{"id":10805,"date":"2026-04-19T19:09:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T18:09:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/?p=10805"},"modified":"2026-04-19T19:09:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T18:09:41","slug":"how-do-you-keep-a-chapter-on-topic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-do-you-keep-a-chapter-on-topic\/","title":{"rendered":"How do you keep a chapter on topic?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

“How do you keep a chapter on topic? I keep finding myself going off on tangents, adding scenes that don’t really belong, or ending up somewhere completely different from where I started. By the time I finish a chapter, I’m not even sure what it was supposed to be about anymore.”<\/em><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stories have a tendency to tell themselves. Even the best-laid plans often go by the wayside when you actually get into the flow of writing. Characters have a mind of their own, and often plot holes will require a shift in perspective, all of which can lead to chapters that feel meandering or off topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During a first draft, your story is still finding its shape. As much as we\u2019d all love to sit down and write, and end up with a fully formed novel, that\u2019s rarely the reality of writing a novel. So it\u2019s important to remember to be kind to yourself and realise that your early drafts are still you discovering what you want your story to be. It\u2019s normal for things to get a little off track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wandering chapters aren\u2019t a sign of bad writing. They\u2019re a result of you flexing your creative muscles and exploring the possibilities available in your narrative. But if you still feel like your writing needs more focus, then let’s explore some techniques to keep your writing on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your chapter for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you can keep a chapter on topic, you need to know what “on topic” means. Every chapter should have a reason for existing in your story. It should develop character, move the plot forward, provide important background, or introduce something new. Your chapter should end with something changing from where the chapter started. This could be anything from a revelation, a decision, or even a setback; a relationship might change, or it might even set up the stakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each chapter is like a mini-story with its own beginning, middle, and end. It should have a question it\u2019s trying to answer or a problem that needs to be solved, even if it\u2019s as simple as making sure a character gets somewhere on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re really stuck, you can try the ABDCE structure<\/a> on a chapter-level, not just a plot level: Action, Background, Development, Climax, Ending. Start with your character being active in the chapter. Set up the background of why they are in that situation. Develop the stakes. Bring it to a climax and make sure it ends in a way that moves the story on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start with a clear intention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you know what you want to write about before you sit down to start, you\u2019ll be able to write with more focus. You don\u2019t need a detailed outline; all you need is an idea of where you want your chapter to start and end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you begin a chapter, think about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n