Hi all.

I'm new here, and new to writing.

I am having a crack at writing a bit of fiction, and have a quick question.

In between two chapters, which follow on directly from each other, I wish to introduce a plot device, in this case a letter from one unknown person to another. As far as the reader is aware, at this moment in time, the letter has nothing to do with the events of this chapter, or the next. And yet, for the purposes of plot, it has to appear. This kind of thing will probably be done as a theme, but not between every single pair of chapters....

So, what are my options?

Display the letter as...

1) an epilogue to Chapter 1?
2) a prologue to Chapter 2?
3) chapter 2 itself, in its entirety, with the former Chapter 2 becomming 3?
4) just an un-numbered item between chapters?
5) an appendix? (no, HATE that idea...)
6) something I haven't thought of....?

Thanks in advance for any assistance and advice.

Regards,
James

Maybe have the letter as it’s own page long chapter, but don’t make it the only letter. Have other letters every half dozen chapters or so.

So I’d go with option 4, but do it more than once.

But then again, that’s just my opinion…

Grinder

Have a look at The Liar by Stephen Fry. He does something between chapters (which I found totally confusing in the novel, but enjoyed in the unabridged reading) with two of the main characters. These scenes are set in the present, whereas the rest of the novel is set at several periods in the past. If I remember rightly, these chunks are defined as being separate from the general chapters by being written in italics.

If you are using a letter then you can avoid having to use chapters by having a heading, in the same size, font and style as a chapter heading, that simply introduces the letter.

"Unsigned Letter dated July 3rd 1967"

This will act as a break in the text, similar to a chapter, but will also inform the reader that this isn't the next part of the story.

If letters, notes, extracts from journals and newspaper reports form a big part of the book, take a look at Dracula by Bram Stoker or Carrie by Stephen King.

Colin M