When you're writing, do you use chapter titles instead of just 'Chapter 1', 'Chapter 2' etc?
I don't actually use chapter titles. But I guess there would be no reason to go back and change that.
What do you all do?
When you're writing, do you use chapter titles instead of just 'Chapter 1', 'Chapter 2' etc?
I don't actually use chapter titles. But I guess there would be no reason to go back and change that.
What do you all do?
I have used both.
In my fantasy novel aimed at 8-12s, where I am essentially the narrator, I used it for myself purely to help me along with the story - a prompt/sign post if you like.
During editing, I have both removed them and then subsequently put them back in.
My main issue with numbers is that while I have been editing the numbers have all changed as I have added more to the story/cut things out. Though I will be looking over them again once I am happy with the edits to the story to be sure that they are consecutive.
In my other novel, a 1st person adult sci-fi thriller I simply use the chapter numbers as I don't think it works giving them a title given that, like you, the story hasn't happened yet.
I think so! I only have one MC in the 1st person/present, and so, I don't really think a title would suit.
A title, I feel, gives away a snippet of the chapter. Or at least gives a clue to what is about to happen.
When writing in present tense, my MC is basically talking or thinking at all times. The story hasn't happened yet.
I think a title would be better suited to a 1st person/past tense or a 3rd/past. Almost as if the story is being read to you.
1st person/present is a minefield of rules, it seems! :)
Numbers, same as you :)
But I usually split the book into several parts, and title them plus the pro-and epilogues.
I find one reason not to use titles when writing is I sometimes have multiple scenes in one chapter - two MCs means they're often apart - and I occasionally switch chapter position when a title might not make sense. That sometimes happens with 'part' titles too but I can move chapters in and out of sections to suit.
Does that make sense?