What constitutes as a Chapter?
by Samuel
(Caldwell, id)
Question: You mentioned that some scenes will be part of a chapter while other scenes will be a chapter itself. So i want to know what a chapter is. Is it a length thing or a event thing, and what is a good ending point and then starting point for them.
Answer: Chapter length is both an event thing and a length thing.
Like a short story, a chapter should be a length that can be comfortably read in one sitting -- just before bed, or on the subway, etc. This varies with your readership. Children's book need shorter chapters than average, and so do certain light reads for adults.
At the same time, you don't want to end a chapter abruptly. You want find a good place in the narrative to insert a chapter break.
A good place would be when one event has concluded and the reader is wondering what will happen next as a result of what just happened. You want to leave them hungry for more. In some cases, you can also end a chapter on a cliff hanger, after a shocking revelation, or with a character making a key decision.
If you think more in terms of scenes than events, then any time there is a jump in time or to a new setting, that could be a good place for a chapter break. A shift to a different point of view character would be another good place.
Some events or scenes, however, are too short to fill a chapter on their own. So it may be better to combine two shorter events into one chapter.
Comments for What constitutes as a Chapter?
|
||
|
||
- Home
- Writing Questions
- What constitutes as a Chapter?
Search this site...
|
||
| site search by freefind |
100% Human Generated Content!
All
articles on this website were written by a human being -- one possessed of flaws and limitations, but also with a personal perspective and a desire to help fellow
writers. No article on this site was written by or with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI).
Popular Articles
Mini-Course
Never be stuck for a great story idea again! This online mini-course will show you how to create simple ideas for original characters and build a plot around each character that contains the essential elements needed for a compelling story.
Recent Postings
-
Trauma And Superpowers: How Do They Connect?
Question: I'm currently writing a story where MC1 can control darkness, MC2 can control plants, and MC3 can control machines. I want them to experience -
Using the actual names of people and places in memoir...
Question: I am writing a memoir of my years as a teacher. If I want to use real names, what is the protocol/requirement for getting permission? (Changing -
How to Write a Thriller
See how to write a thriller story -- the essential traits and plot structure.
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I
can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful.
You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and
with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write
these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero