Proper Format for Stories

[Priapus]

I received a rather rude e-mail from a reader (too timid to list his or her e-mail address) regarding the fact I used "to be continued" at the end of the story, rather than use a Chapter No. or Part No.
to indicate a continuing saga.

Is there really a difference?

I would appreciate your remarks or opinions.

Thankyou

 

[Liar]

I received a rather rude e-mail from a reader (too timid to list his or her e-mail address) regarding the fact I used "to be continued" at the end of the story, rather than use a Chapter No. or Part No.
to indicate a continuing saga.

Is there really a difference?

I would appreciate your remarks or opinions.

Thankyou

I use both.

If you are making a long story in sections, it might be nice to inform the reader about it upfront. Either in the title "The Sexy Story Ch. 1" or in a foreword to it.

Just my 2c.

#L

 

[gauchecritic]

If your piece was perhaps an introduction or set-up for the meat of your story then the criticism was probably fair.

If the story was 'stand alone' and merely had a cliff hanger like ending then there is no reason to include chapter one or part one simply because there isn't necessarily going to be a two.

They're only readers, what do they know?

Gauche

 

[carsonshepherd]

Sometimes we write a story and don't know it's going to have a part 2, right? People are always asking me for more. "Write a sequel." One time I even wrote the sequel FIRST as a prologue and still had people asking me for a sequel!

 

[Virtual_Burlesque]

My 2-cent opinion is:

1) If it is a complete story but you intend to write sequels, you are correct as you have written it.

2) If it is the first chapter in a novel, your reader had a right to know what he was getting into from the beginning.

3) If it was a two-part (or greater) story, which you ended on a cliffhanger (especially if the other section will not be posted immediately) your readers should have been warned.

In both cases (2) and (3) you had a responsibility to alert potential readers whether what they were opening was, or was not, a complete story. Since you didn’t, I feel they have every reason to object.


It may be merely a peculiarity of mine, but I won’t read anything until I am certain that it is complete.

 

[flawed_ethics]

Seeing a "To be continued..." at the end of a story will drive me to the back button really quick. Unless it was a really well written story, I just know that it was a story someone wrote without any serious comittment. The story should be able to stand on it's own without the promise of a sequel.

My multi-part stories were labeled "Chapter 1" and so on - so the readers knew. If you will be writing a sequel, put a blurb on your Author's bio page telling your readers this news.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Priapus]

Thanks for all the kind and instructive replies to my post.

I will start using part numbers for the future segments of my to be ongoing saga.

Best to all.
Priapus

 

[impressive]

I only have one multi-part story. I didn't know after the first that there would even BE a second -- so there's no "Ch. 01" or "To be continued ..."

When I realized, after the second, that I will most likely write more about these two women, I included both a "Ch. 02" AND a "To be continued ..."

 

[oggbashan]

You can also edit the first part (see sticky at top of the author's hangout or f.a.qs) to include chapter 01 in the title or text.

That is useful if you write the first chapter and only then realise that it is chapter 1 and not the whole story.

Og

 

[Windblown]

So, along the same lines... what would you consider to be long enough that it needs to be broken into chapters/ segments/ parts/ insert your favorit semantic convention here?

 

[oggbashan]

So, along the same lines... what would you consider to be long enough that it needs to be broken into chapters/ segments/ parts/ insert your favorit semantic convention here?

It is your choice.

I used to submit as long documents that might have chapter breaks in them but were one submission.

I tried submitting as separate chapters. That has advantages and disadvantages.

For. 1. Readers are more likely to read to the end of the first part and vote.
2. The readers' stamina is not tested by having to read 6 or more Lit pages.

Against. 1. Those who are not enthused by chapter 1 will not read subsequent chapters.
2. Those who do like chapter 1 are not likely to comment or send feedback on subsequent chapters.
3. The reader has to find chapters 2 onwards. It is easier to click on 'next' than to go back to the list of the Author's stories, scroll down and find chapter 2.

I suggest that anything over 2 or 3 Lit pages needs breaking up if it can be done sensibly, preferably with a cliff-hanger - "Will he see her again? Will he escape the clutches of the evil whatever and find true love?".

Og

 

[impressive]

So, along the same lines... what would you consider to be long enough that it needs to be broken into chapters/ segments/ parts/ insert your favorit semantic convention here?

Well, although I just broke my own rule, I'd say 2-3 Lit pages would be max before I'd really, really want a break. That being said, however, if a natural break falls at 1 Lit page -- use it!

 

[Windblown]

Thanks for the advice. I'm on page 6, and no one has shed any clothes yet...

I have a feeling I might be taking advantage of the volunteer editor program before I submit this one.