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How long of a chapter is too long?



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Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:37 pm
Zayber says...



I am writing a first chapter and it is approaching being 7 pages long, and might end up being 8 or more. Right now it is over 2,000 words.
"If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." - Stephen King

“Getting something and having the wits to use it...those are two different things.”
― Rick Riordan, The Battle of the Labyrinth
  





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Wed Apr 18, 2012 4:18 pm
Rosendorn says...



I have written single scenes longer than that. You're fine. :P

On a more serious notes, you can figure out chapter endings in one of two ways:

Planner method: You have some idea of what to accomplish in any given chapter and finish the chapter once that plan is finished. Usually ends up at about the same length per chapter.

Instincts method: As you write, you realize "here's a good spot for a chapter break" and you put one in.

Neither way is better than the other. It's really about what works best for the story.
A writer is a world trapped in a person— Victor Hugo

Ink is blood. Paper is bandages. The wounded press books to their heart to know they're not alone.
  





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Thu Apr 19, 2012 2:18 am
Zayber says...



Rosey Unicorn wrote:I have written single scenes longer than that. You're fine. :P

On a more serious notes, you can figure out chapter endings in one of two ways:

Planner method: You have some idea of what to accomplish in any given chapter and finish the chapter once that plan is finished. Usually ends up at about the same length per chapter.

Instincts method: As you write, you realize "here's a good spot for a chapter break" and you put one in.

Neither way is better than the other. It's really about what works best for the story.

Thanks :P
"If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." - Stephen King

“Getting something and having the wits to use it...those are two different things.”
― Rick Riordan, The Battle of the Labyrinth
  








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