A row of stars

[scripto]

In a story, what does a blank gap on the page, with a swirly pattern within it mean? What is it called? Is it on a keyboard? Is * * * used instead of it? How many asterisks should you use? How many lines should you leave blank?

[curmudgeon]

In a story, what does a blank gap on the page, with a swirly pattern within it mean? What is it called? Is it on a keyboard? Is * * * used instead of it? How many asterisks should you use? How many lines should you leave blank?

You'll have to give me another clue!