NOTE: GOOD NEWS! Reader of this blog and successful blogger in her own right, author Sandy Weiers has just published a children’s book entitled Joey Is Thankful. Congratulations, Sandy! For details about Sandy’s new book, please click here.
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So far, we’ve discussed one function of a good scene: to reveal character. Today, we’ll talk about a second function of a good scene: to advance the plot.
A scene is one of several units that comprise your story. At the same time, a scene is a sort of mini-story in itself. In terms of your overall story, each scene must contribute to moving your story toward its ultimate resolution. If a scene does not make this contribution, then it has no place in your story, no matter how well-written the scene is.
When writing a scene, ask yourself these questions:
- Does this scene help move my story toward its ultimate resolution?
- Does this scene contain conflict, and does the conflict relate to the overall plot?
- Have I given my character a goal for this particular scene?
- Is my scene related to the scene that comes before it and the scene that comes after it?
- Does my scene have a beginning, a middle, and an end?
If you build a good scene, you will be well on your way to building a good story.
Happy Scene-Building! 🙂
Congrats, Sandy!!
What leapt out at me was the fourth point – is my scene related to the scene that comes before it and the scene that comes after it?
I make sure it does, even when I’m switching POV, because I think it adds to the tension and interest of the story.
February 1, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Congrats to Sandy!
Good info, MaryAnn. Thank you!
Blessings,
Karen
February 1, 2011 at 3:15 PM