The first point I'd like to discuss is chapter length. I've read where some writers say they have chapters with only one sentence, or they don't bother with chapters at all, only scene breaks. Others say they just pick a spot to stop one chapter and start the next. For me, stories like that would be difficult to read.
I've read studies that say the average reader can consume 4k words in about 30 mins. In today's world where so many folks read during their commute, at lunch, or set aside an hour to read before bed, this seems like a reasonable number to shoot for in regards to chapter length. If a person has a half hour train ride to work or lunch break and are looking at an 8k chapter, they may decide to read something else or attempt to cram down the chapter. They will probably start skimming and possibly miss an important point in the story. Not good!
While chapter length isn't set in stone, I think consistency is key so readers know what to expect and can plan ahead.
The second point I'd like to cover is chapter content. I've read a few "How-To" books that claim each chapter should be treated as a short story. I don't believe it's necessary to have a complete three act plot arc for every chapter, but I do think each one needs to have a definite purpose.
As a reader, I like to have a sense of closure after reaching the end of a chapter. Maybe the characters reached their destination, met someone central to their success, or found something they'd been looking for. I also enjoy the occasional question or hook at the end that keeps me reading. Just make sure you don't take too many chapters to answer the question or satisfy my curiosity.
Lastly, a quick note on chapter titles. They help me as a writer to focus on the purpose of that particular chapter. As a reader, sometimes I like to go back to a previous chapter, and finding it using the table of contents is easy with titles. Using chapter titles is purely personal preference.
Like I said at the beginning, an in depth discussion of chapters could fill an entire book, so these are just a few points that matter to me. I'm more likely to enjoy a book if I can expect consistency of chapter length, and feel confident I will discover something important to the story at the end of each chapter.
Thanks for reading.
Good observations you have on chapters. I just finished a lecture for 'Great Couses', on chapters. Good timing on your part. I find the Couses interesting, because I like to see how well what I've done already conforms. One thing I've noticed as a reader is some chapters are more interesting than others, for the character or what's happening. Thus I may plod through some chapters to get back to the good stuff. That may be a fault of the writer, now I think of it.
ReplyDeleteI am of the school of the cliffhanger. As far as each chapter being a short story, I think that is but fancicable notion. I think the chapter has to much depth for characters and richness of scene and action to be considered a short story. The chapter advances the overall plot, but could carry a subplot on its own. Also the chapter can be used to introduce new characters. That was what I did in my book.
I think an overall idea dictates length of a chapter. Although some lay it all out in preparing before writing. They probably know within a couple words the length. I'm more of a panser than an outliner. Having a length in mind is okay, but the story has to be given its head. That is more important than structure. I admit, I like pausing on the chapter break. If I can't, so be it. Sometimes I have to back up a page or two to remember what was going on. I only skim when I get bored.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on chapters.
Thanks for commenting, Jerry! I've also heard it's a good idea to have a slower chapter after an active one so the reader can basically catch their breath.
ReplyDeleteUsually we're more-or-less in synch on writing procedures. More overlap than not. This time...nope. Not even a little bit.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of writing anything to conform to some beat-by-beat rigid chapter structure gives me a twitching claustrophobia attack. I have a tale to tell and if one chapter is too long for Joe Snerd to read while eating his pickle&onion sandwich, that's just too bad for Mr. Snerd.
"That 'Mona Lisa' print is very nice, but do you have it with more blue? It would match my drapes so much better."
I'd be more worried if we did agree on everything! Besides, how do you know Mr. Snerd eats pickle&onion sandwiches? Ha ha!
ReplyDeleteSorry, I'm all out of blue 'Mona Lisa' prints.
Thanks for commenting as always!