How to Write Each Individual Scenes in Your Novel
In a previous post, we discussed how to build a scene list for your novel. In this post, we discuss how to write each individual scene. When crafting a novel or a piece of fiction, each scene serves as a building block that propels your story forward. Scenes are where characters come alive, conflicts unfold, and emotions resonate. Mastering the art of writing individual scenes is key to creating a compelling story that keeps readers engaged. In this article, we’ll explore the elements that make up a well-written scene and offer practical tips to enhance your storytelling.
Before going into details about the mechanics of writing a scene, it’s essential to understand the different types of scenes that can make up a novel. Each type serves a unique purpose and contributes to the overall story structure:
Action Scenes: These are fast-paced and filled with movement. They often depict physical conflict, chase sequences, or moments of high stakes.
Dialogue Scenes: Focused on character interaction, these scenes reveal relationships, advance the plot through conversation, or highlight conflict through subtext.
Exposition Scenes: Used to convey essential background information, world-building, or internal monologues. These must be handled carefully to avoid info-dumping.
Transition Scenes: Bridge the gap between major events, showing the passage of time or setting up the next significant moment in the story.
Climactic Scenes: These are high-stakes, emotional moments that often serve as turning points in the story.
Resolution Scenes: Provide closure to subplots or the story as a whole, showing the aftermath of the climax.
Knowing what type of scene you’re writing helps you focus on its purpose and tone, ensuring it contributes effectively to the story.
Every scene in a story should serve a purpose. Before you begin writing, ask yourself:
Does this scene advance the plot?
Does it reveal something new about a character?
Does it establish or heighten conflict?
A scene without a clear purpose can feel like filler, which risks losing the reader’s interest. If you’re unsure of a scene’s purpose, try summarizing it in one sentence. For example:
“This scene shows the protagonist learning about the antagonist’s true motives.”
“This scene deepens the romantic tension between the two main characters.”
Knowing the purpose will guide your writing and help you stay focused.
Just as the opening of a novel needs to grab the reader’s attention, so does the start of every scene. Avoid lengthy descriptions or backstory at the beginning. Instead, drop the reader directly into the action or a moment of tension.
For example:
Weak opening: “The sun was setting over the valley as Jane walked home, thinking about her day.”
Strong opening: “Jane froze mid-step. The sound of crunching leaves behind her was too close to be a stray animal.”
A strong hook creates curiosity and sets the tone for the scene.
The writer should have decided about the POV character, time and location of the scene, the characters that are present, and the goal of the scene. You have defined these in the previous step when writing your scene list for your novel. Once you have your hook, establish the setting and mood. This doesn’t mean dumping paragraphs of description. Instead, weave sensory details into the storytelling. Think about:
What does the character see, hear, or smell?
What’s the atmosphere? Tense, joyful, eerie?
For example:
“The air inside the cabin was thick with the smell of mildew. Shadows danced on the walls as the storm raged outside, each crack of thunder making Lisa’s heart race.”
Such details immerse the reader and make the scene vivid.
At the heart of every great scene is conflict. Conflict doesn’t always mean a physical fight or argument; it can be an internal struggle, a misunderstanding, or even an external obstacle. The key is to ensure something changes by the end of the scene.
For example:
A character’s relationship deepens or deteriorates.
New information is revealed that alters the character’s goals.
A decision is made that propels the story forward.
If a scene begins and ends with no change, reconsider its role in the story.
The age-old advice of “show, don’t tell” is especially important in scenes. Instead of telling the reader what a character feels or thinks, show it through actions, dialogue, and sensory details.
For example:
Telling: “Mark was nervous about the interview.”
Showing: “Mark wiped his palms on his pants for the third time, his gaze darting to the clock as the receptionist called his name.”
Showing creates a deeper connection with the reader and makes the scene more engaging.
Dialogue is a powerful tool in scenes. It can reveal character, advance the plot, and create tension. To make dialogue effective:
Keep it natural but purposeful. Avoid overly formal or trivial exchanges.
Use subtext. Characters don’t always say what they mean, and what’s left unsaid can be just as powerful.
Break up dialogue with action or description to maintain pacing.
For example:
“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Sarah said, her voice barely above a whisper. She twisted the ring on her finger, unable to meet his gaze.
“Then why did you?” His words cut through the silence like a blade.
The ending of a scene should leave the reader wanting more. Whether it’s a cliffhanger, a moment of reflection, or a new revelation, the final lines should propel the story forward and make the reader eager to turn the page.
For example:
“He thought he’d escaped. But as he opened the door, he knew he was wrong.”
“She smiled, tucking the letter into her pocket. Tomorrow, everything would change.”
An impactful ending gives the scene weight and ensures it stays with the reader.
No scene is perfect in its first draft. After writing, take the time to revise. Ask yourself:
Is the purpose of the scene clear?
Are the stakes high enough to keep the reader engaged?
Have I shown rather than told?
Read the scene aloud to check for pacing and flow. Trim unnecessary details or dialogue that doesn’t serve the story.
Writing individual scenes in a novel or fiction is an art that requires a balance of purpose, tension, and vivid storytelling. By understanding the role of each scene, starting with a hook, focusing on conflict, and ending with impact, you can create moments that captivate your readers. Remember, every scene is an opportunity to deepen your characters, advance your plot, and immerse your audience in the world you’ve created.
