For many writers, the idea of writing a novel is thrilling—until they sit down to actually do it.

The sheer scope of 50,000+ words, the pressure of building a perfectly structured three-act arc, and the expectation of crafting seamless chapter transitions can feel overwhelming. Some writers thrive under these traditional constraints, but for others, they can be stifling.

Maybe you struggle to sustain momentum in a long-form narrative, feeling like your best writing happens in bursts of short fiction.

Maybe you prefer stories that unfold in fragments, memories, or non-linear snapshots rather than a neat beginning, middle, and end.

Or perhaps your creative process feels too chaotic for the structured expectations of a conventional novel—your ideas arrive in pieces, scattered like puzzle fragments that don’t fit into a straightforward storyline.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

The good news? There’s no single “correct” way to write a novel. Some of the most compelling and innovative books break the mold, proving that storytelling is as flexible and adaptable as the people who create it.

If the traditional novel format doesn’t suit your creative brain, consider experimenting with alternative structures. Here are five nontraditional ways to write a novel that can free you from writer’s block and help you tell the story only you can tell.

The Novel in Stories

A novel in stories—also known as a linked short story collection—consists of individual stories that can stand alone but are interconnected in some way. This structure allows for a fragmented yet cohesive narrative, offering different perspectives, timelines, or even tones while maintaining a more significant, overarching story.

As the author of The Goodbye-Love Generation, this is also a novel subgenre that is particularly close to me.

Why Try It?

• Each chapter (or story) can focus on a different character, moment, or theme, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

• Writers can experiment with shifting voices and styles while building toward a more significant emotional or thematic resolution.

• Readers can dip in and out of the narrative without feeling lost, making it a highly engaging form.

  
  

Notable Examples

• Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (one of my personal favorites)– A series of interconnected stories about the residents of a small town, all tied together by the central character, Olive.

• A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan – A novel told through a mosaic of interlinked stories spanning decades and characters.

  
  

If you enjoy writing short stories but also want to create something with the depth and impact of a novel, this format might be the perfect fit.

The Novel in Flash

I’m hearing more and more about the novel in flash these days, which shows that non-traditional forms of novels as a whole are gaining traction.

A novel in flash is similar to a novel in stories, but instead of traditional-length short stories, each segment is a flash fiction piece—often under 1,000 words.

These brief yet powerful scenes accumulate meaning over time, creating a full narrative through compression and suggestion rather than long-form exposition.

Why Try It?

• Flash fiction forces writers to focus on precision, making every word and image count.

• It allows for quick, impactful storytelling, making it an excellent approach for writers who thrive on brevity.

• The fragmented nature mirrors how memory and experience often work, which can enhance emotional resonance.

  
  

Notable Examples

• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros – A series of vignettes that collectively tell the story of a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago.

• We the Animals by Justin Torres – A novel composed of short, poetic bursts that explore a tumultuous childhood.

  
  

If you love the intensity of flash fiction but want to create something novel-length, this structure offers a dynamic and powerful way to do it.

The Epistolary Novel

Epistolary novels aren’t new. They’re a long-standing literary tradition that, quite frankly, should be revived, given how much of our lives revolve around written communication.

An epistolary novel is told through letters, diary entries, emails, text messages, or even social media posts. This format can add layers of realism and intimacy as readers experience the story directly through the characters’ personal communications.

Why Try It?

• It offers a deep dive into a character’s voice and psychology.

• It can create dramatic tension by revealing different perspectives through various forms of communication.

• The format naturally lends itself to mystery and intrigue as readers must piece together the full story.

  
  

Notable Examples

• Dracula by Bram Stoker – Told through journal entries, letters, and newspaper clippings, this novel builds suspense and mystery.

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – A coming-of-age novel told through letters from the protagonist to an unnamed recipient.

  
  

If you love writing in first-person or want to create an intimate and immersive reading experience, the epistolary novel could be a great choice.

The Novel in Lists

Before researching this post, I had never heard of novels in lists, but apparently, they exist. Although this form hasn’t been used much, it is a form that, with the right setting and characters, could be worth exploring.

This structure takes the concept of storytelling through fragmentation to an extreme, using lists instead of traditional prose to tell a story. Whether through numbered points, bullet points, or categorized thoughts, this approach creates a unique rhythm and a sense of immediacy.

Why Try It?

• It allows for an unconventional but deeply personal voice, as if the narrator is documenting their thoughts in real time.

• It can make heavy or emotional subject matter more digestible by breaking it into smaller, manageable pieces.

• The format naturally creates white space, letting the reader fill in gaps and engage more actively with the story.

  
  

Notable Example

• The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan – A novel told through dictionary-style entries, each defining a moment in a romantic relationship.

  
  

If you enjoy experimenting with form and minimalism, a novel in lists can be a refreshing challenge.

The Interactive Novel

If you grew up reading Choose Your Own Adventure books, you probably remember the thrill of deciding what the protagonist would do next—flipping to one page for safety, another for danger, and sometimes reaching a dead end that sent you scrambling back to make a different choice.

While those books were designed for kids, the concept of an interactive novel has evolved into a sophisticated storytelling technique that can be just as engaging for adult readers.

An interactive novel allows the reader to shape the story’s outcome by making decisions that influence the plot. Instead of following a single, linear path, the narrative branches into multiple possibilities, creating a highly immersive reading experience.

While often associated with gaming and digital storytelling, this format has also found a place in literary fiction.

Why Try It?

• It gives readers agency, making them feel more involved in the storytelling process.

• It allows for multiple perspectives, alternate realities, and nonlinear storytelling within the same book.

• It challenges traditional narrative structure by embracing choice and unpredictability.

  
  

Notable Example

• House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski – While not a classic interactive novel, its unconventional structure, shifting perspectives, and labyrinthine footnotes encourage readers to navigate the book in different ways, making it feel like a literary puzzle.

  
  

If you love experimenting with form and pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling, an interactive novel might be an exciting creative challenge.

Which Format Will You Try?

Traditional novel structures work for a reason, but if you’re looking for something new, these five nontraditional formats offer fresh and exciting ways to tell your story. Whether you experiment with linked stories, flash fiction, epistolary narratives, lists, or interactive storytelling, you’ll find that breaking the rules, when done with attention to the experience you’re creating for readers, can lead to compelling writing.

Need More Inspiration?

If you love the idea of writing in short, impactful bursts—whether for a novel in flash or just as an exercise—my 50 Flash Nonfiction Prompts guide is the perfect resource to get you started.

This free guide offers a variety of prompts designed to spark creativity, sharpen your storytelling skills, and help you develop a unique narrative voice.

Download your copy here!