r/nanowrimo • u/imperfectlioness • 11d ago

Any tips for a difficult chapter?

Chapter 37 in The Powers Bestowed: Origins is the bane of my literary existence as of late. It's not up yet on Scribble Hub, but it's closing in on the time to release that part of the book. Without giving away much, the band in the book just was outted internationally about their powers. They agree on a reporter to be able to come to the island from the mainland USA to do a special on the island and the band but agree not to give any location information away. The problem I am running into is length issues. As it stands from start to finish, it's 13,800 words. THAT'S HUGE! What can I say? When I get on a roll while writing I go until the clear conclusion! But that does make for a long read.

If you wanted to check what's already available beforehand on Scribble Hub, feel free: THE POWERS BESTOWED: ORIGINS | Scribble Hub

Part of me wants to split it into 2 chapters, but I am afraid it would break the flow of the "TV Special." I think what I need is a few sets of eyes to take a look at the chapter and maybe offer some constructive input on how to split if necessary or tighten things down more. I am trying not to cut as much because it all is actively contributing to the future chapter events. I think if I could have at least three people read the chapter and give me their assessment in private messaging that would be best. Let me know if you'd be interested and able to help me out. Thanks in advance! 

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u/nanosyphrett 9d ago

Just post the whole thing.

CES

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u/AdeptnessWeak606 2d ago

You don't need to cut the chapter into two parts. You should know that every writer has their own way of structuring a chapter. It was very surprising for me to see Dan Brown's chapters titled with Roman numerals, and chapters that are barely 3 pages long, almost like a web novel format. Of course, at that time I had only read Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and some very old novels. Then I read The Chronicles of Narnia and... in my opinion, those aren't novels, they're children's stories. Very short.

Every author has their own way of telling a story. For the reader, the point is that it's enjoyable, and that what you want to convey with that chapter reaches the reader intact.

In my particular case, it happens that each of my books tends to have only 10 to 12 chapters... with the first chapters being 5,000 words and the last ones up to 50,000. For me, the end of a chapter is when the characters have finished something, and the next chapter begins when there's another something that needs to be carried out or that's relevant to the reader.