Introduction

Welcome to April Authors of Tomorrow! I hope your writing has been going well and that you’ve reached the goals you set for the month. Since today is the first day of April, it’s a great time to set some new goals to achieve this month. We’ve been discussing various plot structures and how you can experiment with them. Which of these posts have you found the most useful?

Today, we’re going to focus on mastering the multi-threaded plotline in epic narratives. This article will explore non-linear stories through the lens of epic science fiction or fantasy. While there are similarities to what we discussed in the “Exploring Alternative Plot Structures: Non-Linear and Experimental” post, there are also unique genre-specific requirements.

This month, we’re spotlighting Ursula K. Le Guin, an award-winning science fiction and fantasy author. You may know her for the Earthsea cycle and The Left Hand of Darkness. But before we dive into her work, let’s explore multi-threaded plotlines.

Feature Article: Mastering Multi-threaded Plotlines

Introduction

Multi-threaded plot lines are stories that used multiple points of view that progress the story linearly. You can find examples of this in stories like the Lord of the Rings and Dune. The stories show how mastering this skill can create memorable narratives. The multi-thread story allows authors to explore different parts of their world through different character’s eyes that allow them to add a unique fullness to their world. While using a multi-threaded plot is a great tool, it does create its own challenges. Let’s lock in the multi-threaded plotline a little more and then we’ll explore how to craft your own multi-threaded plotline.

Understanding Multi-Threaded Plotlines

When I first heard of multi-threaded plotlines, I quickly confused them with non-linear stories. So I want to make sure we’re all on the same page with what a multi-threaded plotline is.

A multi-threaded plotline is a narrative structure where multiple storylines or plot threads are developed simultaneously. These threads often intersect, influence each other, and contribute to the overall narrative. Each thread typically follows different characters, events, or themes, creating a complex and layered story.

With multi-threaded plotlines, you can provide your readers with a fuller experience and build a unique kind of suspense. For instance, in a fantasy story where the main point of view is the hero protagonist, you could also include the villain’s journey. This approach not only reveals potential traps but also helps readers sympathize with the villain.

In The Lord of the Rings, after the Fellowship of the Ring is separated by Boromir’s death, we’re exposed to multiple storylines from different groups of characters. Frodo and Sam continue on to Mordor alone, while Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli follow a different trail to rescue Merry and Pippin. Each of these storylines explores the characters and their critical contributions to the overall story.

Techniques for Crafting Multi-Threaded Plotlines

Crafting a multi-threaded plot can seem overwhelming due to the work required to make it successful. However, by focusing on a few key factors, you can develop a great multi-thread plotline.

• Character Development: Create distinct and compelling characters for each thread. The goal is to ensure each thread has either a POV character or that each character has their own arc. Think back to The Lord of the Rings. Though Sam and Frodo go on the same journey, they experience different arcs. Sam evolves from a passive helper to a proactive hero-like figure, while Frodo, driven by the ring, follows a self-destruction arc. Therefore, characters do not have to undergo the same internal journey even if they are on the same external journey. Additionally, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli each go through their own growth and understanding arcs that make them a greater team and friends.
• Plot Interweaving: There are various strategies for interconnecting different plot threads. One common approach is a patterned approach to POVs. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir is a great example of this technique. The author alternates chapters between the two main characters of the story from different backgrounds. Also, this book was a great read that I highly recommend. One of my back burner stories has three plot threads that will be separate at first, and then combine into alternating chapters as they are brought together. How you interweave your story will depend on the story, so feel free to experiment, as your first choice might not be the best answer for the current story.
• Pacing and Timing: Balancing the progression of each storyline is important to maintain reader engagement. This is one of the hardest parts I have found with this approach. Writing multiple plot lines can feel repetitive, as if similar plot points are being repeated in alternating chapters. One thing I have found helpful is to have your characters at different parts of their stories. The protagonist may be at the start of their hero’s journey, but another character may have already gone through that and is following a new arc that still aligns with the overall plot.

How to Avoid the Multi-Threaded Pitfalls

As stated throughout this article, the multi-threaded storyline isn’t always the easiest to execute. I’ve definitely learned lessons from my writing, but here are a few ways you can enhance your experience.

The first step should be to create a timeline. You’ll want to make sure you’re able to map out when events are occurring in the overall storyline, so you aren’t creating unintentional plot holes. A lot of this happens when you’re creating a story where the multiple threads are from characters in the same group. A common error is having characters in two places at once. The timeline allows you to track where each character is in each scene. This will also prevent confusing overlaps as you try to show different perspectives viewing the same event.

Next, you’ll want to focus on the balanced development of the subplots and characters. Give each subplot enough attention and development so that it contributes to the overall story. A lacking subplot can make the chapter feel empty and pointless as the reader tries to figure out how it impacts the main plot. Characters should also be developed to the point where they all have some sort of arc. Not all arcs are going to be fully fleshed out like your protagonist’s, but by giving your secondary characters a basic arc, you add fullness to your story.

When you’re interweaving your plot threads, ensure the threads intersect and influence each other in a natural way. You’re the master of your story, so remember that the outline you built or the flow you’re following should guide you. If you’re just trying to force an intersection, maybe it’s the story telling you there’s a better way to write it. This may change things dramatically, but trust your instincts in the early drafts and then use your Editor Brain in the later drafts to decide if it worked.

I hope these tips help you out. Do you have a tip you’ve found most useful in writing multi-threaded storylines? What have you noticed as a reader that you like or dislike?

Mastering multi-threaded plotlines is a journey of creativity and careful craft. While it might seem daunting at first, remember that every complex narrative begins with simple steps: develop compelling characters, create thoughtful timelines, and allow your plot threads to breathe and intersect naturally. The beauty of this storytelling technique lies in its ability to create rich, immersive worlds that feel more expansive and nuanced than traditional linear narratives.

Don’t be afraid to experiment, trust your storytelling instincts, and most importantly, enjoy the process of weaving together multiple character arcs into a cohesive and engaging story. Whether you’re writing an epic fantasy like The Lord of the Rings or crafting your own unique narrative, multi-threaded plotlines offer an exciting way to explore the depths of your characters and the complexity of their journeys.

Author Spotlight: Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018)

This month, our spotlight author is Ursula K. Le Guin, a titan in the realms of science fiction and fantasy. With a career that spanned decades, Le Guin left her mark on literature, earning as eight Hugo Awards, six Nebula Awards, and the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. In 2000, she was honored as a Living Legend by the Library of Congress. Le Guin is famous for her influential books, like the Earthsea series and “The Left Hand of Darkness.”

1. Gradual World-Building: In her narratives, Le Guin reveals the intricacies of her worlds through the experiences of her characters. For example, in “The Left Hand of Darkness,” readers gradually uncover the complexities of Gethenian culture alongside Genly Ai, the protagonist. This method allows for a deeper connection between the world and its inhabitants.
2. Intertwined Personal Journeys: Le Guin weaves individual character arcs with broader societal themes. In the Earthsea cycle, Ged’s transformation from a reckless youth to a wise Archmage mirrors the larger conflicts within his world, illustrating how personal growth is often tied to external challenges.
3. Diverse Perspectives: One of Le Guin’s strengths is her ability to manage multiple viewpoints across expansive settings. In “The Left Hand of Darkness,” she alternates between Genly Ai’s narrative and Estraven’s journal entries, providing contrasting perspectives that enrich the story and highlight the subjective nature of truth.

Through these techniques, Le Guin not only crafted compelling narratives, but also invited readers to explore complex themes such as gender, identity, and societal structures. Her stories inspire us all and show the power of challenging ideas.

Writing Exercise: Multi-Threaded Plotline Exploration

Today, you’re going to practice creating and interconnecting multiple character storylines. Even if you don’t usually write fantasy, it’s good to write in other genres. Though you’re welcome to adjust the characters as you see fit.

1. Create Three Distinct Characters (3 minutes)
   • Character A: A young apprentice in a magical academy
   • Character B: A seasoned merchant traveling through dangerous territories
   • Character C: A retired soldier living in a remote village
2. Initial Storyline Development (5 minutes) For each character, write a brief paragraph describing:
   • Their current situation
   • An immediate challenge or goal
   • A unique personal motivation
3. Plot Intersection Challenge (4 minutes) Identify at least two ways these three seemingly unrelated characters’ stories might intersect:
   • What unexpected connection could link their narratives?
   • How might their individual goals create a larger, interconnected story?
   • Write a few sentences exploring potential plot convergence points
4. Reflection (3 minutes)
   • Review your character threads
   • Note how their individual arcs could contribute to a broader narrative
   • Identify potential themes or conflicts that emerge from their combined stories

Bonus Challenge: If time permits, try writing a short scene that hints at how these characters’ paths might cross.

Upcoming Events May 2025

• May 2-4: Pikes Peak Writing Conference in Colorado Springs, CO
• May 8-10: Storymakers Conference in Provo, UT

Resource Roundup

• Writing Multiple Plotlines: Everything You Need to Know from K.M. Weiland offers some great insight through article and video on one way to write multiple plotlines.
• What is Multistrand Narrative? by Stavros Halvatzis shows how using multiple storylines in a narrative can capture the complexity of modern life better than a single plot.

Conclusion

Mastering multi-threaded plotlines is an art form that transforms storytelling from a linear journey into a rich, interconnected tapestry of human experience. By embracing techniques like thoughtful character development, strategic plot interweaving, and careful pacing, writers can create narratives that resonate deeply with readers.

Whether you’re crafting an epic fantasy like The Lord of the Rings or exploring the nuanced worlds of science fiction, multi-threaded storytelling offers an expansive canvas for creativity, allowing authors to illuminate the complex relationships between characters, their journeys, and the worlds they inhabit.

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