Alternating storylines: both need plot?

tangerinetrees · Aug 22, 2011

In my WIP, I have two alternating storylines. One is my main story, while the other is a fake memoir that's vital to the main plot. The thing is, the memoir doesn't really have a plot itself--it's an account of strange people the writer meets around the world. Kinda like Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino, which has Marco Polo describing different cities he's visited.

So my question is, can it work having an episodic storyline of 'I met X, then I went to Bermuda and met Y', even though it's sandwiched inside the real plot? All the novels I've found with alternating storylines have fully-fleshed plots for each story.

DeleyanLee · Aug 22, 2011

"Plot" doesn't necessarily need to have events, but there does need to be something revealed--either to the characters or to the reader--that changes the status quo of the beginning in some irrevocable way.

So, yes, both of them need something. It doesn't have to be the same somethings in both, but they both need that growth in some way.

VoireyLinger · Aug 22, 2011

What DeleyanLee said.

If it's in the book, it needs to have a reason for being there. this doesn't have to mean a secondary plot happening. Something that adds to the main plot or characterization has purpose and would fit in well.

tangerinetrees · Aug 23, 2011

I have an inkling of how to go with this now, thanks guys!

Alternating storylines: both need plot?

tangerinetrees

shake well

DeleyanLee

Writing Anarchist

VoireyLinger

Angel Wing Fetish

tangerinetrees

shake well