I have a dream! To write a book!
And I am one of those writers that do not write, but have tons of drafts and plans and that change their minds every other month. I have started and stopped I do not know how many times. I have changed names, I have written and scrapped, I have hurt and despaired.
While I do have a plan written down, everything I do is quite empirical and instinctual. Then, one day, it hit me. Maybe I should check some actual resources and see what information is out there. That might help me and make it easier for me.
Said and done. And I found quite some good, easy to follow information. Because I found it so useful, I thought to share some bits with you here.
Just to clarify, I am not copying anyone’s work here, these are just bits and pieces I have found online. I mean I am sure somebody was the initial source as they can’t have popped up from the ether online, but it is generic info that gets passed from source to source.
Things to ponder when preparing a chapter:
1. Understand the Chapter's Purpose
Determine the Chapter’s Goal: What do you want to achieve with this chapter? Is it to introduce a concept, develop a character, advance the plot, or provide critical information?
Connection to the Book: Consider how this chapter fits into the overall structure of the book. How does it connect with the previous and subsequent chapters?
2. Outline Key Points or Events
List Main Ideas or Events: Identify the key points or events that need to occur in this chapter. This could be character development, key dialogues, or significant actions.
Subdivide the Content: Break down these main ideas into smaller sections or scenes to make them more manageable.
3. Consider the Chapter’s Structure
Beginning, Middle, and End: Plan how the chapter will start (introducing the focus), how it will develop (expanding on the idea or action), and how it will conclude (resolving or leading to the next chapter).
Pacing: Consider the pacing of the chapter. Should it be fast-paced to create tension, or slower for introspection?
4. Develop Character and Setting
Character Involvement: Identify which characters will be central to this chapter and how they will be developed or portrayed.
Setting: Determine where the chapter will take place and describe how the setting will influence the chapter’s events.
5. Incorporate Themes and Symbolism
Theme Integration: Think about how this chapter will contribute to the book’s overall themes.
Use of Symbolism: Plan any symbols or motifs that can be introduced or developed in this chapter.
6. Plan Dialogue and Interactions
Key Dialogues: If relevant, outline any crucial conversations that need to happen in the chapter.
Character Dynamics: Consider how characters will interact and what these interactions reveal about them or the plot.
7. Review and Adjust
Review the Outline: Look over your chapter plan and ensure it flows logically and contributes meaningfully to the book.
Adjust as Necessary: Be flexible. You might find new ideas or better ways to present the chapter’s content as you write.
8. Write the Chapter Summary
Summarize: Write a brief summary of the chapter, highlighting the main points, character developments, and any significant changes that occur.
9. Consider Transitions
Link to Previous and Next Chapters: Think about how this chapter will transition from the previous one and into the next. Smooth transitions help maintain the narrative flow.
10. Finalize the Plan
Checklist: Ensure that all key points, themes, and character developments are covered in your plan.
Ready to Write: With a clear plan in place, you’re ready to start writing the chapter.
I found these so helpful and in a way I am kicking myself: Why did I not do this research before? Why did I put myself through the difficulties of tryign to figure out everyhting by myself? Humans!
I hope you find this useful! If you have other suggestions or tips and ticks of the trade, I am all ears!
I really need to write this book and I will take all the help I can get!
This is all really sound advice! Thank you.