Write Killer Chapter Summaries Using This Simple Formula

My examples are geared toward memoir, but you can apply this formula to any genre.

Quick disclaimer: I’m a writing coach with a preference for first person present writing, and I focus primarily on trauma-informed memoir. However, that genre — and that voice preference — may not be YOUR jam. No problem. Just tweak the guidance below to your liking. The point is to use a little bit of structure to help you summarize your chapters and keep your SANITY.

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash

If you’ve ever tried summarizing a chapter of your own writing, you’ve likely faced some serious frustration. Maybe you lost some hair/sleep/sanity, or just gave up entirely. It’s hard work summarizing work that’s so CLOSE to your soul. Distilling an entire chapter down to a few paragraphs (or less!) takes big-time perspective, so try my easy formula as a tool to get it done.

In my coaching experience, I’ve learned that the secret to summarizing chapters is using a simple formula to chunk things down.

Each chapter in a book tends to include combinations of elements like…
…action
…setting
…conflict
…dialogue
…expectations vs. reality
…character development
…reflection (if you’re writing memoir)
…narrative that touches on at least one of your themes
…and more.

That’s a lot of material to summarize — especially if your chapters run long.

But if you break down your chapters in 5 simple “chunks”, you’ll have a straightforward summary.

Photo by Isai Ramos on Unsplash

5 elements in a solid chapter summary

1. What’s the chapter’s Overall Sentiment?
2. Which chapter Details support the Overall Sentiment?
3. What (if anything) Has Changed? and
4. How Do You Feel About the (lack of?) Progress?
5. How Does the Chapter End?
*Bonus points for a Hint of What’s Coming

Now, let’s skim through some examples of sentences that fall into various parts of this chapter summary formula.

1. Overall Sentiment

Random Examples:

"I am thirteen now, walking through my darkest time of indecision and neglect.”

"Dad’s resistance to my way of thinking has never been more apparent than when I bring up the subject of interfaith marriage.”

"The winter following my senior year in college was one of the most defining periods of my life.

2. Details that back up the Overall Sentiment

Random Examples:

"I [X] and I [X]. I also [X], which leads to my decision to [X]. As a result, I’m left feeling [X].”

"Had it not been for the experience of [X], I never could have [X].”

"Over the course of [time period], I [list experiences and circumstances] for the first time in my life.

"Never would I have imagined I’d ever [action], but here I am, [doing this action], thinking to myself, [Inner Thoughts].”

"When [X] shows up, the first thing I think is, [a thought related to the overall sentiment].”

3. What (if anything) Has Changed?

Random Examples:

"Since [the previous chapter or another point of comparison], I’ve discovered [this detail].”

"Since I began my meditation practice, I've grown steadier in my responses to the abuse.”

"It’s been seven years of trying to convince myself I’d be better off leaving. Why am I still so afraid to take the leap?”

"After learning the news from Mom last week, I’ve been a stewing mess, unsure how to respond without exploding in rage and unable to see how we’ll ever move past this breach.”

"Ten years ago, I was an addict with no hope in my outlook, dependent on my next fix. Now, I'm a district judge -- someone to whom others regularly turn for wisdom and financial security."

"After finding the scribbled note left on my windshield, I’m certain there’s someone in the neighborhood watching me.”

4. How Do You Feel About the (lack of?) Progress?

Random Examples:

“I'm [still unsure] how I feel about [X].”

"I'm slowly beginning to see that this is not the way others live."

“Does it strike anyone other than me as completely delusional that a legislator has the right to make such an arbitrary call like this?”

“As my eyes skim the sheer, vertical wall, I fight back against my inner certainty that we’ll never make it out of here alive.”

“If I know anything in this moment, it’s that I can’t stay silent without my true feelings leaking out and potentially hurting others even more than I already have.”

5. How Does the Chapter End?

Random Examples:

"I’m standing next to Dad’s grave, feeling more alone than ever.”

"I bury myself under the covers, unable to feel my feet, wondering how on earth I got here.”

"Mom looks into my eyes, then speaks, her voice cracking. ‘I have something to tell you,’ she says, swiping angrily at her tears. ‘If only I’d had enough courage to tell you this sooner…’”

*Bonus Points for a Hint at What’s Coming

Random Examples:

"I'm convinced I've cracked the code."

“Just as the skies grow chilly and dark, the howling begins.”

“I finally catch my breath, looking down at the piece of paper in front of me, filled with words I committed to memory thirty years ago. How is it that I’m only now reading the four words that will change my life forever?”

“We can assure you — she was never here on our watch,” the man says, resting his hand on my shoulder. As I shrug, I can’t help noticing his wife’s averted gaze.”

Haven’t written those chapters yet?

GET A LITTLE CRAZY and REVERSE ENGINEER YOUR WRITING

Try using my formula to help you map your chapters out before you write them.

Photo by Jay Ee on Unsplash

I look forward to hearing how things turn out for you!