Examples of Epistolary Writing

   Popular Epistolary Novels:
-The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
- Carrie by Stephen King
-The Color Purple by Alice Walker
-Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
-Up the Down Stair Case by Bel Caufman
-Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger

Epistolary novels offer readers closer insight to character's thought and a fresh perspective. The degree of how personal an epistolary piece is depends on its form, whether that be through notes, journal entries, letters, recordings,etc.

The Three Types of Epistolary Novels:
-Monologic-(of, relating to, or characteristic of a monologue <voice … (x) )The writing of only an individual character is presented.
-Dialogic-(of, relating to, or characterized by dialogue <dialogicwriting> (x)) An exchange of writing between two characters
-Polylogic- Writing occurring between three or more characters

(Source of Types of Epistolary Novels)

Defining Epistolary Fiction

   Epistolary novels are told through a series of documents or letters, offering a uniquely personal view of a story that we do not receive otherwise. This form of story telling flourished during the 19th century and became especially popular in psychological novels. (link) It has developed in a way that continues to work in today's world as well, such as through blogs, diary entries, or recordings. It is not uncommon for this genre to feature letter writing between two or more characters.

   Today, text message novels have achieved some success, specifically is Japan.(link) Letter writing was especially prominent when epistolary novels began, so it is not surprising that text message novels would be successful in today's world.