Writing Scenes Within Literary Novels

How to Write Action and Events to Create Tension Within a Story

Aug 17, 2009

Regardless of how compelling the plot might sound, the story arc of the novel will fall flat if the scenes aren't well written.

A novel without well-written scenes is like a house made of plasticine bricks. Each part of the construction, no matter how small, must support one another and work together to create a structurally sound whole. This is what scenes must do for the novel.

What is a Scene?

A scene is a single event, situation or incident involving action and/or dialogue, usually between characters. Often, it is a unit of narrative set in a particular time or place. Like the main story, each scene should have a beginning, a middle and an end. A scene might be half a page or several pages long. Importantly, it must focus upon a point of drama or tension of some kind. Equally important it should move the story forward.

When to Cut Scenes From Fiction

Tension does not necessarily mean shouting or fighting (although this often does) but that something is amiss, not right, or at least a negative emotion in involved. Whatever this tension might be, it must be integral to the story, otherwise the scene has no purpose. A scene might need cutting or revising if:

Linking Scenes in Segues and Hiatuses

A segue is a linking device that knits two scenes together. It serves the purpose of avoiding the jarring effect of moving abruptly from one scene to another (unless this is intentional). An example of a segue might be to provide a brief summary of events between scenes such as the following.

The journey passed without incident. Our arrival at the mansion was met with a chill in the air.

A hiatus indicates the passage of time and/or space via a double lined space between paragraphs.

Using Scenes to Pace the Story

A scene does not have to be as long as the event described. It is a good idea to draw out a climatic scene that might pass quickly, such as a car crash, an earthquake or a punch in the nose. Making a climatic scene encompass the reader means describing every detail as though it has happened in slow motion. A scene occurring between climaxes does not require this treatment, but serves the purpose of altering pace and providing a breather for the reader. These scenes might be described in a more protracted fashion.

Writing About Events Within Novels

A well-plotted story will be spoiled if the scenes are not written well. Each scene is a unit of narrative that occurs in a particular time and/or place and usually describes the actions and dialogue of characters. Each scene must serve a purpose and describe tension of some kind. If it does neither, it requires revision or cutting. Segues and hiatuses can be used to link scenes and manipulate the flow of the story. Further, the length of each scene determines the pace of the story. Climatic scenes are often described in full detail, whereas others might be recounted more briefly.

The copyright of the article Writing Scenes Within Literary Novels in Fiction Plots & Pacing is owned by Rachel Wills. Permission to republish Writing Scenes Within Literary Novels in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.