The Logistics of Scenes


Knowing how to properly write a scene is the number one thing that helped me improve my fiction.



What’s a Scene?
A scene is one event or plotpoint (along with some subplot elements) that moves a story closer to its resolution. Something (whether it be a relationship, situation, or mindset) changes [is different than before]. Each scene should make readers feel a different emotion at its beginning and its end.

According to Steven James (author of Plot Trumps Structure), in each scene, the characters should seek, fail, process, and proceed. In this way, the plot moves forward through the characters. If a scene doesn’t include new plot or character developments, summarize or delete it.

Create enough promises and questions to keep the reader engaged; include enough payoff and answers to satisfy them. Generally, answer something at the beginning of the scene and end it with a cliffhanger.

****Scenes should include diverse, interesting settings and only the characters that contribute to resolving the conflict.



Types of Scenes

Many writers have adopted Steven James and Dwight Swain’s idea about scenes. Both writers believe there are scenes and interludes. Scenes introduce a goal or a conflict and fulfill a promise. Interludes introduce a reaction, dilemma, or decision and sharpen promises.

In a scene, the protagonist must have a goal that gets obstructed, forcing him to make a choice and take action. If the character fails, the story’s struggle/stakes deepen. If the character succeeds, new questions must be presented.

Interludes show the character processing what just happened and proceeding to the next scene. Add enough conflict to interludes by introducing new character dynamics or raising the story’s stakes (giving your characters a deadline, showing that the conflict is deadlier than they thought, etc.).



Honing your scenes will make you a better writer. It seems daunting to edit every scene in your novel, but it can be fun. You’re making your story more engaging than ever. So get your butt in that chair and start editing!

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