TBA

Writing Dual Timelines

Learn how to write compelling dual timeline novels with novelist Karen Nelson. Master pacing, structure, narrative voice, and seamless timeline transitions.

Master the art of weaving two timelines into one unforgettable story with novelist Karen Nelson.

Ideal for fiction writers exploring dual timelines and anyone looking to strengthen story structure, pacing, and narrative tension.

Writing a novel that unfolds across two different timelines is one of fiction's most rewarding—and challenging—structural techniques. Done well, dual timelines deepen suspense, create emotional resonance, and reveal powerful connections across time. Done poorly, they can leave readers feeling disoriented or more invested in one storyline than the other.

In this practical, craft-focused workshop, novelist Karen Nelson will break down the essential mechanics of writing compelling dual timelines. You'll learn how to create two equally engaging narratives, develop distinct voices for each timeline, and use setting, recurring imagery, and carefully planted echoes to bind your stories together. Along the way, Karen will share practical organizational strategies and structural tools to help you manage the complexity of writing across different periods while maintaining momentum, mystery, and emotional payoff.

Whether you're just beginning a dual timeline novel or looking to strengthen a work in progress, you'll leave with concrete techniques you can immediately apply to your own writing.

This Workshop is Ideal for

Fiction writers at any stage of their writing journey.

Writers planning or drafting a dual timeline novel.

Authors struggling to balance two distinct storylines.

Writers looking for practical strategies for structuring complex narratives.

Writing Dual Timelines

Writing Dual Timelines

$80.00

TBA

You'll Walk Away With

How to create two distinct narrative voices while keeping readers equally invested in both timelines.

Techniques for balancing pacing, making seamless transitions, and preventing one storyline from overshadowing the other.

How to use setting, recurring imagery, and carefully placed echoes to connect your timelines and deepen emotional impact.

Practical strategies for organizing a dual timeline novel and revealing information to maximize suspense and reader satisfaction.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Karen Nelson

Karen Nelson is the author of the novels The Last Summer at Feather River and The Sunken Town. She is also the co-founder of the nonprofit Writing By Writers where she hosts writing workshops taught by nationally-known, award-winning authors. Her travel writing has appeared in Coast Magazine, Premium, The Orange County Register, and various other publications nationwide. She holds a degree in creative writing from Colby College and has taught writing at the local high school. When not organizing writing workshops, she can be found hiking with her dog, reading, traveling, experimenting in the kitchen, and hosting dinner parties. She lives in the Silicon Valley.

Ready to write a dual timeline story with confidence, clarity, and emotional impact?

Sibyl Writing Craft Workshop FAQ

Yes! Most of our workshops are streamed live on Zoom, allowing you to learn in real time and interact with the instructor. If you can't make it, don’t worry—we will send you a link to watch or download the recording within 24 to 48 hours after the session ends.

Yes! If you can’t attend live (or want to revisit the material), you’ll receive a recording after the session. You can watch it on your own schedule.

Our webinars and workshops will have built in time for Q&A at the end. Some workshop instructors may respond to questions throughout the session, depending on the workshop format.

Many workshops include slides, worksheets, or resource lists that you can download and keep.

No preparation is required unless otherwise noted. Some instructors may offer optional prompts or materials to help you get even more out of the session.