I have written about four chapters of a new novel, but now I’m stuck. I want to have a different kind of structure – you know like Fried Green Tomatoes, where it’s a story inside a story, or Water for Elephants where there are two stories at the same time: the old man’s current life in the nursing home and his past life in the circus before he got old – but neither of those structures are right for the novel I’m working on. So I am turning to any of you who love to read. If you could guide me to any books that have something different from the usual straight chronological structure, I’d appreciate it. My cousin, Lee, told me about a book called The 19th Wife, which tells a current murder mystery while chronicling Joseph Smith’s trek to Utah with a 19th wife who was unhappy. (Isn’t that the gist, Lee?). I will be looking at that book. But if you have one that plays with the usual “this happen, then that” for 350 pages, then please let me know. I could use some guidance.
One of my favorite novels is Snow Falling on Cedars, which tells of the Japanese Internment camps while exploring a modern-day mystery (in 1954), which involves the Japanese childhood girlfriend of a reporter who has returned crippled from combat in World War II. I love that book because it’s a great “who dun it,” but also teaches you something about history. I also love novels that flip back and forth between then and now from one chapter to the other just because they hold my interest more effectively than a straight chronology sometimes does. But I also love that straight storyline as long as it has enough twists and turns to make it interesting.
So, help me if you can. Just tell me any books that you love and why. Maybe that’s all I need. More books to look at that people genuinely love. They will have something special that will help me as I plan this novel of mine.
Just add the title of your book(s) in the Comments section. I would really appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks so much. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!
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