Tags:
  1. Hublocker

    Hublocker Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2018
    Messages:
    159
    Likes Received:
    125

    Alternate chapters/directions?

    Discussion in 'Plot Development' started by Hublocker, Mar 1, 2019.

    Have you ever tried writing completely different chapters to see where your novel/story is heading?

    I'm about 3/4 of the way through a first draft of a novel (at about 65,000 words) and I have just completed one chapter that is left kind of open-ended.

    The next chapter could take the novel in any number of directions. I have several options in mind and have started one today, but I was thinking of starting another chapter in exactly the same place to see where that could take us too.

    I have a pretty clear idea of the the ending, I'm just working out the middle right now.
     
  2. Paneera

    Paneera Banned

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2018
    Messages:
    67
    Likes Received:
    81
    Location:
    USA
    Save it in the computer as version 1 and version 2. When you find yourself working on one version more than the other you'll know what's right.
     
    Rzero and Reece like this.
  3. Nir

    Nir New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2019
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    1
    On an old and now long discarded draft, I wrote three versions of chapter one. While each had the same beginning, they each ended differently. I don't think it's uncommon to try different ideas and branch out the story or see where the plot can go. After all, as @Paneera said, you might find a piece that fits well with your story.
     
  4. Rzero

    Rzero Reluctant voice of his generation Contributor

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2018
    Messages:
    1,742
    Likes Received:
    3,088
    Location:
    Texas
    Not exactly, but several times I've jumped back to insert something, and it spiraled off in a completely different direction, rendering what I had useless. Of course I wouldn't keep it unless it were an improvement, but it usually is.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice