3 Ways to Organize the Chapters of a Novel

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 [email protected] 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 McQuistonSend me a Text Message!Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

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