How to Write Captivating Scenes
Just like books, every scene has a beginning, middle, and end. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, follow our steps to write engaging scenes that move your story and characters forward.
Scenes are the building blocks of your story. They help establish motive, cause and effect, and move the story forward. So, let’s jump into what a scene is and what it's supposed to do. We also have a checklist you can follow to write effective scenes.
What is a Scene?
A scene in a book is a sequence of events that take place in a specific location and time. Plus, scenes can be long or short. Every scene has a beginning, middle, and end, and will typically involve one or more characters.
What is a Scene of a Book Supposed to Do?
The main purpose of a scene is to move the story forward. It should reveal something new or important about the plot, the setting, or the characters.
Checklist to Follow for Writing a Scene in a Book
Identify the purpose of the scene. What do you want it to accomplish? What do you want the reader to learn or feel?
Decide on the point of view. Decide which character’s point of view the scene will come from. If you have just one protagonist (main character), every scene will be told from that character’s point of view.
Choose the location and time. Choose when and where the scene will take place. Make sure it's appropriate for the purpose of the scene.
Determine the conflict. Conflicts can be internal or external. What will the characters struggle with?
Include sensory details. Use sensory details—hear, smell, taste, and feel—to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
Use dialogue. Dialogue can reveal character, create tension, and advance your plot.
End with a hook. End each scene with a cliffhanger or a question to keep the reader engaged and wanting to read more.
By following our scene-writing checklist, you can create effective scenes that move your story forward and engage your readers.