Hi;
Do I have to keep all of my chapters the same size or very similar? At some points in my book, a scenario or event may have more detail, more people involved in it or just be an exchange between two people in a room.
Thank you for your input.
Hi;
Do I have to keep all of my chapters the same size or very similar? At some points in my book, a scenario or event may have more detail, more people involved in it or just be an exchange between two people in a room.
Thank you for your input.
Best answer so far: Lorraine's. Before reading it, I was thinking of another example of a REALLY short chapter. I've lent my copy to a friend, and Google isn't working just now (at least on this computer), so I'm quoting entirely from memory, but how's this for a chapter?:
"And it really was a kitten, after all."
First published in 1872, no one can doubt that this book remains - with its elder sister - one of the best-loved children's books of all time, also loved by millions of adult readers (including myself).
I can't name titles right now, but I'm sure that I've read other (excellent) books with chapters even shorter than Lorraine's example.
I´ve just finished reading Donna Tartt's "The Goldfinch". It´s divided into 5 sections, each beginning with a quote (3 from French writers, 2 from German writers), each section containing several [mostly very long] chapters (each with a title), and (I believe with one exception) each chapter divided into Latin-numbered (from i to usually over xxiv, and in at least one case over xxx) shorter spans. I'd say that the short spans wee about the length of shortish "normal" book chapters (with - to answer your question - vaying lengths), and suspect that - like Lorraine´s example - if each titled chapter hadn't been broken up like that, I might well have given up. A feeling of suffocating. As it was, I read an 860-page book in perhaps 3 days, enjoying it all the way through.
What is a chapter?
Chapters are water-tight, self-contained episodes that advance the plot and storyline. They should have broad themes, yet be strong as a unit. Chapters should link with the preceding and following chapter in some way, or directly. More importantly, each chapter should have a beginning, middle and end with a landmark signpost, cliff-hanger or hook.
To build a chapter you need to know in your mind what the chapter is about. In what time or place is the chapter set? What is the landmark dramatic event that helps to advance the plot and storyline? These are the foundations on which to build a chapter of 5 to 12 pages.
A novel should never consist mainly of short chapters of 3 pages or less. Short chapters work best when describing a stand-alone event that is essential to the plot and, storyline. A rite of passage, ritual, celebration or awards ceremony, events that would probably be submerged by a lengthy chapter’s main theme and landmark event.
In order to ensure that all the good information in a novel stands out, there will be the need from time to time to have short chapters. However, I seriously doubt that a novel consisting of short chapters would hook an agent or publisher, unless you're an established author of repute..
I am reading a book at the moment, a best seller I might add and its chapters are very short. So short that sometimes they only just crawl onto a second page. Some chapters are longer, I think the longest so far (and I'm over halfway through) has been five pages. I don't like so many very short chapters. One here and there is ok but for me this makes the book, for want of a better phrase, almost stammer its way through the telling. But that's me. The story is good, bit like one of those steam train rides the scenery is great but too many stations along the track when you want to plough on with a bit of speed. I think (sometimes I do actually think, yes!) that chapters should be a natural punctuation of the story ( [and again in brackets} my punctuation is abysmal) As I say... That's me.
Regards Paul