How to write a scene
A scene is a building block of a bigger story (used in short stories, novels, creative non-fiction and memoir) and moves the story on somehow. In a scene, I like to be taken into the story, so that I can feel as if I am there, not in the character's head necessarily, but in the action and world. At times, in a key scene, you may want to slow down the action for heightened emotion. And at other times, a scene might be brief but drive the reader from one place to another.
I like to think of a scene as a moment, but it can be more than that. It is usually one action or takes place in one setting and in one period of time. It's probably best to use one point of view. It also has its own story arc which contributes to the overall story arc.
There has to be some sort of change or shift in the scene, but here are some elements to include as well:
Mood & Atmosphere: Locate the reader - can include time, place, weather, mood, colour, description. Make it concrete and visual. Evoke an emotion with your writing.
Characters: If you begin with one character, then try introducing another. If there are two characters, try to have a third interloper. Make the characters interact with each other. How does one character’s actions or words affect the other and vice versa?
Dialogue: Include some dialogue (doesn't have to be in every scene, but most, I would say). For extra nuance, the subtext will be different to the actual words and contribute to the story. It should also add to character development somehow.
Action: This can be subtle, but something needs to happen. And there also needs to be tension. This can be internal or external. Though at times, the character needs to slow down and be more reflective to give the reader a bit of breathing space.
Purpose: Each scene needs to have a purpose and show something about the character or move the larger story on in some way.
Bonuses: flashbacks, memories, secrets hidden or revealed, objects, strong exit line which leaves the reader wanting more.
Have I left anything out? Do you have any questions about writing scenes?
About Mel Parks
I love to write and since I took my first creative writing class twenty years ago, it became part of my everyday life. For the past ten years, most weeks I have delivered creative writing workshops sharing what I’ve learned along the way. Writing connects me to my intuition, the wider world and other people too. I am proud of the community I have created in my workshops, where people share their stories in a way they wouldn’t otherwise, and find confidence in their own unique voice.
I have published poetry, fiction and personal essays as well as academic articles, magazine features and many other third sector publications and web content. Recently, I have been working on Moonpause: a series of plant and moon-inspired lyric essays funded by the Arts Council. Find out more here.
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