1. Introduction
2. Understanding Parallel Universes
   1. Scientific Theories of Parallel Universes
   2. Common Parallel Universes in Fiction
3. Key Elements of Parallel Universe Stories
4. Plotting Techniques
5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
6. Writing Exercise: The Divergence Point
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Parallel Universe stories have captivated readers and thinkers alike ever since people were willing to wonder about the other unknowns of our world. These thoughts could range from what if I had taken that job, went to that school, met this person at a different point of my life, to what if there’s another world that we catch glimpses of as part of the Mandela Effect? With your readers, and most likely yourself, constantly curious about the other, parallel universes are a great writing tool for science fiction and fantasy authors. But what exactly is a parallel universe?

Parallel universes are hypothetical realities that exist alongside our own. In fiction, they often represent worlds that are like ours but with key differences.

Popularity of the parallel universe stems from the concept’s versatility, its ability to engage scientific and philosophical ideas, and for creating compelling narratives. Readers love to play what if games, even with the literature they read? Look no further than fan-fiction. This is a great tool for people to play the what if and explore alternate universes that may or may not have been approached before. Parallel universes offer writers a chance to explore new timelines, worlds, and universes.

By the end of this post you’ll learn the basics of parallel universes, plotting techniques, and how to craft these compelling alternate realities.

Understanding Parallel Universes

Parallel universes in fiction are formed from real scientific theories and are implemented with many creative liberties taken. The real reason you’re going to use some creative freedom in these stories is that the scientific theories are highly speculative. Most of them will most likely not be accepted by the scientific community. Let’s cover a few of those at a high level, and you can research the one that interests you. Then we’ll talk more about the ones you’ll commonly see in fiction.

Scientific Theories of Parallel Universes

• Many-Worlds interpretation of Quantum Mechanics suggests that every quantum event creates a branching of reality. Each possible outcome of a quantum measurement occurs in separate universes.
• String Theory and M-Theory proposes that our universe is one of many “branes” (Membrane-like structures) floating in a higher dimensional space. These theories suggest the possibility of other universes with different physical laws.
• Eternal Inflation proposes that inflation (rapid expansion after the Big Bang) continues eternally in some regions of space. This results in a multiverse of “bubble universes,” each with potentially different properties.
• Braneworld Scenarios are based on string theory and suggest that our universe is a three-dimensional “brane” floating in a higher dimensional bulk.
• Quantum Superpositions believes that since particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously than observed in quantum mechanics, then parallel realities exist where different outcomes occur.

Common Parallel Universes in Fiction

With the theories listed above, and many not listed, there are plenty of opportunities for writers to weave parallel universes into their stories. But there are some common tropes when it comes to science fiction and fantasy stories that keep readers and writers turning pages.

Divergent timelines provide stories where the parallel universes have branched off from our own at a specific point in time, usually because of different choices or events. These stories will keep the same history until that point of divergence and play the what if game from then on. You can use the divergent timeline to explore the consequences of different choices or random events. Divergent timelines also allow you to create nearly identical worlds or drastically different realities.

Mirror universes are parallel worlds that are fundamentally different from our own, often with inverted moral or social structures. You’ll often find opposite or significantly altered versions of familiar characters, archetypes, and settings. If you’re looking to explore moral and ethical questions, this could be a great tool. You’ll usually see these in good vs. evil inversions, dystopian/utopian flips, or explorations of human nature and morality.

Alternate histories explore what the world would be like if a major historical event had different outcomes. These stories will force you into extensive research and world-building as you base everything off a pivotal moment in history changing. Often, these stories will comment on current social and political issues. Common themes might include different outcomes of major wars, technological development occurring earlier or later, and survival of extinct civilizations or species.

Multiverse concepts involve a vast or infinite number of parallel universes, each potentially with its own set of physical laws. Writing into a multiverse allows writers to explore wildly different realities, to travel between universes, and incorporate elements of quantum physics and string theory. You’ll see this appear in stories where the characters are on a quest to find the “right” universe, conflicts spanning multiple universes, or the exploration of reality itself.

Overall, parallel universes offer a unique tool for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to explore these elements. Many writers combine elements from each of the theories or common forms of parallel universes to develop fresh narratives to engage their readers. As you venture into the realm of parallel universes, you’ll want to make sure and research and set your rules for the parallel universe you’re going to use.

Key Elements of Parallel Universe Stories

Every story tool has key elements that writers want to make sure they hit, and parallel universes are no different. If you’ve already written a parallel universe story, you can use these parameters to refine and tighten the elements of your work. If you’re getting ready to write a parallel universe story, these focus points can help you outline, create conflicts, and better understand your world. Either way, you’re going to want to start with a basic element that we sometimes forget about because we think it’s implied.

Point of divergence is the part of the story where your world becomes different from our own. While that may make it seem that this element only applies to the divergent timeline story, it actually covers all of them. No matter the story, there will be a path of divergence from how we understand the world. The point of divergence could appear at the beginning of time and space in the universe or anywhere throughout the timelines. It’s up to you to lock in the “moment everything changed” and keep the story consistent from there on out.

Rules and consistency is something that will come up again and again for science fiction and fantasy writers. Once you establish the rules of your parallel universe, make sure you stick to them. This is no different than creating your magic or science systems. Study works with similar parallel universe approaches as you’d like to write to find the commonalities. Try to distinguish what you want to keep, and how your parallel universe is unique to you and the characters within.

Character counterparts allow you to explore different facets of a character’s personality, examine how circumstances shape individuals, and create interesting interactions with the two different versions. Wherever you stand on the nature vs. nurture debate, the changes you’ll make will create alternate versions of the characters in the story. The key here is that if you change something before the birth of your character, then there’s a chance their parallel may not even be there. So keep in mind the law of unintended consequences and how the lack of the parallel may affect not just your character, but the world around them.

World-building differences will occur as you alter the timelines. Whether you change a major event or a person, the way the world grew from that point on will change. When looking at your world-building changes, keep in mind the power of one. One vote could change the election, which would change the direction the country, region, or planet was headed. The person who could have stopped dangerous research missed a meeting because of vacation, and that led to the zombie apocalypse. To make sure your world-building changes are effective, analyze what you’re changing, why you’re changing it, and explore the possibilities that could arise from those changes.

Alternative history writers may find it easier or harder depending on the research they do for that event. The writers of new worlds and their parallel universes will have to create the data, trends, and most probable outcomes from scratch.

Use these tools to refine and solidify this amazing world of tomorrow. Keeping in mind the key elements of parallel universes will solidify the base to support the structure of your story.

Plotting Techniques

There are a few different plotting techniques you can use to introduce your readers to this parallel universe you’ve built. Some will start your story at the divergence point, and others will start you long after.

• Fish Out of Water
  • The fish out of water approach thrusts your character into the parallel universe without apology. Every variation will be reflected through the character’s learning of the new world and how it affects them. This is a good technique for all ranges of parallel universe stories, but especially applicable in universes with more subtle changes at first. Starting out with something small, like everyday interactions, is a great way to ease your character and reader into the world you’ve created.
• Exploration and Discovery
  • Exploration and discovery can tie in with the fish out of water approach, or be part of a more intentional story. A group of scientists, kids who found a magical amulet, or a person in a freak accident may have got to their alternate reality. Once discovered, they realize the differences could lead to whatever their goal is in life. It’s great for building suspense and wonder as the characters and readers gradually uncover the nature of the new world.
• Conflict between Universes
  • Conflict between universes is a technique that involves creating tension or outright conflict between different parallel universes. The conflicts can take many shapes, like warfare, competition, invasion, and ethical dilemmas. This approach often leads to high-stakes storytelling and can explore themes of imperialism, cultural clash, and the consequences of our choices on a larger scale.
• Personal growth through alternate selves
  • Sometimes the hardest lessons we learn are the ones from ourselves. These stories have the protagonist encounter different versions of themselves from parallel universes. You can use this approach to explore the “road not taken” version, confront personal flaws, or even question their identity and what truly defines a person. Alternate selves allow for deeper character studies and can lead to profound personal growth arcs.

As always, these are only a few of the techniques you can use to plot your story. If you have a favorite, that’s not on the list, drop it in the comments below!

Now that you have your story elements locked in, and have an idea of how you’re plotting these stories, it’s time to get the warning signs out of the way.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Overwhelming complexity is an easy pit to fall into as you expand on possibilities exponentially during the brainstorming and creation phases of your process. The way to balance out this complexity is to decide on your grounding rules of the world you’re creating. Look at what changes and what is directly affected like that. As you decide on your point of divergence, accept that the direct results of that is your focus of the story. You can come back later with short stories or novellas if you want to explore the other minutiae of your parallel universe. If you can choose your focus and stick with it early on, you’ll avoid the next common pitfall with a little more ease.

Lack of stakes can send a good story to the bad book graveyard. The stakes, or so what of the parallel universe, need to be clear as exploring new universes will only take readers so far. It is essential for the characters to have something meaningful at risk, something that gives the story tension and keeps the readers invested. Whether it’s the fate of the world, the personal happiness of a beloved character, or the resolution of a long-standing conflict, the stakes must drive the narrative forward with purpose and urgency. Without clear and compelling stakes, the storyline may lose its grip on the audience’s imagination, and the impact of the parallel universes diminished.

Inconsistent rules will break the suspension of disbelief faster than anything else in your book. The readers are looking for you to be the guide on this adventure. If they can’t trust the author to know what’s going on, how can they enjoy the book? Whether you use story bibles or a stack of sticky notes, document your decisions and keep them nearby. Reference those notes often.

Now that you’ve learned the do’s and don’ts of writing parallel universes, it’s time to get a little practice in.

Writing Exercise: The Divergence Point

Create a short story or scene (500-1000 words) that explores a parallel universe diverging from our own at a specific point in time.

Steps:

1. Choose a divergence point:
   Select a historical event or personal moment that will serve as your story’s point of divergence. This could be a major world event, a scientific discovery, or even a seemingly small personal decision.
2. Establish the rules:
   Decide on 2-3 key rules that govern how your parallel universe works. These could relate to how the divergence affects the world, limitations on travel between universes, or how characters perceive the changes.
3. Create character counterparts:
   Develop a main character and their alternate self from the parallel universe. Consider how the divergence point has shaped them differently.
4. World-building:
   Briefly outline 3-5 significant ways your parallel universe differs from our own as a result of the divergence.
5. Choose a plotting technique:
   Select one of the plotting techniques mentioned in the post (Fish Out of Water, Exploration and Discovery, Conflict Between Universes, or Personal Growth Through Alternate Selves) to frame your story.
6. Write your story:
   Craft your short story or scene, focusing on introducing the parallel universe through your chosen plotting technique while avoiding the common pitfalls mentioned in the post.
7. Reflection:
   After writing, briefly analyze your work. How did you maintain consistency? What stakes did you establish? How did you balance complexity with clarity?

This exercise will help you practice important aspects of parallel universe storytelling, such as creating a clear point of change, keeping consistent rules, developing character counterparts, and building a compelling world, all within a specific plot framework.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey through parallel universes, remember that these stories offer endless possibilities for creativity and exploration. Whether you’re crafting divergent timelines, mirror universes, or complex multiverses, the key is to ground your narrative in consistent rules and compelling stakes. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of imagination, but always keep your readers anchored with relatable characters and clear storytelling.

The exercise I’ve provided is just a starting point – feel free to adapt and expand on it as you hone your parallel universe writing skills. As you venture into these alternate realities, you’ll find that parallel universes aren’t just a plot device, but a powerful tool for examining the human condition, questioning our choices, and reimagining our world. So, take that leap into the unknown, and see where your parallel paths might lead.

Keep writing, keep learning, and become an author of tomorrow!

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