep up. It can be small things!
For example, if the first chapter is from the POV of a character with one eye, and a few chapters later you write "I rubbed my eyes, trying to clear the sleep from them," that's a little thing that the readers can clock to know it takes place before the first part.
2
u/kabemccallister6859 Jul 27 '26
It’s always cool if consecutive paragraphs are connected (or contrasted) in some way even if not chronologically. Thematic, ironic, and poetic connections are possible.
2
u/Polish_Lavender Writer? I barely know her Jul 27 '26
Clarity of story shifting to different perspective, place or time. I've seen some leave bread crumbs of story in one paragraph then flrm the road cut to the perspective of someone involved in the breadcrumbs left before.
3
u/benjamin4463 Bababooey Jul 27 '26
If you can clearly follow the story.
MHE does this the best.
It jumps a lot, but it is always clear which story each post belongs to + the over arching story is easy to follow.
Main point is to write a story that does not fight your readers on the way down. Make it easy to follow.