Guest blogger, Carole Gift Page, continues to share her Ten Steps in Writing a Novel.
STEP FOUR: BREAK YOUR SYNOPSIS INTO CHAPTERS. You may want to keep a separate file folder for each chapter, containing your rough drafts and any pertinent information or research. Usually I go through my synopsis and draw lines where I think the material can naturally divide into chapters. I also underline in red all material I want to use in my edited or abridged synopsis accompanying my proposal to a publisher.
As you divide your work into chapters, be sure something significant happens in each chapter to forward the action. Always include conflict and emotion. In a sense, each chapter has its own beginning, middle and end, although the “end” serves more as a springboard to the next chapter. Remember, your novel should have a number of intensely dramatic moments building like stair steps toward the highest point or climax of your story. Be sure all chapters point toward your central theme, developing and enhancing it.