How developing a scene list for your novel can help you in the long process of writing your novel.
Writing a novel is a massive undertaking, with layers of storylines, characters, and plot twists that need to be meticulously woven together. At the heart of a strong narrative lies the scene, the fundamental unit of storytelling that brings your story to life in the mind of the reader. A scene list can be an invaluable tool in organizing and refining your novel from concept to completion. Here’s a deep dive into the process of creating and using a scene list, along with how it can save you time and make the writing process smoother and more enjoyable.
A scene list is a structured overview of your novel, where each scene is condensed into a single line or short paragraph that captures the essence of what happens. This catalog of scenes allows you to:
Outline your story before you start writing.
Track the flow and pacing as you go.
Revise efficiently once you have a draft.
The beauty of a scene list is its versatility. You can use it as an initial roadmap when you begin plotting, a checklist as you draft, and an editing tool for revising your story’s arc.
While a scene list isn’t mandatory, it offers several practical benefits that can significantly streamline the novel-writing process. Here are a few reasons you might consider creating one:
Efficient Story Planning: By sketching out each scene in advance, you build a structured outline for your novel. This roadmap gives you a clear idea of where your story is headed, which helps avoid writer’s block and keeps you from straying too far from your plot’s main path.
Organized Editing: Editing without a scene list can feel like trying to find your way through a maze. With a scene list, you can see your entire story at a glance, making it much easier to rearrange scenes, adjust pacing, and cut or add material without losing track of your narrative.
Quick Problem Detection: You can easily spot pacing issues, missing plot points, or undeveloped characters by reviewing your scene list. It allows you to identify and address these problems before they become ingrained in the manuscript.
Flexible Rearrangement: As you work on your novel, you might realize a subplot works better earlier in the story, or a big reveal could have more impact if it came later. Shuffling scenes is far simpler when they’re represented as single lines rather than entire chapters or paragraphs.
There’s no single right way to create a scene list, and the approach that works best for you will depend on your writing style and the complexity of your novel. Here are two common methods:
The Classic Index Card Method:
Overview: Before computers, authors would write one sentence per scene on an index card. They could lay out these cards on a large surface, like the floor or a table, and experiment with the story’s sequence by moving the cards around.
Advantages: This tactile approach gives you a physical sense of your story’s structure and flow. It’s a low-tech but high-impact method for visualizing the big picture and tweaking the order of events until you find the perfect sequence.
Tips: Consider using different colors for different subplots or POV characters to help you track multiple storylines visually.
The Digital Spreadsheet Method:
Overview: Spreadsheets have become the modern writer’s version of index cards. In a spreadsheet, each scene occupies a row, allowing you to add a wealth of information beyond the basic summary.
Advantages: Digital lists are easier to edit, duplicate, and back up. Plus, they allow you to organize a wealth of scene-specific details in a single place.
Suggested Columns:
Scene Number: Keeps track of each scene’s order, making it easy to rearrange if needed.
Summary: Write a one-line synopsis of what happens in the scene.
Point of View (POV) Character: Indicates which character’s perspective drives the scene, essential for novels with multiple POVs.
Setting: Note where the scene takes place, which helps track location continuity and setting variety.
Characters Present: List the characters who appear, helping you balance character presence and avoid underdeveloped side characters.
Purpose of the Scene: Clarify how the scene contributes to the story, whether it’s advancing the plot, building character, or creating tension.
Pacing Indicators: Note whether the scene is fast-paced or slow-paced, allowing you to balance action with quieter moments.
Other Key Notes: Include any additional details, such as themes touched on, major events, or foreshadowing elements.
A scene list isn’t just a tool for the initial planning stages; it can serve as a valuable resource throughout your entire project. Here’s how it can support you during various stages of writing:
Planning and Outlining: Start by listing out the major scenes that form the backbone of your plot. As you brainstorm, add additional scenes to bridge any gaps between key moments, ensuring a coherent flow from start to finish.
Drafting: Use your scene list as a guide as you write. By referring to your list before you sit down to draft each scene, you can keep your writing focused and avoid straying from the plot.
Revising and Editing: During revisions, your scene list becomes an indispensable tool for tracking your changes. If a scene’s purpose is unclear or redundant, you can spot it in the list and adjust accordingly. It also allows you to analyze your novel’s structure, ensuring each scene has a clear role and eliminating any unnecessary content.
Final Polish: For the final revision, use the scene list to double-check pacing, continuity, and character arcs. By scanning the entire list, you can ensure that key themes are woven throughout the novel and that character developments feel natural and consistent.
Here are a few additional pointers to help you make the most of your scene list:
Be Concise: Aim for one or two sentences per scene. You want enough detail to understand the gist, but too much information can make the list overwhelming.
Color Code: If using a spreadsheet or digital tool, consider color-coding to represent different elements, like POV characters, settings, or plot types. This visual cue helps you quickly assess the balance of your story.
Keep it Flexible: Your scene list is a working document. Update it as your story evolves, but don’t feel beholden to it—especially in the early stages, when inspiration might lead you in new directions.
Highlight Major Turning Points: Mark significant plot twists, character transformations, or emotional beats in a way that stands out in your list. This will help you ensure they’re given appropriate weight in your story.
A scene list is more than just an organizational tool; it’s a way to deeply engage with the structure of your novel, making the writing process more intentional and effective. Whether you’re just starting or are deep into revisions, building a scene list will give you a clear path forward, saving time and helping you tell the most compelling version of your story.
