Storytelling With Reverse Chronology
By kristen overman
editor and writing teacher.
Reverse chronology storytelling is an interesting narrative structure that can add intrigue to your novel or short story. As the name implies, this technique involves telling the story in reverse order, starting with the end and working backwards to the beginning. This narrative structure has been around for centuries, but has gained a new level of popularity in recent years due to its use in various movies, TV shows, and books. In this article, I will explore why reverse chronology storytelling can be so captivating and how writers can use it effectively.
What is Reverse Chronology Storytelling?
Reverse chronology storytelling is when a story starts at the end and works backward through time until it reaches the beginning. (In case you’re wondering, a prologue is a technique that’s adjacent to reverse chronology, because it gives readers a peek forward into a scene that’s later in the story, then zooms back to the beginning.) This type of storytelling allows writers to tell their stories out of order or from different perspectives while still maintaining a cohesive narrative.
For example, a story told in reverse chronology might start with a character's death and then work backward through that character's life until they are born or they make a fateful choice that directly leads to their death. The advantage of this type of reverse chronology storytelling is that it allows writers to create unexpected plot twists and reveals as the story unfolds.
Why Should Writers Use Different Narrative Structures?
The use of different narrative structures, such as reverse chronology, can help writers create unique stories that stand out from traditional linear narratives. By using creative writing techniques such as reverse chronology, writers can create stories that are more engaging, unpredictable, and memorable. Genres that lend themselves to reverse chronology are thrillers, mysteries, suspense stories, multiverse stories, time travel stories, and science fiction. Additionally, non-linear storytelling structures allow writers to explore themes from multiple angles and perspectives without sacrificing clarity or cohesion.
Planning Your Reverse Chronology Story Out Ahead of Time
When planning a story using reverse chronology or other non-linear narrative structure, you should take some time beforehand to write a novel outline so you know exactly where they want various plot points to land. If you’re playing a story backwards and forwards, it’s important to make sure everything makes sense, so an outline will provide a thoughtful roadmap for your project.
Not all novel writers are comfortable with outlining, and some believe that it gets in the way of natural creativity, but I’ve found that pre-planning your story actually helps you write faster in the drafting phase because you already have an idea of what needs to happen next in the narrative flow.
Additionally, having an outline forces you to think about all the potential plot points beforehand—not to mention character arcs and themes—so you don't waste time trying to think up ideas on the fly while writing. By taking a more structured approach, you might actually make more time for yourself to focus on fleshing out each scene and beat.
Reverse chronology storytelling, whether you use it for a portion of your story or the entire project, is an interesting narrative structure that you can play with to create unique and engaging stories. When using this structure however, it's important for you to take some time beforehand to plan out your story.
Additionally, before attempting more complex narrative structures like reverse chronology, or utilizing techniques like freewriting, it's important for you to master basic narrative skills first. Learn the rules, then break them
elevate your writing
Are you ready to take your story to the next level? Kristen Overman is here to help you! She's an experienced editor with expertise in middle grade and young adult fiction, picture books, adult fiction, and memoir. She can work with you to develop your plot, characters, and narrative voice, as well as assist in the brainstorming and outlining stages of your project.
