Thread by @AlyssaMatesic

One of the most common novel structures is also one of the trickiest to pull off: the multi-storyline narrative.

Here are the 5 biggest mistakes I see when editing multiple-storyline novels, so you can catch & correct them in your own WIP (an #amwriting 🧵):

1. Switching storylines too frequently. This can make readers feel jostled & keep them from getting invested in the story.

To avoid a sense of whiplash, give readers ample time (at least a full scene) to get immersed in each character/storyline before moving on to the next.

2. Waiting too long btwn storylines. On the other hand, sitting w/ a single storyline for too long creates imbalance & slows down your pacing/plot momentum.

Try to dedicate a near-equal # of pages to ea. storyline. Stay consistent to keep the reader equally engaged w/ each one.

3. Introducing a storyline too late. You’ll want to establish which storylines you’ll be switching between early in the novel, w/in the first 20-40 pages. Waiting longer than that to intro a new storyline can feel abrupt & jarring to the reader.

4. Dropping a storyline. Every storyline must have a beginning, middle & end. Don’t randomly drop a storyline w/ no resolution. You’ve gotten the reader invested, so they want to see it through. Provide a sense of finality/closure for each storyline by the end of the novel.

5. Having too many storylines. It’s possible to have too many stories in a novel, esp. if it is over 100k words. Is the reader able to meaningfully connect w/ ea. storyline/protag? In some cases, it may serve the story to omit a storyline — or split them into multiple novels!

5 mistakes I see in multi-storyline novels:
1. Switching storylines frequently
2. Waiting too long btwn storylines
3. Introducing a storyline late
4. Dropping storylines
5. Having too many storylines

Address these & watch your multiple storylines come together! #writingcommunity