Writing tools: The Multiverse
How writers can benefit from the multiverse theory by creating all possible outcomes and then deciding which outcomes to jump to.
Not too long ago, I wrote a little bit about the existence of parallel universes.
If understood correctly, the existence of more than one universe leads to infinite choices in life. But for now, let's skip *real* life, as real as it actually is, if you can still follow me.
If you are a writer, and you write fiction, it is very practical to think of life in universes. Think of them as concentrated around your main character, and containing a large set of parameters that contain the situation your character finds himself in. Now think of the next thing that is about to happen, and its possible consequences. Do not go into detail yet, just keep it as a non detailed timeline in your mind, or pen it down, if that is how you work. Now get back to the current situation, captured in the current universe, with all of its parameters, and imagine another outcome from the one you just noted. What you now have, is two possible scenarios, each with its own set of parameters, possible consequences and such.
This is how computer games are made. Infinite sets of choices and outcomes are calculated, each with its own outcome and consequences. Each next universe creates it's own ripple.
So how does this help you as a writer? Well, it is a method of keeping track of what happens, what happens next, and what will be the outcome. And if you have outlined that, you can now see what would happen if you change universes somewhere, effectively changing choices your characters make, creating their own path as they go. Remember that you are always responsible for what your life looks like, even though it can sometimes seem as if external influences beyond your control influence the outcome of your life. In the end, you can trace it all the way back to a decision you once made, a choice to act in a certain way and step into another universe.
And you can do this by consciously choosing in every situation. You can decide how your life should go. But that's another story.
