Recently I saw a post on Twitter referring to the use of scenes. So, it had me wondering, how do you know what scenes work best for your book? At the end of the day, you want the scenes that move your story along. Is it essential to your character's personal growth (character arc) in the story? Are you just padding your book with words to meet a word count?
For example, if my character (heroine) is sitting the in the park, my reader will want to know why? Is she reflecting on her life? Why is this scene important to her story? If she meets her love interest (hero) while at the park, then yes keep it in the book. If she has a conversation about the guy with a friend while at the park, then yes save it. So, as you can see if it moves the story along to where it's changing and challenging your characters (provoking change, building tension/conflict), then include the necessary scenes in your book.
On the other hand, how do you know when a scene's over? Whether you're working with a critique partner or your editor, I think deep down we as writers have that internal instinct of when the scene needs to end. It may move your story along, but you don't want to drag it out either. You want your readers to stay engaged, so if that means cutting it off at the end of one chapter, and then picking it up in the next few that follow, then do it.
This takes practice my fellow authors, so don't be discouraged if you're just starting out. If you were anything like me, in the beginning of my writing journey, I just went with the "flow" or as others call it "pantsing." This may work for some, but having an outline can help organize your scenes. As the author, you're the creator, so you know what's coming up next. Ask yourself, "does this scene move my story alone? Does it add to my character's development? Does it add to my plot?" If all those answers are yes, then keep your scenes. If not and they don't add or drag your story, cut it out!😄😍
Until the next tip.
For example, if my character (heroine) is sitting the in the park, my reader will want to know why? Is she reflecting on her life? Why is this scene important to her story? If she meets her love interest (hero) while at the park, then yes keep it in the book. If she has a conversation about the guy with a friend while at the park, then yes save it. So, as you can see if it moves the story along to where it's changing and challenging your characters (provoking change, building tension/conflict), then include the necessary scenes in your book.
On the other hand, how do you know when a scene's over? Whether you're working with a critique partner or your editor, I think deep down we as writers have that internal instinct of when the scene needs to end. It may move your story along, but you don't want to drag it out either. You want your readers to stay engaged, so if that means cutting it off at the end of one chapter, and then picking it up in the next few that follow, then do it.
This takes practice my fellow authors, so don't be discouraged if you're just starting out. If you were anything like me, in the beginning of my writing journey, I just went with the "flow" or as others call it "pantsing." This may work for some, but having an outline can help organize your scenes. As the author, you're the creator, so you know what's coming up next. Ask yourself, "does this scene move my story alone? Does it add to my character's development? Does it add to my plot?" If all those answers are yes, then keep your scenes. If not and they don't add or drag your story, cut it out!😄😍
Until the next tip.
Comments
Post a Comment