When to Use Section Breaks in Your Novel

Writing a novel is a journey filled with plot twists, character arcs, and countless cups of tea. One of the key elements that can make or break the readability of your novel is how you use section breaks. These often-overlooked tools can enhance pacing, clarify narrative shifts, and give your readers a moment to catch their breath.

What are Section Breaks?

Section breaks are the white spaces or typographical symbols (like three asterisks or a hashtag) that indicate a shift within a chapter. They’re more subtle than chapter breaks but serve a similar purpose: to guide your reader smoothly through your story.

Why Are Section Breaks Important?

Section breaks help with pacing, signal changes in time, place or perspective, and prevent your reader from getting lost in the narrative. White space is your friend – it makes reading your book feel less like a marathon, and more like a pleasurable journey.

When to Use Section Breaks

1. Shifting Time

One of the most common uses for section breaks is to indicate a passage of time. If you’re moving from morning to evening, or skipping ahead a few days, a section break can elegantly signal this to your reader. If the pace means your characters are swiftly moving through time, then of course there is no need to introduce a section break with every time change. It also doesn’t matter how big the time jump is. The break is only really necessary if the time jump is particularly jarring.

Example: After an intense confrontation in the morning, use a section break to skip to the evening where your character is reflecting on the events of the day.

2. Changing Location

If your characters are moving from one location to another, especially if it’s a significant shift (say, from London to a remote village), a section break can help smooth this transition. Again, if your characters are on a journey, moving through multiple locations within one scene, then of course a scene break isn’t necessary. It also doesn’t matter how big (geographically) the shift is. A scene break is only necessary if the jump is jarring, and if it avoids the need for clunky explanations and keeps the narrative flowing.

Example: Your protagonist receives a mysterious letter in London. Use a section break before the next scene where they’re already on the train to the countryside.

3. Switching Points of View

It’s important to introduce a section break when you change the narrator or point of view character. They help the reader adjust to the new perspective without confusion. Don’t forget, you can only have access to one character’s inner dialogue, motivations, emotions and feelings at a time.

Example: You’ve just wrapped up a scene from the heroine’s perspective. Use a section break before diving into the hero’s point of view, allowing the reader to recalibrate.

4. Pacing and Tension

Section breaks also help control the pacing of your novel. If you’ve just written a dramatic, high-octane scene, providing a section break can let your readers take a breath. You can also add tension by ending a section on a cliffhanger.

Example: Your hero is about to open a door to a murder scene. Use a section break right as they turn the handle to heighten suspense before revealing what’s inside.

5. Introducing Flashbacks or Dreams

Flashbacks and dreams can be tricky to handle, and it’s an excellent idea to signpost them by using a section break to help your reader navigate where they are at.

Example: Your character is thinking about a past event. Use a section break before the flashback sequence to clearly differentiate between present and past.

6. Scene Endings and Beginnings

You might find yourself reaching a natural conclusion, but are not yet ready to end the chapter. A section break allows for a clean break and a fresh start within the same chapter.

Example: A heated argument ends abruptly with one character storming out. Use a section break before starting the next scene where the aftermath is being dealt with.

7. Changing Narrative Style

If you’re switching from a descriptive passage to rapid dialogue, or vice versa, a section break can help prepare your reader for the shift in tone and pace.

Example: After a detailed description of a bustling marketplace, use a section break before launching into a snappy dialogue between characters.

How to Format Section Breaks

1. White Space

Simply leaving a blank line between sections can be effective and is often used in printed books.

2. Symbols

Three asterisks (***) or a hashtag (#) or another other symbol centred on a line can clearly indicate a section break.

Overusing Section Breaks

While section breaks are incredibly useful, if you overuse them they can disrupt the flow of your story and make it a little choppy. Aim for balance – use them thoughtfully and purposefully to enhance your narrative.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Section Breaks

Section breaks are not insignificant! They can shape your novel’s readability, tone and pace. Use them sensibly and carefully and your audience will be hooked.