Separating Books into threes or more

[awriter12.livejournal.com]

Wow, I actually think this may be my first (or one of my first) post(s) here. Hmm.
Well anyways I shall get on to the point.
The story I am working on right now is telling me to be written into parts. Like Part one, Part Two, Part three type of thing in the same book. Kind of like what Kristin Cashore does in Graceling and what Stephenie Meyer did in Breaking Dawn (cept she had different points of views)
So this is where my question comes, does it bother you if a book is split into parts or other "books" within that book? Or do you prefer it so it separates some things in the book better?

Comments

[baltimoreandme.livejournal.com]

I think it depends, as you've suggested, on the structure of the story -- some books are easily divided into three (or 2, or 5, etc.) parts, while in others this sort of division would seem jarring or pointless.

The basic question is this: does splitting the story into books or parts add to the reader's understanding -- does it communicate something about the narrative that would otherwise not be communicated? If it does, split it up. If not, leave it unbroken.

[its-a-sekrit.livejournal.com]

For me, it depends on whether or not it serves a purpose to the story.

Does it add to the story if you separate it? Does it detract from the story if you separate it?

What purpose do you think it serves?

[awriter12.livejournal.com]

Thanks,

In my mind I think it would make it easier to understand because my character goes through some significant changes and a bit of time passes between what I'm think is going to be part one and what I'm thinking is going to be part two.
Part one is all kind of like an introductory part that lets the reader know whats going on.

[jinkang.livejournal.com]

One thing I thought up: if the first part is like an introductory part, it's still a story right?

It's a silly question but worth answering, I think.

If you divide the story into two and while the second part is rollicking fun, but the first part is all introductory...then you may need to make some changes to the first part.

I think overall, you'd be the best of the judge in the end. If you divide them up, do they need additional parts? troubles for the protagonists? more 'events'?

And once you have added them, would they stand on their own as it's own book. Because it's one thing to have two separate books, it's another story when said readers MUST read the first book to understand the second. It's tricky but you shouldn't force readers to read the first one. Never.

Good luck.

[awriter12.livejournal.com]

yes it would still be a story.
I'm talking like dividing up into parts within the same story, like part one two months ago and part two...

I wouldn't split it into two complete novels, because part one is not long enough for it to be anything other than a short story on it's own, but in order for me to finish writing this novel it has to be written in two parts I think in order for me to finish the novel.

But since in this story there is a significant time difference between the two parts(or what I am thinking about making into two parts)I can't really just put it into another chapter without the chapter saying like Six months later really boldly.

Still thanks for you're help, actually with the replies I've gotten they have made me think.

So thanks.

[jinkang.livejournal.com]

Sorry for not understanding earlier. I have read some books that follow such division so I'm sure readers won't get lost.

I am reading up on the 'Techniques of the Selling Writer' and Dwight actually mentions you can smoothly carry the passage of the time in a paragraph, if needs be, without resorting to any division.

Granted, I am not good at it so I usually use '###' in my short stories but what he writes in that book look pretty awesome. Haha.

Just another option to consider; it never hurts.

Good luck.

[awriter12.livejournal.com]

ha no worries. I don't think I stated it very clearly.

mhm, I might have to pick up that book.And yes I have thought about passing time in a paragraph and I have been considering it it is indeed another option.

Thanks for the help and the luck.