: Re: Are there rules for, or guidelines on, time gaps between a plot's scenes/chapters? I've been reading a host of old favourites, classics and authors outside of my usual reading pool, in an effort

@Frith254

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Yes, there is a respected rule: Skip the boring stuff!

It depends on your story, on your style and what you want to show. If you have a gunslinger and you want to establish how good he is, you may want to describe in detail his fight against five other people which only lasts a few seconds to a minute.

If the reader already knows how good he is, just anther gun fight could be boring (even if it's the O.K. Corral). Then you can write

He drew first.

and end the scene. In the next he is sitting in the saloon or whatever.

Time gaps are used to keep your story thrilling. Skip the boring stuff and stress the excitement.

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