Hatrack River Writers Workshop: How long is too long

This is topic How long is too long in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :

for the denoument of a novel.

As I reorganize, revise, and rewrite THE IGNORED PROPHECY, I'm considering moving one event up by about four chapters. In my mind, this event essentially closes the main plot. The question that arose at the beginning of the story is now answered. The next four chapters would then close the main subplot and a smaller subplot.

That feels like a lot of story still to go after the main story ends.

There may be other ways I could adjust the timeline that would work better. Any way I cut it, it's going to take about five chapters to wrap this up. There's a fair amount of action in at least two of them. The chapter that results in the answer takes some space, too. The other two chapter can be cut some and possibly even combined.

What is currently the last chapter is likely going to end up being the first chapter of the next book in the series.

Any thoughts?

Posted by Icepick Jones (Member # 9119) on :

The classical 3 act stanza has stood the test of time for a reason. Personally I wouldn't complete the main conflict until the end of the novel or as close to the end as possible.

People love an ending. They will forgive so many things if they get a knock out ending, but they will admonish an amazing tale if it ends in a lack luster or platry way. The ending defines more of the story than anything else, in my opinion. But I come from a school of screenwriting and visual storytelling.

I'd say first and foremost, do what feels right. And have someone else read it and tell you what they thought of the layout of events. And if necessary, kill your darlings.