Kind of tricking them into reading more? The Alex Cross series have really short chapters but I think it's a good concept because it keeps the reader wanting to know more because the scene ended so quick. Do you agree?
Does this work with other genres? Do some genres/stories benefit from longer scenes? Or, does it depend solely on the story?
2007-08-23 08:07:47 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Not reading substandard author, but being a writer myself, I kind of notice everything...
2007-08-23 08:24:57 · update #1
A good question. That is controversial. That isn't the only Patterson tricks readers into thinking they are reading more. He also uses a larger font. And those short chapters are extra short because they start halfway down the first page and end halfway up the second.
I am a long chapter writer, however I do vary them. Some people say that they love those short Patterson chapters because they can read on a bus or a train and finish a chapter before they get off.
Obviously a lot of people like it because he sells a lot of books, but other authors who write long chapters with a lot of detail and beautiful prose sell books too. And then Cormac Mc Carthy's The Road is one long chapter really.
I can't see those ultra short chapters in horror novels. Not enough time to scare the reader.
I think these days anything goes for readers as long as you write them books that keep them entertained with good stories. The short paragraph concept works well on plot driven stories but if you write character driven as I do, it just won't work except for the occasional short chapter you need to bridge two longer scenes.
Just focus on telling your story - your way. Pax - C
2007-08-23 08:18:53 · answer #1 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A lot of James Patterson's books have short chapters.
A change in chapters, as a rule, indicates a changes in time, character POV, or setting. I think if you look carefully you'll see that that is the case.
A writer doesn't make chapters short to please or entice the reader. If the writing is good, the reader won't notice how many chapters there are, or care.
2007-08-23 08:18:57 · answer #2 · answered by Wanda K 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't know, not being a "microwave reader". But if one is overly aware of the chapter breaks, I would say you are reading a sub-standard author.
2007-08-23 08:18:16 · answer #3 · answered by Julie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the arc of the story&whose point of view you're telling the story from,hell,I've seen chapters that ran no more than a couple of paragraphs.Why?I think it's because the author said all he had to say about whatever in thise many words>I'm stingy w/words,but i can see how brevity makes for a better read,don't you?
2007-08-23 08:15:38 · answer #4 · answered by TL 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋