Thanks Folks!

[Telcontar]

Hi Folks,

I'd just like to say 'thanks' for everything I've learned in the two weeks or so I've been coming here. Reading other people's work, and the reviews, has certainly helped me in imrpoving mine. One post in particular, I think it was by Lin, which I read this morning, concerning 'how to move on'. As a result, I've just done a quick synopsis, noted what has happened already, so I now know what should happen next. Sounds obvious really, once it's pointed out! At last, after three years, I can bring them out of the 'Hidden valley'!

I've also now got a 'target' to aim for, and so move the story forward. I've got 9 chapters, slightly over 37,000 words. A quick bit of maths gives just over 4000 words per chapter; if I aim for 15 chapters, thats a little over 60,000 words, slap in the middle of the 50 - 70,000 words suggested in a post I read, again, one of Lin's, I think.

Thanks all, I can now move on, I'll keep putting snippets up, if you're interested...


Dave.




Dave.

[Symphony]

Dave,

Sounds like you've really got things sorted out! Congratulations! That's a nice place to be. I'm very happy for you - and even happier that you found your way via this forum.

Hope you keep posting pieces of your work - and that you keep us posted, too ...

Symphony

[Foxy]

Hi Dave

I'm sure somebody will correct me if I'm wrong, but 60,000 words is a novella. All the advice that I've read states that 85,000 words is the preferred length for a novel from a first time writer, apparently it has something to do with printing costs and the way books are bound.

My novel,Trinity, which I am currently preparing for submission to agents is 120,000 words long... guess who isn't very good at acting on advice  

Patrick

[Telcontar]

Thanks again, Symphony and Patrick. Not sure whether I like the news or not; but I was originally thinking of around 100,000, so maybe I can get away with a few more...how many chapters for a novel?

Dave.

[Foxy]

As far as I know there is no hard or fast rule over the amount of chapters there should be in a novel. If you write short chapters, your novel will end up having lots of chapters and, obviously, if you write long chapters there wont be so many. My novel has forty chapters, but I tend to write fairly long chapters, typically ten to fourteen pages long.

I've noticed a trend lately of novels having three page chapters and I read somewhere that this is to make them easier to read on short journeys, such as on the bus or the tube.

Patrick

[Angeleyes]

I totally agree with you Telcontar. This site is great. In particular, I would like to thank Foxy for all of his encouragement earlier on. He has been a true inspiration for me! Not to mention everyone who has posted a comment or critique on the pieces of work I have put on this site. It truly is a great way to learn. 

[Lin]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the kind words and just to help you along, Ive written just over 100K words in four months without actually trying too hard, so it can be done.   Just pretend you are with a pupil  on a driving lesson and she is improving with every move you make  albeit slowly with occasional hiiccups on the way - you know the sort they get there in the end!!!  You will too. You may find that you wont be stuck for 100K words, when you get half way through, the idea is to try and expand on what you have already got.   Take a subject in the book and see if you can get more out of it.  In this respect you could make it more interesting for the reader.

Send me a brief glimpse of what you are writing and just maybe I can prompt you some more eh? Everyone has enjoyed our Confessions blog so I know you can write!!

My novel is taking its time - if you are just enjoying writing it there is no pressure until the publisher sends word -  eg can you do this before the end of the year?  and then its all hell let loose!!   So just enjoy writing it for now and concentrate on getting the story,  grammar and punctuation correct - if I can help with some editing let me know.  If you wanna chat real time you know where to find me.

Lin

[Grognoth]

Hi Dave,
I am always interested in what you have to say.
One thing that I have noticed, and I've only been a member for a few days, is that it is so friendly. I like that.

[Lin]

Yes we do seem to be getting a reputation for positive comments and helfpfulness.   Keep em coming guys and gals!

Lin

[Telcontar]

Hi Lin,
Just to say, thanks for the offer, two posts up, I might just email you some, when I'm happy with it myself. Expect something in about 20 years then...

Dave.

[Lin]

Il be almost 80 years old by then

Lin