Greetings, Wizard Writers!
This week we’ll discuss constructing scenes in writing and look at a dozen checkpoints to help you put all the elements together in your writing projects. There are a few craft elements to consider when constructing scenes, including dialogue, voice, and setting. The full list will give you a better idea of where to go, from start to finish, inside of your chapters. Using your author intuition and these checkpoints, you should be in terrific shape when it comes to completing a scene and moving on to the next. At this pace, scene to scene, you’ll have a novel completed and ready for revisions in no time at all! As always, please let me know, in the comments section, if you have any questions or can provide any other tips.
A Dozen Checkpoints for Constructing a Scene
1. Planning and Structure
When plotting out a scene, you should consider the beginning, middle, and end before you attempt to tackle the entire scene. Even if you’re the type of writer who just writes without plotting in advance, it’s a good idea to have a mental idea where you’re going and what you’d like to accomplish. Perhaps you can figure out the end goal and work backward, or perhaps you can sit down with a pen and paper and write: Beginning/Middle/End and sort it out through an outline method. If you know where you’re going, it’s a lot easier to reach the destination (and a lot less frustrating!).
2. Stakes
When writing your scene, make sure the stakes are high and the motivations clear. You’ll want to include character goals here and make sure they are in the correct sequence for either attainment or failure. Consider the consequences of your character’s actions. What are the repercussions? Keep the stakes high throughout the scene for maximum reader benefit.
3. Action
One element you’ll definitely want to consider is action. Use strong, active verbs, and keep the scene moving along. Only include flashbacks/backstory if there is a dire need to do so! Basically, you want to make sure your scene has momentum and keeps the reader engaged.
4. Dialogue
Dialogue is important for characterization and for moving a scene along, but it can also be useful for adding conflict to your story. This type of tension will keep the reader turning pages from scene to scene. Some other questions to ask yourself regarding dialogue are: Is your dialogue purposeful? Is it highlighting your scene? Is it describing your character and giving them more depth? Consider the many uses for dialogue and make sure to include it for balance in your scene.
5. Setting
When constructing a scene, the reader should be set firmly in your setting. Use the four walls technique: What does your character see to their right? left? in front of them? behind them? Maybe they’re in a living room with a couch, a computer, a bookcase, and a door. Maybe they’re adrift in an ocean, and all around them is just blue sky and waves. Whatever the case, setting is one of the most important elements when it comes to constructing a scene. Color in the setting, then fill in the scene with the rest of the elements.
6. Emotions
Another important element to consider is emotions—both the character emotions and the emotions of the reader. What mood do you want to relay in your scene? What do you want the reader to feel while reading this passage? Consider tears, laughing, arguments, and despair. An emphasis on emotions will allow the reader to empathize with your characters as the scene moves on.
7. Voice
When constructing your scene, make sure your narrative voice comes across on the pages. Remember, you are the author/writer, but also the storyteller, with a purpose for writing your book and a voice that is your own. Don’t lose sight of that while getting caught up in a scene, especially an action scene. Put on your mask as the storyteller and make sure your voice is strong and memorable.
8. Imagery
This ties in with setting, so be sure to keep coloring in the scene with details. I had a writing teacher once say writing is all about “Details, Details, Details!” Make sure your reader is fully immersed in the scene through your scene-painting. Give them enough details to produce a vivid scene while making sure their imaginations are working as well.
9. Language
Our mantra as storytellers is “show, don’t tell,” so make sure you follow this when constructing your scenes. Use language to your advantage, making sure the scene is clear and that all points are shown to the reader, versus just telling them what’s going on. Writing style should also be a consideration here—how is your style of language unique? What will make the scene memorable?
10. Transition
As discussed about planning out the beginning, middle, and end of a scene, make sure the transitions are smooth within the scene and from scene to scene overall. Most scenes are encapsulated within a chapter, so when possible, leave the reader on a cliffhanger between chapters. At the very least, make sure the next chapter follows smoothly. Same procedure for using *** to move to the next scene within a chapter—attempt a smooth transition. Within the scenes themselves, set up a choreography that makes sense to the reader. Don’t head-hop with too many characters and don’t place your character in one setting and then suddenly have them appear someplace else (unless you’re an apparating wizard, that is).
11. The 5 Senses
This ties in with setting and imagery. Be sure that within your scene, you’re using the 5 senses to your advantage. This would include: Sight, Sound, Scent, Touch, Taste. What do your characters see in the distance? How does the forest around them smell? Are the items in the scene rough to the touch, or soft? Also, consider weather here. Is it a gloomy day, or is the sun shining? How does that look from your character’s perspective?
12.Cohesiveness
Finally, put everything together to create a full scene. Make sure the scene makes sense, the checkpoints are all touched upon, and that your reader will be pulled along for a non-stop ride while reading. Go back over the flow of the scene for continuity, read aloud, and revise as necessary.
Good luck! I hope these checkpoints help you with constructing your scenes!
Up next: Magic Writing Shears: What to Cut from your Manuscript
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