Independent author Jonathan C. Crouch talks more about his approach to writing, taking readers of his Action & Adventure novels behind the scenes.

In Part 1, I talked about how I schedule my writing time, and the different approaches I’ve taken on each novel & what worked for me. I promised to cover why my chapters are relatively short and the decision to include a ‘intermission’ in my novels, in Part 2.

Kids television in the 1970’s – particularly those Saturday morning adventures – were very episodic with each week ending on a cliff-hanger, the action frozen and the narrator’s voice booming “tune in next week to find out…”

I wanted to capture some of that excitement in the adventures of Dr Adam Price, and for pace, decided that my chapters would be deliberately short & ‘punchy’.

I was also taught that chapters denoted a change of tone (from chase to more static action), scene or character.

Although I didn’t set out to write particularly for teens, the lack of profanity and comic book violence does lend itself very well to youth fiction. It’s just a personal theory, but I think teen’s prefer shorter chapters. What do you think?

Time permitting, I’m hoping to self-record my novels – Price: World, Price: Polestarr and Price: Dark Crater and make audio book versions available. I think the shorter chapters will work particularly well with this medium.

And now it’s Intermission time!

Yes, you read that correctly, and as far as I’m aware, I am the only author to include a dedicated Intermission in their novels.

Again, I think it’s an affectionate nod to my own childhood, where a trip to the local Cinema – The Royston Priory (sadly long demolished and replaced with houses & apartments) for the latest Disney animation, was always a grand treat. Back then, there was usually a ‘B’ Film or featurette before the main film. These ‘B’ films were usually nature orientated – the life of the riverbank etc.

Then there’d be an intermission, the lights would come on in the auditorium and patrons had the last opportunity to purchase sweets, drinks or ice-creams, before the lights would dim and the main film would start – the Film Board’s classification certifcate projected onto the shimmering silk-like curtains covering the screen as they began to part, and that tingle of excitement that ran from the back of your neck.

I’m a very fast reader and it’s not unknown for me to read a book all in one sitting, and I know I’m not alone in this obsessional reading pattern. This is not good. So the thought of including a mental break around the half-way mark appealed enormously. A chance to get up, have a stretch, get a refreshing drink and a snack, before returning to read.

I’ve used the Intermissions to give readers a kind of added value, a bit like the novels of films, that include photo stills from the film itself (I’ve still got my original copy of Star Wars by George Lucas with the colour photos in the middle).

I might share insights into the story, discuss forthcoming novels I’m working on or go completely off topic with an anecdote or two (but always loosely connected to my writing).

In Part 3, I’ll talk more about how I come up with the exciting chases and other action pieces, as well as discussing my latest novel (in progress) – The 4th Dr Adam Price Adventure entitled Price: Minotaur.

Catch up with all of Dr Adam Price’s adventures on Amazon in Paperback, e-book or Kindle Unlimited formats. If you prefer to support your local independent book shop, then Paperbacks are also available from Scrivener’s Book Shop (High St, Buxton, Derbys) and Bow Books (Angel Pavement, Royston, Herts).

Follow the story at PriceWorldNovel.co.uk where you can also join my mailing list for exclusive sound-bites.

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