Question for series writers

[Djmac1031]

I'm currently writing a new chapter for my Jenna series, and finally getting to a major event I've been setting up for awhile.

The "problem" I'm having is, it still needed a little more set up to get to the event, now I'm writing the event, and it's running a bit long.

By long, I mean it may wind up around four, possibly five Lit pages. My usual chapters run two to three, max.

I've done this on purpose to keep the chapters short and quickly readable.

I can't decide if I split this in two, or just post the long version. If I split it up, I'd make sure to end the first part in a good place, with a tease of what's coming next.

Before anyone answers "just do what you think works," I'm not looking for someone to definitively tell me what to do.

Just soliciting opinions for discussion. I like to hear how others handle these things when they come up, that's all.

 

[KeithD]

I let the content determine where to cut--usually partially resolving something but also propelling the reader into what comes next.

 

[NotWise]

I can't decide if I split this in two, or just post the long version. If I split it up, I'd make sure to end the first part in a good place, with a tease of what's coming next.

I wouldn't split it in two unless there were a natural break in a good place. If the story is continuous, then I'd keep it in one piece.

 

[Djmac1031]

I wouldn't split it in two unless there were a natural break in a good place. If the story is continuous, then I'd keep it in one piece.

Agreed; if I decide to split the thing, it would basically be in the middle of the event, which is a long planned party.

So I'd need to find a way to "end" the chapter with some resolution but also with the understanding that the party isn't over yet.

 

[SimonDoom]

Agreed; if I decide to split the thing, it would basically be in the middle of the event, which is a long planned party.

So I'd need to find a way to "end" the chapter with some resolution but also with the understanding that the party isn't over yet.

Five Lit pages is not a lot. I would definitely NOT split a story of 5 Lit pages in 2 if it meant dividing it in the middle of an event. I would only do so if the story could be split into two stories that would stand pretty well on their own.

 

[Comshaw]

Agreed; if I decide to split the thing, it would basically be in the middle of the event, which is a long planned party.

So I'd need to find a way to "end" the chapter with some resolution but also with the understanding that the party isn't over yet.

I agree with NW. If there isn't a natural place to break it, publish it in its entirety. A bit longer than normal chapter is much preferable to a frustrated reader.

Which ever you choose, I hope it works out.

Comshaw

 

[Djmac1031]

Thanks for the feedback so far, everyone.

As is often the case, I often answer my own question shortly after asking it lol.

Because I just realized, either way, I still need to write the entire party scene first. Because as pointed out, even if part 1 runs a tad long, I'm not sure how much is left for part 2 til it's written. And I may want to change or add something.

I suppose I have to at least finish it first before making the choice to split it or not.

 

[MelissaBaby]

I also agree with NotWise. I think chaptered series work best if each entry functions as a cohesive narrative, if it can, to some extent, stand on its own. It sounds like you have that, and I would not break it up.

 

[Bramblethorn]

Agree with the posters above.

There are some media where it is important to keep to a consistent episode length. If you're working for a publisher whose technical constraints require each installment to be exactly X pages long, or if you're writing for a podcast that has to run between 25 and 27 minutes per episode, then you need to work with that. But Literotica isn't that kind of place. Pretty much nobody will care if some of your chapters are 2 pages and some are 5.

 

[Djmac1031]

Agree with the posters above.

There are some media where it is important to keep to a consistent episode length. If you're working for a publisher whose technical constraints require each installment to be exactly X pages long, or if you're writing for a podcast that has to run between 25 and 27 minutes per episode, then you need to work with that. But Literotica isn't that kind of place. Pretty much nobody will care if some of your chapters are 2 pages and some are 5.

I suppose that's true enough. If readers have stuck with the series this long, they're not going to object to MORE content. I'd hope.

If it's too long for them to read in one sitting, they can always come back to it...if it holds their attention.