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On November 16, 2024, Kasie and Rex took on ending chapters. Here are the show notes:

Theme for the day

Chapter Endings

Agenda

• Quick Catch Up
• Chapter Structure explained
• How to get readers to turn the page

Segment 1

So chapter are not scenes, according to this blog” 

“This means that a well-structured chapter should fulfill a few requirements. It should:

• Help your reader keep track of the events of your story.
• Provide natural pausing points for your reader to leave and return to.
• Create a sense of suspense and urgency in your reader.
• And maintain a solid pacing that keeps your reader moving forward.”

The blog goes on to describe what it calls the “funnel” technique for chapters:

Level 1: (broad) characters exploring their options

Level 2: (narrower) pursuing a goal

Level 3: (narrower still) conflict 

Level 1: (narrowest) outcome or resolution.

Seems basic, right? Chapters should end where they should end. A natural transition. The right time to set the book down and pick it back up tomorrow.

Wrong! A chapter should end on a note that forces the reader to keep reading. A really good editor can probably get you there, so as the writer, you maybe don’t have to concern yourself too, too much with this, but if you’re self publishing and don’t plan to hire an editor, these tips are for you.

Segment 2

So a few years back I sat through a workshop on scene structure that names sections of the story. Like this blog explains, Dwight D. Swain taught us that there are two types of scenes in a novel: scenes and sequels. 

A scene has 1) a goal, 2) a conflict, and 3) a disaster.

It’s followed by a sequel, which consists of 1) Reaction (to the disaster), 2) a dilemma, and 3) a decision.

From AI (no, really):

Reaction, dilemma, and decision are elements of a sequel that transition a character from a disaster to a new goal: 

• Reaction: How the character responds to the disaster 
• Dilemma: The problem the character faces as a result of the disaster 
• Decision: The choice the character makes about their dilemma 

A sequel is a unit of transition that links two scenes in a story. Scenes are more plot-oriented, while sequels are more character-oriented. The combination of scenes and sequels creates a cause-and-effect chain that drives the story forward.

Here’s another resource on that approach.

But in this blog, (also linked above) KM Weiland talks about approaching the same structure with questions instead. I did this with the vampire novel during one of the MANY revisions it’s been through. Here are the questions they prescribe:

• For every scene, ask, “What is going to happen?” – or, specifically, “Will Lizzy see Darcy when she visits Pemberly?”
• This forces questions like, “How did the character react to what happened?” – or, specifically, “Will Lizzy be surprised? Chagrined for spying? Run away to avoid seeing him? Be caught in her escape?”

The question reveals the goal. The “how” reveals the conflict. The answer reveals the outcome.

Segment 3

Okay, but that still doesn’t tell us where to break the chapter. Let’s ask AI again (really):

A chapter should ideally end at a natural pause in the story, often after a significant event, a turning point in the plot, or a moment of high tension, leaving the reader with a question or a sense of anticipation to keep them engaged and eager to read on to the next chapter; this could include a cliffhanger, a new revelation, or a significant decision made by a character. 

Key points to consider when ending a chapter:

• Change in scene or time: A shift in location or time can be a good place to break between chapters. (link)
• Character realization: When a character has a significant epiphany or understanding. (link)
• Climax of a scene: Ending on a moment of high drama or conflict can leave the reader wanting more. (link)
• Introduce a new conflict: Present a new obstacle or challenge for the character to face in the next chapter. (link)
• Question left unanswered: End with a mystery or a question that the reader is eager to have answered. 

And also, this:

Things to avoid when closing the chapter:

• Abrupt endings: Don’t end a chapter in the middle of a sentence or action without providing some closure. 
• Too many cliffhangers: While cliffhangers can be effective, using them too frequently can become predictable and tiresome for the reader. 
• Dragging on: Don’t let a chapter become overly long by not identifying a natural stopping point. 

Segment 4

This link gives 17 ways to end a chapter. Let’s unpack those as our “how to.”

1. Ask a question
2. Present a door
3. Present an obstacle
4. A decision must be made
5. A terrible choice
6. The realization of a mistake
7. A disappointment
8. A good plan is formed
9. They get a visitor or message
10. They learn something new
11. An arrival 
12. A departure
13. A rejection
14. A big action
15. A touching or pivotal confession
16. A touching or pivotal reflection
17. A touching or pivotal understanding