Part 3 too short?

[Xitra_Blud]

My novel is split up into four parts. Each part is from the viewpoint of a different character. The first two parts are about fifteen chapters long but part is likely going to be no more the three chapters. Is this a problem? I have a fourth part on the way too. I haven't estimated how long it's going to be yet. Likely not fifteen chapters but certainly more than three.

 

[A. E. Lowan]

I don't see why it would be a problem. If it feeds the needs of your story, then that's how long it needs to be. Don't sweat it if it works. And as you write, you'll find that it will change - it may turn out completely differently than you plan it. Just write. If it turns out to be an issue, you can go back and fix it once you finish the first draft.

 

[kayd_mon]

Just putting the numbers like that, it makes it sound like part 3 isn 't that important, or that it would be better off told some way in another section. How essential is using this POV? Can the events be told from a different perspective?

Now, if it's something really important, and it has to be that separate POV, and you have to have it structured in four parts... Well if it works, it works. But my worry is that if a reader really likes that part, they may feel that they're "cheated" getting only three chapters, when tbere is so much more in the other parts.

Draft it, then read it. See if it works. Generally speaking, there are no rules*, so maybe this will work for you.

*other than the rule that your book should be enjoyable to read if you want others to read it.