Again, your post has come at just the right time. I am working on improving a scene in my drafty draft novel. The pacing is off, and not enough happens until the end. The words of advice you shared will be a great help.
In answer to your question, I always include dialogue in my scenes. In fact, I don’t think I have written a single scene ever that didn’t include dialogue! Perhaps it’s my theater background that leads me to savor writing dialogue. From your list, the two pieces I struggle with most are momentum and tension. With your advice in hand I am ready to forge ahead!
I'm so glad this is helpful, Jane! I like to think of scenes as mini stories with a beginning, middle, and end. You might even consider if your scene contains an inciting incident. What happens that kicks your scene into gear?
Most scenes do include dialogue, though sometimes scenes feature only one character (likely the protagonist). So I didn't want to make dialogue a requirement for a dynamic scene.
Hi, Jackie --
Again, your post has come at just the right time. I am working on improving a scene in my drafty draft novel. The pacing is off, and not enough happens until the end. The words of advice you shared will be a great help.
In answer to your question, I always include dialogue in my scenes. In fact, I don’t think I have written a single scene ever that didn’t include dialogue! Perhaps it’s my theater background that leads me to savor writing dialogue. From your list, the two pieces I struggle with most are momentum and tension. With your advice in hand I am ready to forge ahead!
I'm so glad this is helpful, Jane! I like to think of scenes as mini stories with a beginning, middle, and end. You might even consider if your scene contains an inciting incident. What happens that kicks your scene into gear?
Most scenes do include dialogue, though sometimes scenes feature only one character (likely the protagonist). So I didn't want to make dialogue a requirement for a dynamic scene.
Keep on writing!