Multi Part Stories.

[SpacegirlLynn]

Just a question on formatting really.

I am writing a multi part story that I've been submitting one chapter at a time.

Should I spend time at the beginning of each part giving a summery of the events of the previous parts or should I just assume the readers have read those?

I did so in Chapter 2 but I am wondering if I should continue to do so in each of the following chapters.

Thanks.


Lynn

 

[Weird Harold]

I did so in Chapter 2 but I am wondering if I should continue to do so in each of the following chapters.

One paragrph or two to recap previous events is no big thing. Since you've alreadyestablished the pattern, I'd continue to put a recap in each chapter for this story.

For future stories, consider what your posting schedule looks like. If you're posting a chapter a dy or a chapter a week, recapping the story probably isn't necessary. If you're posting a chapter a month, or some longer, irregular interval, then a recap (or reference to the preceding chapters) is probably not a bad idea.

Another point to consider is that most people won't expect a recap if the story is identified as a "chapter" rather than a "sequel" or episode -- "chapters" are parts of a single story and "intended" to be read consecutively. "Episodes" or "sequels" are related stories that can each stand on their own as a separate story. The latter might require some background information to be able to stand on their own.

A large part of the qustion is a matter of style or genre -- "saturday morning serials" and "soap operas" have a when we last saw our heroes" recap as part of the style that makes them "saturday morning serials" and "soap operas."

"Sitcoms" or "series" tend to assume the readers or viewers watched last week's episode and know who is who and what's going on without a recap expcept for two-part episodes.

 

[Evil Alpaca]

I run into this problem a lot. I would say that if you are going to post the chapters in reasonably rapid succession (sp?), then I wouldn't worry too much about summation. If there is going to be a chronological break between chapters, a quick overview paragraph or two doesn't hurt.

 

[trendyredhead]

Personally, I can't stand to read a recap of the previous chapter at the beginning of each new one. If it's clearly labeled as chapters or parts (e.g., My Hot Story Ch. 1 or My Hot Story Part 2), then as a reader, I should be able to figure out "oh, read Chapter 1 first, then Chapter 2, etc.". But that's me. I've posted several multi-part stories (only 2 are currently on lit) over the years, and I've never included a "recap" at the beginning of each part, and I've never had any complaints.....just people begging for more.

Edited to add - I've had a year or more inbetween chapters in some cases. Still no recap at the beginning.

 

[SpacegirlLynn]

Thanks! I am greatful for your thoughts.