How to write scenes in a novel: Fix weak scenes and write strong endings
To write a book, it helps to understand how to write scenes in a novel.
However, readers don’t think of your novel in scenes. In fact, the elements of a well-written scene are nearly invisible. They simply become story.
Weak scenes, on the other hand, fail to keep reader attention and distract from the story you’re telling. Scenes have a job to do. And if they’re not doing that job, perhaps they’re not scenes—yet. With a little work, every scene can become strong enough to pull its weight and entice your readers to turn the page way past their bedtimes.
Read on to learn:
The role of scenes in a novel
How to end a scene
How to identify weak scenes
How to fix weak scenes
What is a scene in a novel?
Scenes can be tricky to define. The most helpful analogy for a scene I’ve heard is: A scene is to a novel what a note is to a song. While the average scene is around 2,000 words, you can vary scene length like a composer uses whole, half, and quarter notes. You use scene breaks (like a half rest) or chapter breaks (a whole rest) to signal readers when a scene closes. A change in location or characters can also indicate a scene change.
The role of scenes in a novel
Well-written scenes advance your story with purpose. Each scene has the potential to:
Spur action toward the eventual resolution of the plot. Introduce a plot point, force characters to develop, or foreshadow an event that becomes clear by the end. The action should serve a clear purpose in the main conflict that will resolve. A solid plot structure can help you achieve this.
Connect to character goals. Create momentum toward or away from what characters want. Give them successes and setbacks, not a smooth ride on cruise control. Your characters should take action to pursue their goals in some way, even if they fail.
Construct obstacles that create conflict and cause trouble. As the writer, you’re also a chaos creature and professional pot-stirrer. Obstacles can be external (plot) or internal (flaws and fears). As the story progresses and characters “level up,” consider increasing the size and difficulty of obstacles.
Establish cause and effect that makes readers believe in your story. Random events mean nothing. Context and causality make people cry. Lay the groundwork for interconnected events (cause) and show how they impact characters’ lives (effect) to evoke an emotional response from your readers.
Apply pressure that causes dilemmas and forces decisions. Pressure reveals characters’ strengths, motivations, and flaws. When they’re forced to choose, they’re forced to change, developing along their character arc.
Reveal information to the reader or characters. Someone discovers something new. However, information alone makes for a stagnant scene, so make sure the scene performs other roles, too.
Evoke mood and tone that sets the atmosphere for readers. Concrete sensory details invite readers to experience the story through the characters.
How to end a scene
At the close of a scene, you have one goal: make the reader want to turn the page.
Some scenes end with surprise. A shocking reveal or unexpected turn of events sparks curiosity. A scene that ends in a promise of future conflict makes readers wonder, What happens next? Some scenes end with unanswered questions. A note of mystery fuels the reader’s momentum.
However you choose to end a scene, leave at least one loose thread for the reader to tug as they turn the page.
How to identify a weak scene in your novel
It’s impossible to be objective about our own writing. But this exercise aims to pull you out of the composer’s chair and into the audience.
Scene Summary Exercise
One way to evaluate if your scenes are working is to write scene summaries. The trick is to sum up what actually happens on page—and nothing else. Read each scene fresh and summarize key information, actions, and reactions. Here’s an example of a scene summary of the prologue of Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree:
Viv kills the monstrous Scalvert Queen to the cheers of her adventuring party. She pries open its fleshy head to retrieve an unknown object as her payment for the job—her last, even as she feels a twinge of guilt for leaving party member Gallina behind. Tired of the “mud and blood and bullshit,” Viv is ready for something new.
Now, if you were the author of this book, you would know what the unknown object is. You would know what Viv wants next. But the reader doesn’t know this yet. This summary helps us identify key things about this scene:
Action: Opening action grabs attention in a way that appears relevant to the future plot.
Information: We learn Viv is an accomplished adventurer familiar with gore and violence, but she might have a soft side.
Goals: Readers receive a hint to Viv’s goal as she achieves one step toward it.
Pressure: Viv feels guilt as she leaves her party.
Sensory details: The squishy head of the monster… *shivers*
Questions: Mysteries propel us to keep reading: What did Viv take? Why is she ready for something new? What does she want next?
As you read your scene summaries, ask: Which scenes seem boring on paper? Which ones might be doing too much? Which ones lack focus or a clear goal? Does each scene end in a way that keeps readers turning the page?
You can also ask others to be your set of fresh eyes. Give the scene summaries to a friend or writing buddy. Ask them to flag which scenes sound especially intriguing, boring, or confusing. This feedback can offer clues to which scenes need more attention.
How to strengthen a weak scene in your novel
Here are some ways you can rework and revive a weak scene:
Define - Give the scene a clear goal. Some weak scenes feel aimless or lack movement and action. However, don't confuse action with tension; a low-tension scene in which characters rest or respond can still create movement. If nothing changes for the reader or characters by the end of the scene, it needs a goal. Give it at least one of the roles listed above.
Combine - Some scenes feel more like impressions than progressions. This is especially true of scenes that info dump, provide backstory or rely heavily on internal thoughts. Consider weaving together these scenes with external action so the reader learns while action unfolds on page. This combines the front story (what’s happening “now”) with the backstory for a richer scene.
Cut - Consider this as a last resort. The first two steps may help a lackluster scene find its shine. But if the scene still isn’t working, repurpose or relocate any important elements before cutting.
Developmental editors help authors strengthen scenes
As a developmental editor, I help fiction authors strengthen their scenes using the methods above and more. Working with an editor provides a fresh perspective on how each scene unfolds on page and whether it delivers the promise you made to your readers.
I offer a free assessment of your first couple of scenes in a sample edit, which is at the beginning of my process for working with authors. Intrigued? Reach out to tell me more about your manuscript, have a discovery call, and book your free sample edit.
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