If you’ve ever read a book with a nonlinear narrative, you either loved it or you hated it. And if you loved it, chances are you’ve been entertaining the thought of doing the same in one of your own projects, but have been waiting for the right one.
Nonlinear narratives are great for exploring themes, the inner world of multiple characters, and setting the stage for a gripping mystery. If you get excited by the thought of setting up a puzzle for your reader to untangle, then they might just be right up your alley.
While you wait for the right project (or maybe you have it already) here are some insights on how you can structure these narratives effectively.
Understand nonlinear narratives
As you can probably tell by the name, nonlinear narratives are the opposite of chronological ones. These tell a story out of order, usually for a specific reason, such as to mimic the way people remember events. It makes the plot feel more dynamic or unpredictable, depending on the type of story being told.
To carry it out, the story will use flashbacks, flash-forwards, or parallel plots. This opens the door to additional tools, like time travel, dual time lines, or alternate realities.
Decide why your story needs a nonlinear narrative
This is important before you write a word of prose. Why are you telling this particular story out of order? Is it to build suspense? Reveal backstory? Highlight thematic contrasts?
Defining this purpose will guide your structural decisions and ensure every scene serves a clear function. To give yourself direction, write a one-sentence reason for why your story needs a nonlinear approach and refer to it as you draft.
Map out your timelines
If you’ve decided your story can’t be told chronologically, that’s great – but you still need to plan it out that way. This is to decrease any risks of plot holes appearing in the final half of the book.
Start by creating a detailed timeline of events in the order they happen. Write this out clearly, including key dates, locations, character actions and development, and any critical turning points. While you’re at it, try to limit the number of timelines you create. Two or three is best – any more and you’ll overwhelm your readers and yourself.
Use visual or easily movable tools like index cards, a spreadsheet, or storyboarding software to help you keep track of the entire story. Later, this foundation helps you remain consistent even after you rearrange the narrative for your readers.
Make sure it all makes sense
Even if your story isn’t chronological, it still needs a logical structure. To maintain a logical flow, pair scenes that share a common theme or emotional tone together. For example, follow a present-day betrayal with a past betrayal to draw a connection for the reader.
Introduce timelines gradually
Don’t overwhelm readers with multiple timelines right away. Plan your introduction carefully, so that you start with one timeline that is easy to follow, establish it firmly, and then gradually sprinkle in appearances from the others.
Keep each timeline distinct
To prevent confusion, if your narrative includes multiple characters or plots,make sure each has a distinct voice and setting. One timeline could be set in the winter in the big city, while the other could feature a suburban summer. The difference between the two helps readers to identify between storylines.
Build each segment as a standalone scene
Even if a scene isn’t in chronological order, it should have its own internal arc. Each segment should:
- Introduce a conflict or question
- Develop the tension or mystery
- Resolve enough to feel satisfying while leaving room for the broader story
Add value to everything
If a scene doesn’t have a clear function, cut it. Writing a nonlinear story is challenging enough without having to navigate sections that don’t add value.
For each scene, ask yourself, What is this scene revealing that couldn’t be shown chronologically? Think about factors that reveal character backstory, build suspense, or offer readers new, important information. If you need the extra reminder, write one-sentence purpose for each nonlinear segment – such as, “This flashback explains why Emma fears water” – to place beside your timeline.
Leave clear temporal markers
Time jumps can easily confuse readers if they’re not well-signposted. If you’re going to make a shift, leave indicators to the readers.
- Include dates or years at the start of chapters.
- Use phrases like “Three months earlier” or “The next morning” in the text.
- Distinguish timelines with stylistic differences, such as italics for flashbacks.
- Add the names of characters to the beginning of chapters if the timelines have separate casts.
Try experimenting with two different types of transitions in your draft to see which one feels natural to your story.
Don’t give your readers whiplash
Avoid excessive back-and-forth between timelines, as it can overwhelm readers. Allow each segment to develop for a bit of time before transitioning to give readers a sense of progression. The exception to this is if you’re writing an action sequence – sometimes jumping between segments quickly builds tension and urgency.
Use consistent themes or motifs
Tie different timelines together with recurring symbols, themes, or dialogue. For example, a specific object (like a family heirloom) or repeated phrases can signal connections between events even when they’re out of sequence.
Choose one motif or theme to appear across multiple timelines and make sure they appear naturally in significant moments.
Focus on flow while revising
After writing, take a break before returning to your story as if you’re reading it for the first time. Read it out loud or have it read to you to identify any awkward transitions or unclear timelines. Note these down as they appear, then when you sit down to revise, focus on refining the flow by offering new details or connecting old ones for clarity.
Beta-test your narrative
Beta readers are invaluable for nonlinear stories. Before finalizing your manuscript, have them read it for themselves. Ask them specific questions about the timeline and transitions to identify any confusion. Here are some things you could ask:
- Did you feel lost at any point?
- Were the transitions between timelines clear?
- Did each timeline feel necessary and engaging?
Use their feedback to refine transitions, eliminate unnecessary scenes, or adjust markers.