I thought that writing a novel was going to be an easy task compared to short stories. For the first twelve chapters I seem to be correct. I could almost say that the book was writing itself. The words just came out of me and then they took on a life of their own.
I started by giving each chapter a title, which is a simplistic version of light planning. New chapters and sub characters were created on a whim, as if the story and the characters were directing me rather than me directing them.
Photo: Rennett Stowe Used under Creative Commons License
Chapter 1 got an award from the San Antonio Writers Guild, and it was smooth sailing for the next eleven chapters. Not only is the story building, but also subtexts, themes, Jungian Archetypes, psychology, and relationships, are becoming more complex and subtle.
Also, the most noticeable difference is the amount of editing. Chapter twelve doesn’t need half of the editing that chapter one needed. On top of staying busy with the novel, I’ve been pumping out short stories along the way. I guess writing can be no different from riding a horse or playing a guitar. The more you do it, the better you get.
Here’s a list of the titles of the first twelve chapters. Some are definitely written in stone, but others I just consider working titles.
Chapter 1………… Signs and Portents
Chapter 2………… Contemporary Antiquity
Chapter 3………… A Short Walk, A Long History
Chapter 4………… The Creeping Shadow
Chapter 5………… Secret Delving
Chapter 6………… A Rogue is Born
Chapter 7………… The Stolen Kiss
Chapter 8………… To Pursue a Mouse
Chapter 9………… Parleys, Provisions, and Preparations
Chapter 10……… The Caravan
Chapter 11……… An Identity Revealed
Chapter 12……… The New Apprentice
So the work keeps rolling along. In the meantime, what do you think of these chapter titles?
San Giacomo's Corner 
Why give titles to your chapters? I’ve actually heard it’s very common for writers to give them in the beginning so they know what the chapters are about, but then they strip it. I’ve been torn on the concept myself, so would just like to know why you picked chapter names. Also, awesome! I like it so far from the brief phrases. It’s nice when the characters do most the work, and we just need to write it out.
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All I can say is that I love it when a book has chapter titles. There’s just something more charming about it.
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I’m afraid I don’t get where you are going. The titles are not giving me enough information to make a comment. Maybe my vocabulary is limited but what is portents? Perhaps using words that most of us don’t use might be something to re-think. Sorry I couldn’t help you out.
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Portent: An indication or an omen of something about to happen
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Also, check out the first post in this category Into Mentiria.
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I’ve seen books both with and without chapter titles. I don’t mind a book not having them, but when a book does have them, I sometimes wonder about what the chapter will contain simply from the title.
I have not seen a lean one way or another regarding chapter titles. Sometimes I use them and sometimes I don’t.
I love it when a story writes itself. It’s like I am only an observer and I’m recording the events.
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It’s a great feeling. Like incubating eggs and later watching them hatch on their own. 🙂
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It’s a wonderful feeling when the story feels like it’s writing itself. I had that feeling last night and it lasted for about three hours. As far as the chapter titles, I like the following: 2, 3, and 9. Those popped out to me.
I like it better when a book has chapter titles because it adds to the character of the story.
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I also like to think of titles as a type of teaser. The shortest blurbs.
Thanks.
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I’m glad I’m not the only that feels that way. Sometimes I feel my characters are directing the story and I am an observer. Over writing I have found out things about my characters I had not planned on writing into the story. I name my chapters too even though by the time it’s published the names may change.
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I love named chapters too. But like I said, they’re not written in stone. There’s a couple of names that I think I’ll change.
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Such interesting titles they are, too. I agree with you too, Ernesto. The more writing you do… well, it’s doesn’t necessarily get easier. You sure get better the more you do. It becomes a vertical learning curve, that’s for sure. Thank you, my friend, for all your help and for being there watching me grow. I’ll be interested to know who your novel develops into a completed work. Take care.
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G’day Leon, I’ve noticed your screenplays getting better and better as well. Keep up the good work.
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Interesting to see that you are editing each chapter as you go. I’m leaving the editing till after the first draft. Do you think it is better to edit-as-you-go?
The chapter titles, I think, are great, except chapter 2 which doesn’t sound like it belongs there. Made me think: non-fiction.
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I had to get chapter 1 ready for a contest entry. I also know myself all too well. If I see a hulking manuscript to edit, I probably won’t get around to it.
It’s better for me to make a few light passes per chapter.
Good catch… the titles for chapters 2 and 4 are somewhat problematic for me as well. You’ve confirmed my second-guessing.
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I agree the characters tend to bloom alive on their own after a while. Almost scary.
I need to get a context of your book/ synopsis before I understand the significance of the titles.
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