00.0102 What is Epistolary? (Important)
Say it with me: "e-PIS-to-lar-ee"! It's fun to say and even more fun to read.
Books like Bram Stoker's "Dracula," Stephen King's "Carrie," and parts of the Bible are great examples of epistolary stories. The term "epistolary" comes from "epistles," which are letters.
An epistolary story is written like a series of journal entries, letters, and other documents arranged in a timeline.
An epistolary novel often features a series of letters between characters. It can also include journal entries, images/illustrations, newspaper clippings, recordings, radio broadcasts, blog posts, and emails. The term comes from the Greek word "epistolē," meaning a letter.
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The epistolary form can make a story feel more authentic because the text seems to come directly from the characters' lives.
From Duck.ai/mistral small 3:
"Epistolary novels can be a bit tricky to follow, but they're also very rewarding. The story might jump around in time, and you might not get all the information at once. You have to piece the story together yourself, which can be challenging but also very satisfying. The writing style might be different from what you're used to, making it harder to read. Despite these challenges, epistolary novels can be very enjoyable. They help you get to know the characters deeply and make you feel more involved in the story."
This story is a parable, a tale that teaches a lesson, often without you even realizing it.