So, I'm still in avid reader mode and I'd like to share my experiences and that of other readers.
Now, it may not really be a written rule, but very long chapters are less attractive than shorter ones. Times are changing and we're in the generation of smarts. It won't be very comforting if your chapters look like something from many centuries ago. I mean, even the Bible is quite an example. Many chapters in the New Testament are short, direct and simple compared to those of the Old Testament. Imagine my old uncle reading your book and chapter two alone occupies scores and scores of pages. I tell you, after a few yawns, he'll most likely fall asleep and fall off his chair. And then his kids will come looking for you and I'll gladly point them in the right direction. Poor Uncle!
What about a younger person picking up such a book? He'll wonder, 'when the hell's this chapter coming to an end?!' After a few flips or scrolls and he finds out that the next chapter is still 20, 30 pages away... well, ahem, I think the next time he'll see your book is when he's chasing that rat that's taken to hiding under his bed. Of course, there's nothing really wrong with very long chapters, but if all your chapters are as long as beautiful Jane Bunford's hair, your reader could easily lose interest. It's actually quite cool to throw in a few long ones so your reader can hold his breath for a little longer than normal, but you really don't wanna suffocate anyone, do you? For those like me who also love short stories, give us shorter chapters spiced up with a few really long ones and we'll be fine. Don't make reading a chapter feel like climbing Mt. Everest.
In summary, if you can suck in your reader and keep him interested enough to continue following the story in one chapter, then don't push your luck! Start a new one as soon as you can. Even if you think you're not done with the story that that chapter ought to contain, continue it in a new one. We won't mind, provided you end each chapter in a way that will make us rush to the next one without delay.
Comments
Post a Comment