I've just read a novel which has no chapters; it was just one lengthy narrative, with no sub-divisions of any kind. And it made me realise something: I love chapters.
I love the way they break the story up; the "I'll just read to the end of this chapter" thing; the way each one is a link in a chain, with a hook (of excitement/uncertainty/mystery/expectation or whatever) to lead the reader on to the next. They also give the opportunity for a clear change in POV or scene. They are a useful device, for both reader and writer.
I always write in chapters, generally quite short ones, and I don't think I could write in any other way. I tend to edit each one as I go along (which is probably bad practice, but never mind), and so each one has several little drafts of its own (I think this is probably a relic of my short story days).
How does anyone else feel? Do chapters really make that much difference?
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Chapters mean organization! How can a full length work of fiction or non fiction not have chapters?
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think novels without chapters existed. Chapters are a good thing - organisation, POV, scene change and direction all spring to mind. Good post Frances!
ReplyDeleteYes, chapters are a "must" - they divide the book and our reading time in reasonable and practicable bits, just like mealtimes divide a day and well-deserved breaks divide the busy working hours.
ReplyDeleteWhere do you stop reading if there are no chapter endings? I like to finish at the end of a chapter, especially if it has a 'turn one more page' ending. That's something to look forward to in the next reading session.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely prefer chapters, partly for that delicious sense of anticipation. Can't imagine reading a book without them!
ReplyDeleteKaren, this is so true, both for reader and writer.
ReplyDeleteDiane, I think it's yet another gimmick; like having dashes instead of quotation marks (I've read two novels using this device in the last week!).
Librarian, I think you put that very well!
Lynne, I agree. Chapters help you structure your reading, don't they.
Hi, Rosemary. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever read a novel without chapters before. I just hope this doesn't catch on!
You have to have chapters. Where else would you stop to make tea and collect biscuits, or have a night's sleep, or go and phone your dentist? Honestly, don't authors conSIDer that people have to LIVE?
ReplyDeleteFran, exactly!
ReplyDeleteThe lack of chapters is my only real beef with Terry Prachett's books. but then he cheats and separates bits with *** which might as well be chapter ends.
ReplyDeleteActually, come to think of it, in recent times even TP has resorted to chapters.
I find that I read a book that has short cahpters much quicker than one with long ones.
ReplyDeleteAlis, I've never read any TP, but I agree. That sounds like cheating.
ReplyDeleteColette, that's a very good point. I think I do, too.
I like chapters when I'm writing as they make the book feel more manageable - I think the same applies to reading although I've never tried reading a book without chapters. I did try writing that way and dividing later, but didn't take long to change my mind.
ReplyDeleteHi, Patsy. I can't imagine writing without chapters. I think life is naturally broken up into chunks (days, nights, summer, winter, term, holidays etc), and anything long and unbroken seems almost unnatural (I don't think I put that very well. Hope you see what I mean!).
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine reading a novel without chapters!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I'm beginning to think that Christopher Wakling's novel What I Did - the novel I was talking about - must be the only book ever written without chapters! I certainly can't remember another.
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