How to Structure a Scene
There are five fundamental elements you need to consider when constructing a great scene for your book. Keep reading to learn more.
👋 Hey, I’m Erika and welcome to a 🔒 subscriber-only edition 🔒 of the Xulon Press Substack. Each week, I publish articles on Tuesdays, Thursdays, (and now) Sundays! We tackle all things about writing a book, including the actual writing process, publishing and self-publishing preparation, and pre-marketing and selling your book.
When it comes to crafting a captivating and engaging story, the art lies in the structuring of your scenes. A few fundamental elements lend to a well-constructed scene, and we’ll help you not only create scenes that are powerful and resonant but also propel your story forward with a momentum that will leave your readers yearning for more. Keep reading to learn more about scenes: what they are, how long they should be, and what to keep in mind before you sit down to write each scene of your book.
What is a Scene?
Before we jump into the intricacies of scene structure, let's first take a moment to fully understand what a scene is. A scene can be thought of as a small self-contained story within a larger story. It’s where characters interact with one another, and where events and plot points unfold.
It’s within your book’s scenes that the true essence of the story is revealed, and it’s through the artful crafting of scenes that you have the power to draw readers deeper into the world you’ve created. Scenes serve as the building blocks of your story and are carefully interwoven to create a tapestry of emotions, tension, and excitement. They are a crucial piece of the puzzle and contribute to the overall arc and progression of your narrative.
How Long Should a Scene Be?
A common question among writers is how long a scene should be. There are no hard and fast rules, but it's important to strike a balance. Scenes that are too short will probably lack depth, while excessively long scenes will potentially lose the reader's attention. We advise keeping your scenes concise and focused.
Should I Follow a Specific Scene Structure?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to scene structure, but it can be helpful to have a framework in mind. Let's explore some elements you’ll want to consider when structuring your scenes.
5 Fundamental Elements of a Scene
A scene needs to include the following pieces to be strong:
1. Characters in the Scene
First and foremost, you’ll want to determine which characters will be present in the scene you’re going to write. Take the time to consider their roles, motivations, and how they contribute to the overall story arc. Additionally, think about how each character's actions, and interactions with each other, shape the plot and move your story forward.
2. Point of View
Decide whose perspective the scene will be told from. The chosen point of view will impact the reader's experience and understanding of the events.
By choosing a specific character's point of view, you can delve into their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions to provide a more immersive and intimate reading experience. Additionally, the perspective you choose can also affect the level of objectivity or subjectivity in the scene.
3. Setting
Next, you’ll want to decide on the location and setting. The environment in which the scene takes place has a significant impact on various elements like the atmosphere and interactions between characters. By vividly describing the surroundings, you’ll transport your readers to a new world.
For instance, if the scene is set in a botanical garden with flowers and chirping birds, you’ll have created a serene and peaceful atmosphere. This setting could set the stage for a romantic encounter between two characters.
4. Mood
You’ll then want to establish and define the desired mood you wish to convey within the scene.
Are you aiming for a sense of tension?
Do you envision a scene filled with joy, where laughter and happiness are abundant?
Will you create a scene in which a bittersweet atmosphere lingers in the air?
By infusing the appropriate mood into your writing, you’ll enhance the emotional impact on readers.
5. Change and Progression
Every scene needs to push your story forward. Before you sit down to write a scene, decide what transformations will occur from the beginning to the end of each scene.
How to Move a Story Forward with a Scene
Here are a few techniques to move your story forward through scenes:
Character Development: Use scenes to develop and deepen your characters.
Conflict and Tension: Create conflicts or add tensions that push your story forward.
Reveal Information: Include information or insights that deepen readers’ understanding of the plot or characters.
3 Tips for Writing a Strong Scene
Writing impactful scenes requires skill and attention to detail. Consider the following three tips to strengthen your scenes:
Engage the Senses: Incorporate sensory details—smell, touch, feel, hear, and see—that immerse readers in the character’s emotions and the environment.
Focus on Objectives: Each scene needs a clear purpose. Ensure that every action, dialogue, and detail you include in a scene serves that purpose.
Show, Don't Tell: Don’t simply state emotions or thoughts, show them through character actions, reactions, and dialogue.
Practice Writing a Scene
Now that you have a deeper understanding of scene structure, it's time to practice what you’ve learned. Take 20 minutes to write a scene that incorporates the elements we discussed. Experiment with different settings, points of view, and moods to enhance your storytelling abilities.
Upcoming article: Sunday Reflections 03
Have a productive writing week 🖊️
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