Hello again. Looking for pointers here, not sure if there is a hard and fast rule, still learning. (not meant as joke) in my first chapter an accident takes place and I feel to make it work it has to be seen from a number of points of view, literal points of view. so with each flip back to the beginning for the next pov do I place *** in the centre of the page between the close of one pov and the opening of the next? I do hope that is clear, it is to me but then I know what I mean!
Thank you again in advance. Regards Paul G
This is going to sound like a soppy kid, but I love this site, the only criticism you get is constructive and not only does it help directly with a problem solved, but it makes you.. well me think and use words differently. See about sounding like a soppy kid. I look at my own writing differently and try to see it as others might, not easy but this site definitely helps. Well it isn't the site it's the people who are part of it.
Regards to all, Paul
Adrian, you'll have to go back a page for my comment on the *** usage Paul referred to in his post.
One of the problems with e-readers is that white space can be missed, which is why people use dividing symbols - asterisks or arty things of their own design. They tend to be used at what could actually be chapter breaks, but the author would end up with twenty short chapters rather than, say, ten long ones. It's down to personal choice how you set out your novel, unless there is a house style to which you must adhere.
This sort of break - whether left white or with a symbol - should be there to mark a change, as you have described. It's to do with how the author wants the work to sound, as though a line has been drawn under what went before. Symbols individual to one book or one author can be a kind of signature, or refer to the period of the setting, but they can be over-used.
If the tone of your novel is best served by short snappy chapters, don't use breaks of any kind.
Lorraine
Paul.
The use of Asterix or White Space.
My understanding of the use of asterix or white space.
1) At a change of setting: Meanwhile, in London . . .
2) A change of time: During the next month . . .
3) A change of subject: A change in the storyline.
I'd be interested to hear what Lorraine's opinion is on the use of asterix and white space. Less use is better in my opinion. Also, skilfull writing can eliminate their overuse.
Many novels I have read use a single asterix, others I have read, use symbols to mark a change. I don't see to much use of white space in contemporary novels. I surmise it's because an asterix is strikingly visual to the reader.