Writing Wyrd Dreams chapter three

I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone that is reading Wyrd Dreams in its month-by-month episodic format. For fans, I'm currently writing chapter three. There's more aftermath of the hive quake in this one and a lot more Bane, plus you'll be introduced to some pivotal characters in the story and get an inkling as to exactly what Bane is getting himself into.

I'm about 3,000 words in thus far, but I reckon this chapter is only about half done yet. For those of you that don't read all the comments, Hip Priest (one of the readers of Wyrd Dreams) posed an interesting question and one that I'd like to talk about a little. It was with reference to publishing on-line and the difficulty (or impossibility) of making plot changes retroactively, and how planning comes in to effect. For me, a good chapter breakdown or plan is absolutely crucial to writing anything, be it a short story, novella or full scale novel. This should be treated as your skeleton in so far as there's a spine to hang the story off but it isn't so rigid that you can't deviate slightly as the narrative takes control for itself (which it often does - and should).

Thanks for your comments and your question, Hip Priest - very thought provoking...

I always know in my mind, based upon my chapter breakdown or plan, where a story is going, where it should beat in the middle and where it will end. It's a good way of keeping control of the story's structure and not letting it run away with you. Good planning and a solid structure is of paramount importance for an episodic piece like Wyrd Dreams (my first of its kind as it happens), because it's not like I can change my mind partway through and change or introduce something to a previously 'published' chapter. You certainly have to be on your game and stick to your convictions. Regularly revisiting the chapter breakdown to reacquaint yourself with what you had planned is always a good idea too. A way of touching base and making sure that you're still on track.