How Layered Writing Engages Readers and Elevates Your Story – Writing Tips from Clay Stafford

Writing Tip of the Day: Introduction to Layered Writing — What Is It and Why Should You Care?

Layered writing sounds pretty much like it is. It involves weaving multiple narrative elements into the same passage or scene, such as plot, character, theme, emotion, and more.

Think of it as storytelling on multiple levels, with each layer that you create adding a degree of depth, complexity, and resonance for the reader.

Why do we do this? Because it creates more interesting bouncing balls.

Readers are more into what you write when they’re processing multiple threads at once. It’s like listening to counterpoint in music. It gets more of the brain involved. Because different parts of the brain are tickled, readers are more curious. Things seem to be moving, creating the illusion of momentum, which makes the reader want to push forward to learn more.

Layered writing is a way to make your writing more lifelike. We live within layered experiences. We often experience simultaneous emotions. We have conflicting goals. We live with unresolved questions. This is what you achieve with layered writing.

So, how do you apply this today in your writing?

First, examine the scene you’re working on today. Look at the main narrative and what the scene is about. That’s your main layer.

Let’s say it’s a character revealing a secret.

Now, think about it.

What secondary layer could you add?

A symbolic motif, such as a ticking clock or flickering lights, might symbolize time for this relationship. Maybe it is coming to an end, or the flickering light is illumination about to be revealed, or even the light in this relationship is precarious and may be going out.

Now, look at the interpersonal relationships.

Could we heighten the emotional stakes by adding subtextual layers, counterpointing what the characters say with what they mean? 

By examining plot, subplots, character relationships, themes, emotions, and thoughts, you naturally and organically increase the complexity of the scene, moving it from a single rope throughline to multiple connecting threads.

Don’t get confused, though.

Layered writing isn’t about cluttering or making something more complicated just for the sake of complication. Instead, it is about incorporating specific, meaningful threads, like creating a tapestry that resonates with the reader, enriching the reader’s experience both intellectually and emotionally.

Try this today on your current scene in progress and see how compelling your scene becomes.

For this and more writing tips, visit www.ClayStafford.com, and sign up for my Success Points newsletter to receive exclusive content on all topics essential to a writing career.