Hello everyone. I am trying my hand at a mystery-supernatural book. I have a question since i haven't tried these types if books before.

I am at a scene where a girl finds this diary. The diary is very old. As she starts to read it, I want the scene to go to the place and time that she is reading about. How would i change scenes during the reading without a big confusion on what is going on in the story? Basically it would jump from now to the 1800's and the story would unfold more at that time.

I can bring her back to her time, simple, 'She hears her friend calling her name. She shakes her head and puts down the diary'

But it's getting her there, I really don't want to confuse the readers.

Any advice, tips would be appreciated.

Thanks, Lisa..



Posted: 07/02/2012 19:46:46

You can leave a gap in the text, of a few lines, to indicate a scene change and continue the action in the earlier time frame. Alternatively, if you are simply copying a page from the virtual diary to the chapter, then place the diary text in italics.

Don't worry about us readers, we'll cope.

Posted: 07/02/2012 19:52:17
Last Edit: 07/02/2012 19:57:20 by NMott

General advice is to avoid large blocks of italics. I however know better than everyone else so I have pages and pages of them.

Honestly I wouldn't get hung up on formatting issues, write the story and then ask a typographer about the type setting. Focus on making sure that the change of scene works within the narrative.

Posted: 07/02/2012 20:04:13

Yes, very helpful.
Thank you both for such a quick reply.

Never thought about putting in the gaps between the lines. And I probably will copy a page from the diary as well.

Thanks a bunch...

Lisa..

Posted: 07/02/2012 20:08:32