The 5 Elements Of A Good Scene
What makes your scene stand out and move your story forward
What are the five elements that make a good scene in a book?
When you write your novel, you do so by stringing together one scene after another.
When you open your book, start with the setting.
1. Keep the purpose of the scene in mind.
2. Rewrite until you’ve found the perfect scene opening.
3. Drop the reader into the middle of the action.
4. Write a character-driven scene opener.
5. Summarize past events.
6. Introduce a plot twist.
Once you understand this, writing a book becomes easier.
Understanding (Action) Scenes
.A scene always contains conflict. It is written as if the reader were watching and listening to it happen. Become a film director and direct your location.
.Build it using the tools of dialogue and action. Dramatize the scene. Never describe or summarize.
.Scenes exist for a reason. Something needs to happen for 365 pages to keep your reader interested. Scenes show that goals must be made, and an attempt must be made to achieve these goals.
.Scenes are constantly driven to set the stage. They exist to show character. They reveal motivations. They provide information about the plot. They move your story forward.
Remember that something always happens next. End a scene, making us wonder what will happen next.
And there is more:
The 5 Elements of A Good Scene
1. Plenty of action and dialogue
2. A goal where the hero or villain wants something
3. A sense of time and place
4. Meaningful conflict
5. An ending that makes you want to turn the page
Write a scene using one of these writing prompts:
A woman on her way to prison
A couple after the birth of their first child
A woman driving who just witnessed an automobile accident
An actor on the stage for the first time with an audience
A bridegroom whose bride has not shown up for their wedding
These scenes need to capture your reading with visuals and sensibilities that want them to keep reading as though they are in the story.
