How do writers that do not outline decide their chapter breaks?

Answer 1

I write the whole book, then go back and put in chapter breaks where they seem to belong based on the flow of the story. Usually, this is one of the last things I do, just in case I make major changes during the editing/revising process.

Answer 2

I start each chapter with one thing in mind, get said what I have to say. If I title a chapter Under the Fence then I will get to the point where something is going under a fence and tell how they got under it. Then I end the chapter. I never worry how long or how short a chapter is. Just as long as I get the scene done then that chapter is over. I hardly ever name my chapter's before I end them, this creates binding problems. Because I tried naming chapters a few times before writing them, but I always ended up changing the name once I came to the end.
That's also why I don't outline because my outlines are the chapters of my titles. I wait until the end to outline my books, but i only do this to make sure the whole book flows together. Penelope S.

Answer 3

For me, the chapters seem to end on their own. When I'm writing the first draft, I'll write and just feel that the break is coming. I know that doesn't help much-- but it is more about feeling than logic.
On the logical side, when I start to introduce some new turn (a new obstacle/ some realization for my main character), I know the end of that chapter is coming. When you're writing an essay, you know how teachers/professors tell you that the last paragraph shouldn't just summarize what came before, but introduce something new? When I end the chapter, I make sure that something new is introduced-- that it doesn't feel like all is well. That way, the reader will turn the page. (And I will keep writing).

Answer 4

Some good advice, leave them wanting more! If you'll look at most books, most chapters except the last, will end on a cliffhanger. The same holds true for TV shows and their commercial breaks. This is so that the book, so the show, so the story entices its audience to pick up the book, to stay tuned through the commercials, and come back for more. You want your audience to be asking when they come to the end of the chapter, "What happens next?"

Answer 5

Whenever I feel that it needs it, really. You're usually able to tell, whether it's between two scenes as many people have answered, or in the middle of the action as a cliffhanger. I also usually end my chapters when I run out of ideas, so when I come back with a new idea, I can just start so that I don't have to finish whatever I was doing with the story before. And most of the time it's just easy to tell.

Answer 6

When scenes end. That is how I do it. And I try to end my chapters on some kind of a high note. Think of how soap operas always have some kind of a dramatic moment just before the commercials. A chapter can be a sentence long or 30 pages long. When I am done a scene, I end the chapter. Pax - C

Answer 7

Usually when the scene ends, you consider a chapter break. Sometimes the scene is too short for a decent length chapter so you have two scenes per chapter.

It's just the natural breaks.

Answer 8

i consider chapter breaks part of the editing process. So -- I don't decide where they are until the story is told (and been rewritten a couple of times). To me, that's a cosmetic issue. There are natural breaks in any story -- change of scene, change of PoV, a time lapse. These things can help keep a story on track without worrying about minor issues. The important thing is to tell the story; everything else comes after.

Answer 9

I usually just decide at random when to stop and begin a new chapter.

Answer 10

it's all about feel. how long should a guitar solo last? it depends on the effect you are trying to convey. it should be a natural break in the plot - like a scene i guess.