Anchoring a scene in place/time: Surrounds
rich characterization, efficient structure, and compelling drama.
How to write a scene: changing from broad to specific, more concrete story details creates movement, or forward motion.
A scene must always be followed by a sequel for pacing reasons
- Where does the scene take place? Have I made it easy for the reader to visualize this? What role does the setting play in how the scene unfolds?
- When does the scene happen? Is it in chronological sequence with preceding events? Or is it a flashback?
- Who is in the scene? Do you need more or fewer characters?
Having a sequel between scenes gives characters (and your readers) time to catch their breath and process prior events.
Absolutely, providing a sequel between scenes is essential for allowing characters and readers alike to catch their breath and process the events that have transpired. It serves as a moment of reflection, allowing characters to digest their experiences, evaluate their emotions, and plan their next steps. Likewise, it gives readers the opportunity to absorb the plot developments, consider the implications, and anticipate what may come next in the story.
In a sequel between scenes, several elements can be incorporated to enhance its effectiveness:
- Character Reflection: Give characters the space to reflect on recent events, allowing them to express their thoughts, feelings, and reactions. This provides insight into their internal struggles, growth, and motivations.
- Emotional Resonance: Explore the emotional impact of the preceding events on the characters. Allow them to grapple with their triumphs, failures, losses, and victories, deepening their emotional connection with readers.
- Plot Development: Use the sequel to set the stage for upcoming events in the story. Introduce new plot threads, foreshadow future conflicts, or provide clues that hint at the direction the narrative will take.
- Character Interaction: Show how characters interact with each other in the aftermath of significant events. This can strengthen relationships, deepen conflicts, or reveal hidden tensions between characters.
- Worldbuilding: Take the opportunity to expand upon the story’s setting, lore, or history. Offer glimpses into the broader world beyond the immediate events of the plot, enriching the story’s context and depth.
- Theme Exploration: Use the sequel to delve deeper into the story’s themes and motifs. Allow characters to grapple with moral dilemmas, ethical questions, or philosophical concepts raised by the preceding events.
By incorporating these elements into a sequel between scenes, you create a narrative pause that not only allows characters and readers to catch their breath but also enriches the story by providing deeper insight, emotional resonance, and thematic exploration. This strategic pacing technique enhances the overall storytelling experience, ensuring that both characters and readers are fully engaged and invested in the narrative journey.