Quote Originally Posted by sugeneg
I have just finished the seventh chapter in my first story and have noticed that as my story progresses each chapter becomes longer than the previous one. If this continues, the final chapter itself will be novel-length. I guess I am having a little trouble with bringing a scene to a close as easily as I would like.

Does anyone have any tips for regulating chapter length? Do you think this even needs to be considered? Can a chapter be as long as the author wishes it to be or should there really be a logical breaking point.

I find that maybe there was a point where I could stop the chapter but there are other things I wish to occur that are either a natural progression or occur in the same setting with the same characters and feel if I stopped the action midchapter and started a new one it would simply be disconcerting to the reader.

Bearing in mind I am posting this story as I write it so I do at least try to make the chapters substantial so that the reader does not feel shortchanged when a new chapter takes only five minutes to read (hardly long enough to immerse yourself in the story again).

Am I worrying needlessly?

Jason

ps To those of you who have been following my story I apologise for the time it has taken me to get this chapter written. A new job has taken up way too much of my time of late. I have tried to write replies to all of the emails asking about updates but if I missed you I apologise for that as well.

Hi Jason-

I tend to write short novels --- about 45,000 - 55,000 words, and I do believe that consistent chapter lengths are important, especially when serializing.

As I write, I find my stories tend to develop 3-4 plotlines. Each chapter, I try to develop each plotline just a bit. The important thing to ask yourself after you write a "scene" within a chapter is: "Does this scene advance the plot line, enhance interest in the characters, and spur the reader to want more?" If so, you're on the right track. This is also a good way to ensure you don't get yourself (and the reader) sidetracked.

I always aim for between 12-15 pages per chapter, and I always try to ensure that at least half of each chapter contains "the good stuff," if you know what I mean. I always try to leave each chapter with a cliffhanger. It helps to start the chapter with something good and nasty too, though it's not possible in all cases.

As far as "when to end a scene": I have strung out torture scenes for as long as three chapters (though two is really optimal) --- a lot of my villains like pretty elaborate tortures . I think this works as long as you deliver a healthy chunk of the "goods" per chapter. Sometimes a good tease can suffice, if you make it hot enough.

I hope some of this helps. I can't profess to be an expert, I just know that this formula has worked in the past, and continues to work for *me*. Anyway, I'm always available as a sounding board if you have more specifics.

GD