Plot your narrative. Use a dry-erase board to sketch the arc of your story and choose the moments of rising action, tension and resolution.
Define your forms. Epistolary narratives include more than diary entries or letters. Consider using newspaper articles, email and text messages in the construction of your story.
Clarify how many characters will have voices in the story. It may help to use a "free write" exercise from each character's perspective to strengthen their development, even if you do not use the material in the final narrative.
Review your samples. Note how each piece's style affects your reading experience. Mark sections you find humorous, poignant, absurd or otherwise memorable.
Copy one or more of the samples. Concentrate on mimicking the voice and tone of the form so that it becomes second nature. Imagine inhabiting the role of the letter writer, diarist or journalist behind the work.
Continue searching for different epistolary forms. Evaluate and experiment with new techniques, such as an exchange of blog posts, graffiti or skywriting.
Write an introductory section that establishes your central character. This section may not make the final cut, but it will solidify the character's role in your work.
Master your secondary characters' voices as they enter the story. Keep individual characters distinct.
Accentuate tension as the story progresses. Tension does not have to veer into melodrama; subtle conflict works wonders at keeping readers connected to the narrative.
Evaluate the organization of your narrative. Consider changing the order of sections to enhance tension, delay plot events or refine tone.
Review the narrative for areas in which you can alter a character's voice or tone to enhance theme, mood or plot.
Set your work aside for a few hours or, if possible, several days. Allow time for ideas to form and change, then review your narrative and add or subtract elements based on your reflections.
Proofread your work. Double-space your document to aid in finding errors. If you plan to submit your work to a journal or magazine, consult their formatting guidelines and adjust your document appropriately.