i'm having trouble with breaking my manuscript down into chapters. i'd appreciate the help.
2006-10-08 17:04:55 · 4 answers · asked by kajunprincezz 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Not really a rule of thumb, but breaks can come at three natural places - changes of scene, changes of character, or dramatic moments.
When characters finish a part of your plot arc, starting a new chapter can help you avoid narrating the travel time, and jump straight into the next conversation or situation. For instance, Emily and Anthony discover a clue that might lead them to find the murderer, and decide to set out for Sarah's house. End of chapter. Next chapter starts with a startled exclamation from Sarah as she sits talking to Emily and Anthony in her living room. You've skipped the drive to Sarah's house, Sarah answering the door, the hellos and how are you doings, etc.
Alternately, Emily and Anthony discover a clue that might lead them to believe the murderer is Sarah. End of chapter. The next chapter starts with Sarah (in a different location) mulling over the murder to herself. The chapter break keeps the reader from becoming confused.
Third one: Emily and Anthony stumble over a clue that proves Anthony did the murder himself. Emily recoils in horror, end of chapter. The next chapter picks up right at the same place (think "commercial break" in TV), but you've drawn out the suspense a bit.
Other than that, just make sure your chapters are vaguely the same length (don't have one-page chapters sandwiched between fifty-page chapters), and go for it!
2006-10-09 06:57:53 · answer #1 · answered by theycallmewendy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A chapter should be a complete scene. When you switch scenes, you should think about a new chapter.
Sometimes you'll find you need more than one chapter to get through a tough scene. That's ok. You'll find a natural break between them.
You should not switch points of view more than once in a chapter. You do it more often, particularly on the same page, it's called head-hopping. Publishers don't like it.
2006-10-08 17:18:25 · answer #2 · answered by loryntoo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Think of your own life. Say you got involved in decorating for the school prom. A chapter would tell the events surrounding your experiences while decorating the gym or whatever. When that is done, you move on to something else. The prom is over, the chapter is over.
2006-10-08 17:17:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to Barnes & Noble, there are many, many books on writing. The books will help you.
2006-10-08 17:13:16 · answer #4 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋