“Voices Between the Lines: The Art of the Epistolary Short Story”
By Faraz Parvez (pen name of Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal)
Introduction
Welcome to our ongoing series on the diverse and delightful types of short stories. Today, we dive into one of the most intimate and powerful forms of storytelling: the epistolary short story.
The term epistolary comes from the Latin epistola, meaning “letter.” This genre allows readers to step directly into the hearts and minds of characters through personal writings like letters, diary entries, emails, text messages, or even social media posts. The effect? A sense of raw immediacy, emotional depth, and authenticity rarely found in other narrative forms.
What is an Epistolary Short Story?
An epistolary short story is told entirely through documents. Traditionally, this meant handwritten letters, journals, or telegrams. In modern storytelling, it has expanded to include emails, texts, blog posts, WhatsApp chats, and voice notes. This structure brings the reader unusually close to the characters, revealing their deepest fears, loves, thoughts, and secrets—unfiltered and unadorned.
Why Readers Love It
The epistolary form blurs the line between reader and character. It often feels like we’ve stumbled upon a hidden trove of personal messages—allowing us to piece together a story as if we’re part of it. This fragmented, layered style adds richness and tension. You’re not told what happens—you discover it.
A Modern Epistolary Short Story
“Inbox: From Dawn to Dusk”
An original short story by Faraz Parvez
[Sent: April 12, 2023 – 10:42 AM]
From: Aanya Khan aanya.k@midmail.com
To: Ravi Nair ravi.nair@zenlogics.in
Subject: Hello after 7 years
Hi Ravi,
I know this is unexpected.
I found your email in a forgotten thread from our final semester. I wasn’t sure if you’d see this—or reply—but I wanted to say thank you. For being my anchor that year. For the chai, the debates, the silly Spotify lists.
I’m in Kolkata now. Married. Teaching literature at a quiet college. You once said I’d make a good teacher. I remembered.
I hope you’re well. You always said you’d write something great. Did you?
Warmly,
Aanya
[Sent: April 12, 2023 – 6:01 PM]
From: Ravi Nair ravi.nair@zenlogics.in
To: Aanya Khan aanya.k@midmail.com
Subject: RE: Hello after 7 years
Aanya—
I stared at your mail for ten minutes before believing it was really you.
So much has happened. I did write… a little. Then I coded for startups. Then I burned out. Life isn’t linear, huh?
I’m in Bangalore. Not married. Still listening to that old Coke Studio playlist you made.
I missed you. Often.
Your email brought back a chapter I thought I had shelved forever.
Do you still write poetry?
Ravi
[Sent: April 13, 2023 – 9:00 AM]
From: Aanya Khan aanya.k@midmail.com
To: Ravi Nair ravi.nair@zenlogics.in
Subject: RE: Hello after 7 years
I do. In notebooks. In margins. On napkins. Never shared.
You missed me?
Funny how we spend years trying to forget, only to find those memories wrapped in a stranger’s inbox again.
My husband is a good man. But not… you. You saw me in a way few ever did. I sometimes wonder how things might’ve unfolded differently.
But time is a stubborn storyteller.
Do you ever write to forget?
[Sent: April 13, 2023 – 10:17 AM]
From: Ravi Nair ravi.nair@zenlogics.in
To: Aanya Khan aanya.k@midmail.com
Subject: RE: Hello after 7 years
I write to remember.
And today I remembered the way you’d hum Faiz verses under your breath. The way your hands curled when reading Neruda.
But I won’t complicate your life. You wrote to thank me—and I’m grateful. Truly. Just knowing you’re alive, somewhere in the fog of this big world, is enough.
Sometimes, one sunrise is all you get.
Ravi
Conclusion: The Power of Epistolary Storytelling
Epistolary short stories pull us into a world that feels uncannily real. Their form mirrors our modern lives—disjointed, digital, heartfelt. In an age of rapid communication, these stories remind us that human connection can still be poetic, layered, and timeless.
We hope today’s story touched you. In the coming days, we’ll continue exploring other kinds of short stories—each post will open a new door into the art of storytelling.
Stay connected with us:
Blog: farazparvez1.blogspot.com
Email: arshadafzal2001@gmail.com
Twitter / X: @DrArshadAfzal1
Keep reading. Keep writing. Keep wondering.
