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Topic : Re: How to not confuse readers with simultaneous events? In an omniscient third person, I have 8 (practically unrelated) events going simultaneously in different parts of a large mansion. I want to - selfpublishingguru.com

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Index event(s), things that either happen to everyone or that everyone is expecting to happen will help keep the timing of the various POVs synced up. Examples of things that happen include loud noises, physical motions of the setting such as a house shuddering or a ship turning, or completely non-physical event that makes the characters collectively react in some way. Examples of things that are expected include deadlines and events organised by the character(s) for a particular time.

To differentiate between the scenes clearly you need a division of aesthetics between your POVs. This usually done by having the different characters have "individual voice", this is not unique to parallel timelines it's universally good technique for clearly defining characters, use different internal voice and/or dialogue styles. It can also be achieved in some cases by using different form language for describing the setting when the different timelines are taking place in different spaces.

To create a hectic feeling have the characters panicky rather than risk confusion to the reader. Readers who are confused tend to go back and reread passages to make sure they understand what's happening, this will hammer the momentum of the scene.


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