Okay people. I am trying to make a decision. I could use all of the input, advice and suggestions anyone has to offer.
As most of you know I am working on writing my first book. After what seemed like hundreds of all-nighters, endless cups of coffee, and a million cigarettes, I was almost satisfied with the rough draft of Chapter Ten.
But!
Because Chapter Ten was soooooo huge [in comparison to the rest of my chapters] coming in over 35 pages and 35,000+ words, I thought it might better for me to break it up into four separate chapters.
Here is the dilemma:
Chapter 10 all happened in ONE NIGHT. It is ONE. SINGLE. EVENT.
And because it is ONE NIGHT and ONE EVENT, I am not sure IF breaking it up into so many chapters works? Maybe I SHOULD keep it all together as one monster chapter?
As it stands RIGHT NOW, I have posted them as four separate and individual chapters.
You can read them here:
But, I am wondering since the chapters are ripped apart like that, will it be essential for the reader to get through all four chapters in one sitting for it to make sense?
On the FLIP SIDE, I do think the chapters are strong enough to stand on their own. Because even though it all takes place in the bar [and on the same day] there are several major scene changes. And each scene change, is where the chapter breaks are!
However, I might need to adjust where I placed the breaks in the chapters?
For instance, instead of Chapter 10, 11 & 12 being separated into THREE different chapters, maybe 10, 11 & 12 should remained combined as ONE CHAPTER. [As Chapter 10.] And, that would make Chapter 13 on it’s own, really only Chapter 11.
[Does anyone else have a headache after reading that?]
I guess I could sit here and debate with myself all day and all night, and trust me, THAT may very well happen.
BUT, decisions like these, are what a good editors are for. Am I right?
I suppose, for now, I will leave them alone.
Thanks for listening to me ramble on as usual.
If you have a chance, and if you read all four chapters, and if you have any input, advice or suggestions, please feel free to share them with me!
[*The passwords have been changed – so if you are interested in reading ANY chapter after Chapter Three, you will need to send me an email request or simply leave a comment! *]
Well, I definitely want to read them. Send me the password and I’ll let you know what I think. I can understand your dilemma because 35,000 words is quite long for one chapter. I’ll read them tonight and let you know.
Selma:
THANK YOU! Ive already sent you the password!
You are The Best!
xoxo
Me 2. I’ve been waiting to read the chapters since you last left us in 9.
Can please have the password again? I’m on the road again for a couple of days and cannot promise I will get them all read tonight but I will give you my two cents, FWIW.
I think the scene changes help in breaking up the chapters. I agree that 35,000 words is too long for one chapter.
On another note, YOU ROCK for sticking with this! I am SO proud of you.
Um can I get the book in audio form? I would pay for it on Itunes.
Agg79:
Sweet! I’ve sent you the passwords!
Momo:
This is definitely the hardest ‘job’ I’ve ever had!
🙂
Debo:
Um. No. Not yet, maybe one day when its all finished!
xoxo
As far as I know, there is no standard on how long or short a chapter needs to be. Chapters are usually determined by the author’s development of the story yet, your readers may prefer shorter chapters.
Have you thought about using one Chapter split into four scenes?
P.S. If you want me to read Chapters 10 to 13, please send me the password undercover! 🙂
I’m no editor, but I don’t see what’s wrong with one long chapter the more I think about it. That way the reader can decide how he or she wants to break it up. Can you send me a password and if I have time this weekend I’d love to read them. Good luck, the editing is the hardest part.
I’m with Marty… or maybe there’s a way to break them up without new chapters. Like, within the Chapter, have a blank page that says 2 p.m., and then however many pages later, 4 p.m., etc. Just a thought!
MMP:
I am totally sending you the passwords!
Thanks in advance!
Check your email!
🙂
Marty W:
Really? I’d love to hear what you think of my book so far! That would mean A LOT to me. i will send you the passwords on Facebook! And, again, I am just going to let a professional tell me what to do when the time comes!
LiLu:
Thanks for the input! You rule.
And seriously, I cannot even tell you how much your blog cracks me up Every Single day! xoxoox
go with your original instinct and keep to one mother of a chapter. Say he who finds it difficult to concentrate on short stories!
Well now this is a conundrum that faces many a writer. I was always told the chainsaw was your friend. Meaning do not be afraid to hack away to get everything clean and efficient. You will find that you can cover a great deal of ground and detail in much less time. But sometimes it will take a few chapters.
I should get to reading it by this weekend. I’ve been trying to stay from my computer due to my illness and getting plenty of sleep and rest instead (although I’ll try to watch a movie or play some music on mp3). Send me the password sweetheart and oh – I don’t care how long the chapters are; if it’s as good as your previous ones I’ll read it till it’s done no matter what!
The password you sent me before doesn’t work, so I haven’t read them, but I will say this – Terry Pratchett doesn’t tend to write in chapters, as such, he just inserts extra width line breaks where he feels it’s appropriate, and I’ve never had trouble reading his stories!
Secondly, when I’m writing, though I hate to do it, I’ll edit, and edit, and edit it down tighter and tighter. I hate to lose good prose, but it always ends up better in the end. Remember I haven’t read these chapters, but are you sure you need all of that?
I would really like the new password in order to read these chapters. I have really enjoyed what I have read to date. I am really looking forward to reading the finished product!
I want the passwords, want to read the next Chapters something horrible. I’ve emailed but haven’t heard back from you?
I’d keep it one long experiance. It will keep the reader focused.
GGOM:
aahahhahahaha
Ricardo:
Thanks sweety.
I think I will leave it as is for now.
At least until a professional tells me what the hell to do! xoxo
Roshan:
You are so cute. I really do hope you feel better soon.
I will send you the new password. I’m sure reading my latest chapters will CURE you of your illness!
he he he he
Jay:
Oh I’ve edited and re-read it a zillion times and I can’t find anything that I can [or want] to cut out!
Anyway, I changed the passwords, so I will have to send you the new ones.
xoxo
Sharon:
Sweet! I will send you the passwords!
I cant wait to HEAR what you think!
🙂
WVLeAnn:
I will send you the passwords right NOW!
You sent me an email?
That’s weird.
I didn’t get it!
Odd.
Anyway, I’m dying to read your comments after you read the latest chapters
xoxo
Oscar:
Thanks for your input darling!
Just realized I missed chapter 9, got some catching up to do (can’t wait to have a good read!). Can you send new passwords? thanks! will let you know what I think about consolidating or not (was an editor for 10 years so hopefully I can help a bit)!
Beth:
Check your email! I sent the password to you!
Thanks In Advance for free editing advice!
🙂
well, read them all! really good stuff, captivating actually. What I noticed when reading it was that the first two (10 and 11) read much faster than the second two. I think if anything, you could combine those two into one chapter. I also think it wouldn’t hurt to make it all one long chapter, readers can take breaks when they need to. If you feel the need to separate it, just leave a blank page between the sections within the chapter, many authors do that to indicate a time difference. I also noticed in chpt. 13, about halfway down you have a typo. The paragraph begins with “Midnight loved what I had done so much”. It should read “she took off” instead of “she took of”. Just a small thing but thought I would point it out.
Yes, yes, yes. Password please.
Meleah I can’t read them at work. I hope I can get to them this weekend. Password please.
Beth:
I cant thank you enough for reading all four in one sitting. You’re awesome.
I might play around with the chapter breaks when the time comes for me to submit this to an agent and editor! I appreciate your thoughts so very much. And… GOOD LOOKING OUT on the typo. When I see the same words on the same pages so many times, I tend to miss the obvious!
xoxo
Richard W:
Sent! Check your email.
🙂
The Girl:
I hope you can get to it!
Im sending you the passwords via FB.
xoxo
Hi Sweetness. Without even reading these chapters I will give you my opinion. I’ve read hundreds of books over the years and I think that breaking it into four chapters, which seems to be what you have done, is the best idea. Your readers will be able to follow along….sometimes people set a book down in the middle of a chapter and don’t pick it up again for a few days and then are still able to jump back into the story. I think smaller size chapters are always best. Whatever you decide, this is going to be a great book and I can’t wait to buy it 🙂
Barbara:
Thank you sweetness.
I can’t wait to finish writing the book for you to buy it!
xoxo
[And I am keeping it with the 4 small chapters!]
Kudos on the decision to do as you did with this installment of your book…
I like the idea of separate chapters … I don’t think it matters that it’s all one event.
Rog;
And THANK YOU for your inspiring comments on my chapters!
Kristy WMDA:
Thank you! You Rock!
OMG ….LMFAO!!!!! CANNOT wait to dig into chapters again. Send me password(s) PLEASE! luragano1@gmail.com
Laurie:
Done! Sent!
Happy Reading!
xoxoxo
🙂
leave the chapters alone, your editor will tear them up anyway. best to have a lot of material than too little.
Valerie:
True. Dat.