Writing Forum

I like books with chapters that aren't too long. I have a weird thing where I don't like ending a reading session mid-chapter. Silly, I know, but I think a lot of people are like that.

The key is to not be too strict. Perhaps have a max length, but then if you do a really long chapter see if it is possible to use a double line space to break it up in a few places. That said, if you are writing and you have no place to break then just keep writing. Brandon Sanderson had a chapter 50,000 words long in one of the Wheel of Time books (I haven't read them). In an interview he said he had to get permission from Robert Jordan's (original author of the series) wife before doing so. But apparently he had good reason and the chapter needed to be that length.

Terry Pratchett doesn't use chapters at all. It's one of the reasons I couldn't get into his books years ago. I do intend on trying again now I am a more mature reader.

As always, you need to do what the story needs. But, at the same time, you are in control of the story so you can make decisions if you think it will make your book easier to read. If you are writing YA or teen fiction then shorter chapters might be necessary to retain reader attention. Adult fiction, less so.


Thanks,
Matt

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