SharePoint 2013 workflow 255 character limit for string variables

In all my years of SharePoint workflows, I had never come across the 255 character limit for strings until recently.  I tried lots of solutions until this one ocurred to me:

Instead of using a string variable, create a multiline input parameter.  You can then use it as you would a regular variable, concatenating text onto it, without running into problems.  

Be aware that not all workflow actions can handle strings longer than 255 characters.
Working actions:

• Email

Not working:

• Log to history

The limitation on storage size for any SharePoint 2013 workflow variable is 256KB, so you should have about a 64,000 UTF-8 character limit (not tested).