[FEEDBACK NEEDED] Uh-oh... · 3:16am Oct 22nd, 2021
So, I've started writing Chapter 8 again.
Turns out I just needed to rip out the last half-paragraph I'd written, as it told the facts but blocked the creative flow. Once I did that, the words just started pouring out.
A problem has arisen, though.
Long time fans will recall towards the end of April and the beginning of May in 2020, I had started posting some updates that amounted to, "Almost done, really, for reals!" for Chapter 4 of Music Box Blues. By the time I got the chapter actually posted, it was longer than most entire fics (24k+ words!) and I actually lost a few fans over the massive, unwieldy nature of that beast.
Yeah, I'm starting to see Chapter 8 of Empire starting to balloon out like Ch. 4 of MBB. I just finished writing the 2/3-3/4 point of the chapter, and it's already at 8k+ words.
So here's the question; should I split the chapter into 2 parts?
I'll keep the poll open for the weekend, as just until Friday isn't really long enough and I'll be busy with my daughter Friday and Saturday. (It's trick'r'treat season in the U.S., no we don't just do it on the 31st anymore) Expect the poll to be closed Sunday and the results posted by Sunday evening.
The poll is apparently asking for me to supply a name, which I can understand the reason for but am not comfortable with personally (honestly, handle, or bs name). My vote would be for single chapter, if that is how you feel it needs to be presented—long chapters do not perturb me on account of length alone.
(Were it my poll, pre-seeded replies with ‘upvote me for X!’ would suffice, if ‘anonymous’ polling is acceptable)
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Ooh, right! Sorry, forgot that polling system does that. Just create a junker name if you don't want to put anything that ties back to you.
I don't really mind long blocks of chapters, beyond how they can sometimes get mind-numbing, but I personally think it's better to split it into two or so chapters. Easier for a majority of readers to sit down and read. You'd be surprised at how people can just get intimidated by seeing a long length chapter.
I voted "yes split into multiple chapters," but not for the reason supplied.
honestly, i feel shorter chapters allow authors to take more breaks to relax a little.
i've said it before, i'll say it again, i might just put it as a macro to save me time typing it out.
an author that is stressed, is an author that is not writing at their best.
Disclaimer: I read at around 20-25K words an hour, so "long" for me is not the same as "long" for anyone else.
We'll be here when it's done, Chrystal. Only break it up if you feel you absolutely must.
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You're all super supportive and awesome!
So far "single chapter" is in the lead by nearly 200% more than "split the chapter." Still going to keep the poll open in case someone needs the time for tomorrow and Sunday morning.
Splitting it is usually a good idea, so long as you find a appropriate note to end it on.