Is it ok to have two (or more) different discrete storylines in a story?

In my project there are a few worlds and plotlines that are connected in various ways. They are part of the same "story" so to speak but they are not necessarily connected via a single narrative line. <br><br>I'm working with 3 almost separate storylines with 2 of them being more connected than the other. I'm wondering if it is ok to have these two (or more) separate storylines in a single story. Here's what I mean:<br><br>The story is structured in a way that alternates between two discrete storylines. The first Storyline A is the one that takes place in a fantasy world. The characters from this part of the story stay in this fantasy world. The second Storyline B takes place in a different world. In this case a science fiction world. The characters from storyline A do not appear in storyline B and vice versa.<br><br>However, storylines A and B are connected via a shared plot line. The two storylines take place at the same time in-universe. The plot revolves around the concept of a multiverse. Storyline A focuses on the events taking place in one part of the multiverse. Storyline B focuses on the events taking place in another part of the multiverse. The events of storyline B affect the events in storyline A and vice versa (think butterfly effect). Storyline B helps to explain storyline A and vice versa (the reader needs to be aware of both storylines to understand the full story).<br><br>By contrast, storyline C is a completely separate story. It takes place in a different world (or worlds). Its plot is not connected to the other two storylines. Its timeline is separate from the other two storylines. Characters from storyline A do not appear in storyline C and vice versa. Storyline C is connected to the other two storylines via themes and a shared plot point. Storyline C focuses on the events taking place in a different part of the multiverse. This storyline explains some characters in storyline B. Characters in storyline B explain some characters in storyline C. Storyline A is connected to both storylines B and C via plot and characters.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>So the Story goes like this.<br><br>Chapter 1: Storyline A<br><br>Chapter 2: Storyline B<br><br>Chapter 3: Storyline A<br><br>Chapter 4: Storyline B<br><br>Chapter 5: Storyline A<br><br>Chapter 6: Storyline B<br><br>Chapter 7: Storyline A<br><br>Chapter 8: Storyline B<br><br>Chapter 9: Storyline A<br><br>Chapter 10: Storyline C<br><br>Chapter 11: Storyline B<br><br>Chapter 12: Storyline A<br><br>Chapter 13: Storyline C<br><br>And so on. Each storyline is relatively separate but they are not completely separate. Here's my question: is this the right approach? Will it be confusing for readers to alternate between two (or three) storylines? Should I combine them into one storyline?<br><br>I am already planning to write the ending to each storyline separately before combining all of the storylines into one. I'm worried about the coherence of the story as a whole. I'm worried about the coherence of each individual storyline.<br><br>One of the issues is that storyline C is very different from the other two. This storyline is more character-centric while the other two are more plot-centric. Storyline C is more focused on character development and exploring the themes of the story. Storyline C is more focused on a romantic relationship between two characters. While the other two are more focused on the plot and world building.<br><br>Storyline C is also much shorter than the other two. Storyline C has almost half as many chapters as the other two. I'm worried that this will make the story confusing. I'm worried that this will unbalance the story as a whole.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>On one hand, I think that the alternation will help to balance the story. Storyline A is more light-hearted than storyline B. Storyline B is more dark than storyline A. So I feel like alternating between them will help to balance the tone. However, I am worried about how storyline C will fit in. I am worried about how its inclusion will affect the overall tone.<br><br>On the other hand, I think that the two (or three) storylines will confuse readers. I'm worried that readers will get confused about the different characters and events. I'm worried that readers will get confused about the world building. I'm worried that readers will find it hard to follow the story as a whole.