Discover this podcast and so much more

Podcasts are free to enjoy without a subscription. We also offer ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more for just $11.99/month.

3 Ways to Organize the Chapters of a Novel

3 Ways to Organize the Chapters of a Novel

FromYour Next Draft


3 Ways to Organize the Chapters of a Novel

FromYour Next Draft

ratings:
Length:
16 minutes
Released:
Feb 14, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

Scenes and chapters are not the same.Scenes are the units of story writers use to craft amazing stories. They include one story event that moves the plot forward.Chapters are the units of story that readers see. Writers divide their books into chapters in a variety of ways in order to shape the way their readers experience the book.How do these work together? How can you craft chapters that are the best fit for your book?In this episode, I’ll show you three ways that authors divide their books into chapters. Plus, I’ll show you examples from novels ranging from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to Hank Green’s An Absolutely Remarkable Thing.You’ll learn:Why there’s no “right” number of scenes that must go in every chapter2 essential principles to help you organize the chapters in your bookHow the number of scenes in a chapter impacts the reader’s experience3 common ways authors organize scenes into chaptersAnd more!This isn’t a comprehensive list of every possible way to organize your chapters. Study your favorite novels, and you’ll find so many creative ways that authors arrange the chapters in their books.But the principles I’m sharing in this episode will be helpful to you no matter how you decide to organize your chapters.This episode was inspired by a listener question from Kathi. Thanks, Kathi!Have an editing question you’d like answered? Send me an email at alice@alicesudlow.com with the subject line “Podcast Question,” and I’ll keep it in mind for future podcast episodes!Links mentioned in the episode:Ep. 8: What Is a Scene? The Ultimate Guide to Write and Edit Amazing ScenesPRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane AustenSEAFIRE by Natalie C. ParkerRADIO SILENCE by Alice OsemanAN ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE THING by Hank GreenRED, WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE by Casey McQuistonWant an editor's feedback on your book?I'm currently accepting new editing clients. If you'd like to find out how I can help you craft your best book, send me a note at alice@alicesudlow.com and tell me about your book!Want more editing tips and resources? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook.And if you're enjoying the podcast, would you mind leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? That helps more listeners find the podcast. And it helps me know what's helpful to you so I can create more episodes you'll love!
Released:
Feb 14, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (70)

You write your first draft of your novel. Then what? How do you go from a messy rough draft to an amazing published book? Learn how to edit your novel in Your Next Draft. Developmental editor and copyeditor Alice Sudlow will teach you how to turn your first draft into a final draft and get your book publication-ready. Tune in each week for tips, strategies, and step-by-step guides for the novel editing process. And soon, you’ll publish an amazing book!