《How to Write Stories People Will Love》Question 68: Is my story too long?
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asks: How do I know if my story is too long? I tend to write way too much and I'm worried it'll seem like a lot to take on. Should I split the book in two or leave it as it is? I also have the same question for individual chapters.
If you're considering a series, then be sure to read Question 5: Writing a series. It talks about the different kinds there are, and includes a section to help determine if your story needs to be a series or not.
Regarding individual chapters, this is a personal preference for authors and readers alike. Take a look at Question 41: Chapter length.
As for writing too much, I can offer a few guidelines. "Writing too much" is kind of a subjective term. Some stories will take longer than others to finish. But it's possible that "too much" could mean excessive description. If the pace is dragging because all the backstories are being drawn out, or all the scenery is being described in great detail, then that might be too much. Refer to Chapter 13: Tailor Your Description as well as Chapter 15: Ease Up on Backstory for more information.
Assuming you're not writing excessive details, how can you tell if your plot is simply too big for one book? Word count might be helpful. Most novels fall between 40,000 and 80,000 words. Some reach 100,000. A few get even farther than that, but over 100,000 you might want to start thinking about whether the story can be broken up into individual chunks or not.
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Divided/ Party to Escape
The aftermath where group of mercenaries were tasked to do VIP-mission, till it didn't lasted not only their limit, they weren't prepared of what kind of enemy they were dealing with. And therefore, they are split, nowhere to run, nowhere to be safe. This is a short story about in late February 1992, where in an island was peace and quiet until a "zombie-looking" army shows up before it all happened.Note: It contains Multi-dialogue and lots of characters involved.
8 136The Lone Macaw [GameLit Drama/Kingdom Building]
The moment the dying Aki opens his eyes, he is shocked. Not his hospice room but green meadows, blue sky and the villages of his favorite MMO await him. A fever dream? Or a new lease of life?To Aki it’s a chance to correct the story line he once hated and save his beloved sword maiden. But his brazen steps soon halt when the impending war covers the land in flames.Thrown into unknown conflicts, he has to use his game knowledge to protect his new home from a sheer unending horde of enemies. ———————————————————————————Feedback comments are much appreciated.Reviews will (hopefully) make my day.Cover by @gbsartworks
8 119Your Class Teacher
A school where locking students up is mandatory; teenagers who are locked up within this classroom face discrimination from society; a school where treating students cruelly is increasingly prevalent. Being treated like an object is just so unjust. But isn't it true that the school where these pupils are distinguished is also the institution where they are feared? Nowadays, teens are preoccupied with making plans for their future. They began amassing information for their respective occupations in order to flourish in life. However, there are some teenagers nowadays who are not fond of this type of behavior. These teenagers are more focused on doing something illegal that no normal human could ever do; illegal trading, robbery, gambling, gang management, and others; they are busy living their lives to the fullest through the use of cruelty—- the best example of this being the students who are all gathered up in one classroom. Not until--- A new transferred teacher, who's willing to change the students for good, has been consigned to this class. Mr. Travis Mortal, a charming, brilliant, and well-mannered instructor, should educate these students of his own volition. And, in order to break away from this unjust system, the students had no idea what's the real deal of this teacher. As they all go through their journey as one, Mr. Travis faced some consequences related to his past. But for him, the students are his first priority. Will the students cause even more mayhem towards the end of the school year? Will they continue to be the same? Or will they grow and urge themselves to be on the side of peace? [CONTENT WARNING]This novel discusses sensitive subjects, concerns, and acts. Parental supervision is recommended. - UPDATES every 1st and 3rd week of the month
8 388Demonizing Matters
A high fantasy drama about a young woman who finds out a demon secret. This secret sparks a growing conflict between demons and humans. While trying to save her own life and dealing with the unexpected consequences of her actions, she falls in love with a hated demon. We follow the drama of Lita, alongside a cast of several other POV characters, as she discovers secrets (both open and purposefully hidden), makes well intentioned but sometimes disastrous decisions, and encounters prejudices and truths. Demons may be evil… or not. Humans may be good… or not. God is aloof… or not. Publishing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This is my first real work! Super excited to be publishing! I don’t spend a lot of time describing gore, sex, trauma or any other type of scene that would be labeled as mature. I've labeled the story as mature in every way more because I don't quite understand the standard and don't know if I've crossed the line at all (and I'd rather be safe than get my story rejected for under labeling ;)). Mostly I hint, start the scene then interrupt/fade out, and in general let the reader know it happens but without making it too explicit. (I’d love to hear how I did on this! And if it was still entertaining/informative without being traumatizing.) This is what I prefer to read myself so that’s what I write. I’m not apologizing. ;) If I mislabeled my mature content it was by accident. And, yes, the pacing was also on purpose. Beyond that, I welcome any feedback you want to give! Enjoy the story!
8 199WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! (ON HOLD)
Male reader (Ork) x My Hero AcademiaDisclaimer: I do not own the vids, pics, Orks from Warhammer 40k and My Hero Academia. It belongs to their respective owners (vids and pics) Games Workshop (Orks Warhammer 40k) and Horikoshi Kōhei (My Hero Academia).
8 159stay for breakfast
From my heart, to yours.part.2Check out an active playlist for this story on Spotify!profile: smokeandtulipsplaylist name: stay for breakfasthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/7ipJQ6kGGUB7KTNWotmDN0?si=Q1CkLB-FQRmpFDzLixKAag
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