Writing Craft: Great Scenes Matter

 

Writing Craft: Great Scenes Matter 

by Randy Ingermanson

When I started writing fiction thirty years ago, I suffered through all the usual angst about “am I any good at this fiction thing or is my writing just too horrible for words?”

So I went to a writing conference and got connected to a critique group. They relieved me of my fears. They said my writing wasn’t horrible. 

But I could tell they also thought my writing wasn’t very good. Which means I was a normal beginning writer. 

Unfortunately, they were a normal critique group, which means they didn’t know how to teach me how to improve. So I was stuck in a deep rut for months.

A year later, I went to another writing conference and met a writing buddy.  We talked a lot by phone over the next few months. One day, he referred me to a book that changed my life. Techniques of the Selling Writer, by Dwight Swain.

It changed my life because it showed me how to improve my writing in a way I could understand. It explained the logic of story. The logic of scenes.

I studied that book hard. Applied it to my writing. And my critique group began to notice. Month by month, my work improved. Within about six months, my group started telling me my stuff was good. That it could be published. That it should be published.

Let’s remember that when you go to a critique group, you only bring a few pages. Usually just one scene. So critique groups are geared to scenes, not story structure, not character development, and not theme.

So when my critique group said my work “should be published,” what they meant was that I was now writing scenes at a professional level. There were other issues in my writing that I needed to improve, but my scenes were strong. 

It took a few more years to get my writing firing on all cylinders, but when that happened, I did get published. I caught an editor's eye at a writing conference by handing him one strong scene. Eventually, he bought the book.

And my scenes are still strong. Because once you learn how to write a strong scene, you can’t unlearn it.

Since then, I’ve taught at many conferences and evaluated hundreds of manuscripts. And I’ve been in critique groups for most of the time I’ve been writing.

My opinion is that the #1 problem of beginning and intermediate writers is that they don’t write strong scenes. 

I’ve taught often at conferences on the importance of writing great scenes—scenes that give your reader a powerful emotional experience. 

I’ve pestered the long-suffering members of my critique group many times about the importance of writing strong scenes. 

Strong scenes matter. Great scenes matter even more. Because great scenes fire up your reader’s emotions. Great scenes sell books.

I wrote a book years ago, Writing Fiction for Dummies, that had a couple of chapters that dealt with scenes. And I wrote another book more recently, How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method, that had another couple of chapters on the subject. 

Last December, I decided that scenes are important enough that I should write two full books just on how to write great scenes. 

The first book is on scene design, and I’m wrapping it up right now. The second book will be on scene tactics, and I hope to write that sometime in the next twelve months. They’re both important, but my view is that scene design takes priority. 

The first book is titled How to Write a Dynamite Scene Using the Snowflake Method. The Snowflake Method is all about designing a novel, and Step 9 of the method is to design each scene before you write it. This book will drill down deeper into scene design than I’ve ever gone before.

One reason it took me so long to decide to write these books is that I always thought that “Dwight Swain’s book is enough.” For many, many years, I’ve referred people to his book. Because I learned a lot from it. And I thought it was an amazing book.

But I’ve learned that not everyone likes his book. And I think that’s a shame.

A friend told me recently that I’m “the interpreter of Dwight Swain.” I don’t know if that’s true, but I’ve certainly done my best over the years to spell out his ideas in my own words. To rethink everything he said. To simplify it. And to add in some of my own ideas. 

I’m sure my new book won’t be the last word on the subject. But I hope it’ll help writers as much as Dwight Swain’s book helped me.

Here are some of the things you'll learn in my new book: 

• The one thing your reader most desperately wants. And why. 
• How to decide which character should have the point of view in each scene. 
• 5 ways to test that your lead character's goal in each scene is perfect. 
• How to end a scene so it leaves your reader wanting more.
• Why dilemmas are good, and how to know when one is ruining your story.
• How to know when a scene is broken—and how to fix it.

There’s more in the book. A whole lot more. Just about every chapter has some new idea I thought of while writing it. And I’ve analyzed in great detail some example scenes from three best-selling novels—The Hunger Games, Outlander, and The Godfather. So you can see how the simple principles work out in practice.

Also See:

1. How to Write a Dynamite Scene Using the Snowflake Method
2.  Randy Ingermanson Books at Amazon

 

About The Author

Randy Ingermanson is a theoretical physicist and the award-winning author of six novels. He has taught at numerous writing conferences over the years and publishes the free monthly Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine.

 

👉 Randy Ingermanson Books at Amazon

Crafting the Perfect Scene: A Step-by-Step Guide for Fiction Writers

 

Crafting the Perfect Scene: A Step-by-Step Guide for Fiction Writers

By Olivia Salter

Scenes are the building blocks of any compelling story. They serve as miniature stories within the broader narrative, each with a purpose, tension, and resolution. Writing the perfect scene requires intention, structure, and a dash of creativity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft scenes that engage readers and elevate your story.

1. Define the Scene's Purpose

Before diving into writing, ask yourself: What is the scene’s role in the story?

• Does it advance the plot
• Develop a character?
• Build tension or reveal a secret? Every scene should contribute to the narrative’s progression. Avoid filler scenes that don’t serve a clear purpose.

2. Establish the Setting

Ground your reader in the scene by vividly describing the environment.

• What does the space look, sound, smell, or feel like?
• How does the setting reflect the tone of the scene or the character’s emotions? Use sensory details to create an immersive experience, but avoid overloading with description.

3. Introduce Conflict or Stakes

Every scene thrives on tension, whether it’s external (an argument, a chase, a discovery) or internal (a character wrestling with guilt, fear, or love).

• What challenge or obstacle is introduced?
• How does this moment raise the stakes for the characters?Conflict drives engagement and keeps readers invested.

4. Focus on Character Goals

What does your character want in this moment, and what stands in their way?

• Make the character's goal clear, even if it’s as small as winning a conversation or as significant as saving a life.
• Ensure the opposition (person, event, or internal doubt) is strong enough to create meaningful tension.

5. Use Dynamic Dialogue

Dialogue can reveal a lot—character motivations, relationships, and subtext.

• Keep dialogue concise and purposeful.
• Use action beats and internal thoughts to break up long exchanges and add depth.
• Let characters speak in unique voices to reflect their personalities.

6. Include Action and Reaction

Scenes are not static; something should happen that pushes the story forward.

• Show how characters act and react.
• For every action, there should be a response, creating a chain of cause and effect that builds momentum.

7. Create a Climactic Moment

Each scene should have a high point—something that feels like a mini-climax within the story.

• This could be a revelation, a decision, a dramatic confrontation, or an emotional turning point.
• Make this moment impactful to keep readers hooked.

8. Close with Consequences

Don’t end the scene without showing how it affects the characters or the plot.

• Did the character achieve their goal? If not, what’s next?
• Leave a hook that propels the reader into the next scene, such as a lingering question or an unresolved issue.

9. Revise with Intention

After drafting, revisit your scene with a critical eye.

• Does it fulfill its purpose?
• Are the stakes clear and compelling?
• Have you eliminated any extraneous details or dialogue that slow the pace?
• Is the tone consistent with the story?

10. Balance Show and Tell

Show emotion, action, and tension through descriptive and sensory details, but don’t be afraid to “tell” when clarity is needed. A mix of both techniques keeps your writing engaging and efficient.

Final Thoughts

A perfect scene doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a deliberate effort that balances character, conflict, and purpose. By breaking the process down into steps and refining your work, you’ll create scenes that resonate deeply with readers and propel your story toward its ultimate destination.

Your challenge: Take a scene from your current project and analyze it using these steps. Does it fulfill its purpose and captivate your audience?

World-Building: Crafting Immersive Worlds

By Olivia Salter

World-building is the art of creating a fictional universe, from its grandest structures to its tiniest details. It's the foundation upon which stories are built, and it's what makes readers feel truly immersed in a tale.

Key Elements of World-Building:

1.  Consistency:

• Internal Logic: Ensure that all elements of your world, whether it's magic, technology, or societal structures, follow consistent rules and principles.
• Historical Accuracy: If your world has a history, make sure it's believable and free of contradictions.
• Geographical Coherence: Create a map that makes sense, considering factors like climate, terrain, and resource distribution.
• Cultural Authenticity: Develop cultures with unique customs, traditions, and beliefs that feel genuine.

2.  Atmosphere:

• Mood and Tone: Set the overall feeling of your world, whether it's hopeful, bleak, or something in between.
• Sensory Details: Use vivid descriptions to engage the reader's senses, creating a strong sense of place.
• Emotional Resonance: Evoke emotions in the reader through the world's beauty, danger, or mystery.

3.  Details:

• Character Backstories: Give your characters rich histories and motivations that are shaped by the world they inhabit.
• Language and Dialects: Develop unique languages or dialects to add authenticity and depth to your world.
• Flora and Fauna: Create diverse ecosystems with unique plants and animals that fit the world's environment.
• Technology and Magic Systems: Establish clear rules and limitations for how these elements work within your world.

4.  Tools for World-Building:

• World Anvil: A comprehensive world-building platform to organize your ideas.
• Mind Mapping: Visualize connections between different elements of your world.
• Research: Study real-world cultures, history, and geography for inspiration.
• Writing Prompts: Generate ideas for your world by answering specific questions or scenarios.

Remember: The goal of world-building is to create a place that feels real to your readers. By carefully considering every aspect of your world, you can transport them to a place they'll never forget.

5.  Creating Immersive Cultures

• Unique Customs and Traditions: Develop distinct customs, rituals, and holidays that reflect your culture's values and history.
• Social Hierarchies: Establish clear social structures, from the ruling class to the common folk.
• Language and Dialects: Create unique languages or dialects that reflect cultural differences and regional variations.

6.  Religion and Spirituality: 

Explore the role of religion in your world, including beliefs, rituals, and sacred texts.

• Art and Music: Develop unique art styles and musical traditions that are characteristic of your culture.

7.  Designing Intriguing Magic Systems

Rules and Limitations: Establish clear rules and limitations for how magic works in your world.

• Sources of Power: Determine what powers magic, whether it's a life force, a divine source, or something else.
• Consequences and Side Effects: Consider the potential consequences of using magic, such as physical or emotional toll.
• Magic Users: Develop unique types of magic users, such as sorcerers, wizards, or druids.

8.  Crafting Compelling Historical Timelines

• Key Events: Identify significant events that have shaped your world's history.
• Character Arcs: Tie character stories to historical events to create personal stakes.
• Technological Advancement: Determine the pace of technological progress and its impact on society.
• Cultural Evolution: Track the evolution of cultures over time, including changes in beliefs, customs, and social structures.

9.  Building Realistic Geographies

• Terrain and Climate: Consider the physical geography of your world, including mountains, rivers, and deserts.
• Natural Resources: Determine the availability of resources, such as minerals, water, and fertile land.
• Human Geography: Map out cities, towns, and trade routes.
• Environmental Impact: Explore the impact of human activity on the environment and the consequences of ecological imbalance.

By carefully considering these elements, you can create a rich and immersive world that will captivate your readers. Remember, the key to successful world-building is to strike a balance between detail and imagination.

Bringing Characters to Life: Crafting Depth, Flaws, and Growth in Storytelling

Bringing Characters to Life: Crafting Depth, Flaws, and Growth in Storytelling

By Olivia Salter

At the heart of every unforgettable story lies a character who feels real—someone whose triumphs we cheer for, whose flaws we recognize, and whose struggles reflect our own. Readers connect with characters who are multi-dimensional, shaped by their past, driven by complex motivations, and scarred by imperfections. These characters don’t simply exist within the plot; they live, breathe, and grow as the story unfolds. A protagonist’s inner conflict or a villain’s haunting backstory can turn a simple narrative into an immersive experience, compelling readers to keep turning the page. By creating characters with depth, flaws, and purpose, writers bridge the gap between fiction and reality, ensuring their stories resonate long after the final word is read.

Let's look at some ways to bring captivating characters to life:

1. Depth and Complexity: Create characters that resonate with readers by giving them depth, flaws, and motivations.

• Depth: Characters with depth are well-rounded and multi-dimensional. They have a rich inner life, complex emotions, and a history that shapes their actions and decisions.
• Flaws: Flaws make characters relatable and believable. They show that characters are not perfect and that they make mistakes. Flaws can also create conflict and drive the story forward.
• Motivations: Motivations are the reasons why characters do what they do. They are the driving force behind their actions and decisions. Motivations can be complex and multifaceted, and they can change over time.

By giving characters depth, flaws, and motivations, you can create characters that readers will care about and remember. These characters will feel real and relatable, and they will stay with readers long after they have finished reading your story.

Here are some tips for creating characters with depth, flaws, and motivations:

• Get to know your characters. Spend time thinking about their backstory, their fears, their hopes, and their dreams. The more you know about your characters, the more believable they will be.
• Give your characters flaws. Everyone has flaws, and your characters should be no exception. Flaws can make your characters more interesting and relatable.
• Give your characters motivations. What do your characters want? What are they afraid of? What are they willing to do to achieve their goals? Strong motivations will make your characters more compelling.
• Show, don't tell. Don't just tell your readers about your characters' depth, flaws, and motivations. Show them through your characters' actions and dialogue.
• Let your characters grow and change. Characters should not be static. They should grow and change over the course of your story. This will make them more interesting and believable.

By following these tips, you can create characters that will repsonate with readers and make your stories more engaging and memorable.

2. Backstory: Develop a rich backstory for each character to inform their actions and dialogue.

A character's backstory is the history and experiences that have shaped them into the person they are today. It includes their family, friends, loves, losses, triumphs, and failures. A well-developed backstory can make a character more believable, relatable, and interesting.

Here are some tips for developing a rich backstory for your characters:

• Start with the basics: What is your character's name, age, gender, and occupation? Where were they born and raised? What is their family like?
• Consider their formative experiences: What were the most important events in their childhood and adolescence? Did they have any traumatic experiences? Did they achieve any significant milestones?
• Explore their relationships: Who are the most important people in their life? How have these relationships shaped them? Have they experienced any significant losses or betrayals?
• Develop their goals and dreams: What do they want to achieve in life? What are they afraid of? What are they willing to sacrifice to get what they want?
• Consider their flaws and strengths: What are their weaknesses and strengths? How do these qualities affect their behavior?
• Think about their voice: How do they speak? What kind of language do they use? Do they have any distinctive speech patterns or mannerisms?

Once you have a solid understanding of your character's backstory, you can start to use it to inform their actions and dialogue. For example, if your character had a traumatic childhood, they may be more prone to anxiety and fear. If they lost a loved one, they may be more withdrawn and guarded.

Here are some specific examples of how backstory can inform character actions and dialogue:

• A character who grew up poor may be more frugal and cautious with money.
• A character who was bullied as a child may be more sensitive and defensive.
• A character who lost a parent may be more determined to succeed.
• A character who was raised in a strict religious household may be more judgmental and intolerant.

By taking the time to develop a rich backstory for each of your characters, you can create more believable, complex, and interesting characters that will resonate with your readers.

3. Character Arcs: Plan out character arcs to show how your characters grow and change throughout the story.

A character arc is the transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story. It's how a character changes and evolves in response to the challenges and conflicts they face. A well-developed character arc can make your story more engaging and memorable.

Here are some tips for planning character arcs:

• Start with a clear starting point. What are your character's strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, and goals at the beginning of the story?
• Identify a central conflict. What is the main challenge or obstacle that your character will face? This conflict should push them to grow and change.
• Determine the desired outcome. What do you want your character to learn or achieve by the end of the story? This will help you shape their arc.
• Break down the arc into stages. Divide your character's journey into smaller steps or stages. This will help you track their progress and ensure that their growth is believable and gradual.
• Consider the catalyst for change. What event or experience will trigger your character's transformation? This could be a major event, a series of smaller events, or a gradual realization.
• Show, don't tell. Use actions, dialogue, and internal monologue to reveal your character's growth. Avoid simply stating that they have changed.
• Make the change believable. The change should be motivated by the character's experiences and personality. It should also be consistent with their character arc.

Here are some common character arc types:

• The Hero's Journey: This classic arc involves a character who goes on a quest, faces challenges, and returns transformed.
• The Rags to Riches: This arc follows a character who rises from humble beginnings to wealth or power.
• The Riches to Rags: This arc is the opposite of the Rags to Riches arc. A character falls from a high position to a low one.
• The Villain's Journey: This arc explores the motivations and transformation of a villainous character.
• The Coming-of-Age: This arc follows a young character who matures and learns important life lessons.

By carefully planning your character arcs, you can create compelling stories that resonate with your readers.

In conclusion, creating characters with depth, flaws, and motivations, supported by a rich backstory and a well-planned character arc, is the key to crafting stories that resonate with readers. When characters feel real—complete with struggles, desires, and growth—they transform into more than just names on a page; they become individuals readers care about and remember. By understanding who your characters are, where they come from, and how they change, you can breathe life into your narrative, making it both compelling and unforgettable. In the end, it’s the characters we connect with that make stories linger in our minds, reminding us of their humanity—and, perhaps, our own.

Conflict: The Engine of Storytelling

By Olivia Salter

Conflict is the heart and soul of any compelling narrative. It's the driving force that propels characters to action, forces them to make difficult choices, and ultimately shapes the story's outcome. Without conflict, a story is merely a series of events, lacking the tension and excitement that captivate readers.

Types of Conflict

There are two primary types of conflict:

• Internal Conflict: This occurs within a character's mind. It arises from internal struggles, such as moral dilemmas, personal fears, or self-doubt. For example, a character might grapple with a decision between love and duty or confront their own insecurities.
• External Conflict: This involves a character struggling against an outside force. It can take many forms, including:
• Person vs. Person: A character clashes with another individual, such as a rival, enemy, or romantic interest.
• Person vs. Nature: A character faces challenges posed by the natural world, such as a storm, a wild animal, or a harsh environment.
• Person vs. Society: A character rebels against societal norms, expectations, or laws.
• Person vs. Technology: A character struggles against technological advancements or artificial intelligence.
• Person vs. Supernatural: A character confronts supernatural beings or forces.

The Role of Conflict in Storytelling

Conflict serves several crucial functions in storytelling:

• Character Development: Conflict pushes characters to their limits, revealing their strengths, weaknesses, and true nature.
• Plot Progression: Conflict drives the narrative forward, creating a sense of urgency and anticipation.
• Emotional Engagement: Conflict evokes strong emotions in readers, such as suspense, fear, anger, and joy.
• Thematic Exploration: Conflict can be used to explore deeper themes, such as the nature of good and evil, the consequences of choices, or the human condition.

By understanding the different types of conflict and their role in storytelling, writers can create more engaging and impactful narratives.

Would you like to explore specific examples of conflict from famous works of literature or film? Or perhaps you'd like to delve deeper into how to create compelling conflict in your own writing?

 

Pacing: The Rhythm of Your Story

By Olivia Salter

Pacing is the art of controlling the speed at which your story unfolds. It's the rhythm that keeps your readers engaged, turning the pages eagerly or savoring every word.

Balancing Act: Highs and Lows

A well-paced story is like a symphony, with moments of crescendo and quiet reflection.

• High-Tension Scenes: Short sentences and paragraphs: Create urgency and momentum.
• Fast-paced dialogue: Drive the action forward. Sensory details: Immerse the reader in the intensity of the moment.
• Quiet, Character-Driven Scenes: Longer sentences and paragraphs: Slow the pace and allow for introspection.
• Detailed descriptions: Build atmosphere and evoke emotion.
• Subtle character development: Reveal inner thoughts and motivations.
• Tips for Mastering Pacing: Vary Sentence Structure: Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones to create a dynamic rhythm.
• Use Dialogue Effectively: Dialogue can speed up or slow down the pace, depending on the tone and delivery.
• Employ Time Jumps: Skip over unnecessary details to keep the story moving forward.
• Consider the Genre: Different genres have different pacing expectations. A thriller, for example, will require a faster pace than a historical fiction novel.
• Read Your Work Aloud: This can help you identify awkward pacing and clunky phrasing.
• Seek Feedback: Share your work with beta readers or writing groups to get honest feedback on the pacing.

By mastering the art of pacing, you can create stories that captivate your readers from the first page to the last.

Plot: The Backbone of Your Story

 

Plot: The Backbone of Your Story

By Olivia Salter

A well-structured plot is the cornerstone of any captivating story. It's the sequence of events that unfold, driving your characters toward a resolution and keeping your readers engaged from beginning to end.

Mastering the Three-Act Structure

While there are many plot structures, the classic three-act structure is a tried-and-true method for crafting compelling narratives:

Act I: The Setup

• Exposition: Introduce your characters, setting, and the status quo.
• Inciting Incident: A pivotal event that disrupts the status quo and sets the story in motion.

Act II: The Rising Action

• Rising Action: A series of events that build tension and complexity.
• Midpoint: A turning point where the stakes are raised, and the protagonist faces a major challenge.

Act III: The Resolution

• Climax: The highest point of tension, where the protagonist confronts the main conflict.
• Falling Action: The aftermath of the climax, leading to the resolution.
• Resolution: The final outcome of the story, tying up loose ends and providing closure.

Crafting Compelling Narratives

• Strong Characters: Develop relatable and multifaceted characters with clear motivations and goals.
• Engaging Conflict: Create obstacles and challenges that push your characters to their limits.
• Pacing: Balance the pace of your story, alternating between moments of tension and quieter reflection.
• Surprise and Suspense: Keep your readers guessing with unexpected twists and turns.
• Satisfying Ending: Deliver a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression and answers the central questions of your story.

By mastering these elements, you can create stories that captivate your audience and leave a lasting impact.