You’ve probably heard of the three-act structure when it comes to storytelling. Even people who aren’t writers likely know that much. Most stories are divided into three parts and usually unfold in a linear, chronological way. But that’s not the only kind of story structure, nor is it necessarily the best one.
Although I have written a fully linear, three-act story before, my first published novel, In the Land of the Living, is actually a dual-timeline narrative. That structure weaves together two different storylines — from two different time periods — which intercut to form one connected, threaded story.
And now I’m returning to that same kind of structure with The Anima Project. It follows two different characters, and as the story unfolds, readers will discover just how deeply each storyline is connected to the other.
If you’re unsure what that looks like in practice, think of the well-known film Julie & Julia. It uses a dual-timeline structure, moving back and forth between Julia Child and Julie Powell.
You won’t find that technique in most stories, though. Many people say it’s difficult to pull off. With all due respect to those who find it challenging, I’ve found this interlocking structure much easier — and far more exciting — to write than a single linear storyline.
The truth is, many writers have a great deal of background material about their characters’ lives — entire stories, really — that are just as compelling as the main plot. Yet very little of that ever makes it onto the page. That may be one reason there are so many series and such a strong interest in prequels. Authors want to try to fit them in somewhere. For me, writing a dual-timeline narrative makes it possible to weave backstory into the present-day plot that adds to the story rather than distract from it. And honestly, I find the end result far more powerful.
It’s always exciting to hear a reader respond to my work and say, “I can’t believe it all connects!” That sense of discovery isn’t something I want to use as a gimmick, but what author wouldn’t want to give readers that kind of experience?
Because this structure is less common, it can also create a sense of originality that a linear version of the same story might not achieve. For me, I simply enjoy piecing my stories together like puzzles. It makes the writing process more fun. And if it’s fun for me, I trust it will be fun for readers too. In fact, I have another dual-timeline story in the queue after this one. I might even say it’s my structure of choice. At least, it’s what I tend toward as a writer.
If you’d like to see what a dual-timeline narrative looks like on the page, you can read the first three completed chapters of The Anima Project here. Oh, and by the way: it has five arcs, not three!
If this sounds like a story you’d be into, I’d love to encourage you to subscribe. That way, you can follow the narrative week by week, and we can keep in touch!
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Thanks for reading!
A.T. LISCHAK
