#43: 10 Tips for Writing Better Scenes

In today's episode, I'm sharing my top ten tips for writing better scenes. Here's a preview of what's included: [01:45] Tip #1: Stick to one point-of-view character per scene. This will help you avoid head-hopping and getting off track. [02:45] Tip #2: Establish where and when each scene is taking place as soon as possible. Especially, if things have changed since the last scene. [03:50] Tip #3: Give your point-of-view character a specific (and meaningful) goal in each scene. What do they want? Why do they want it? [05:30] Tip #4: Make sure each scene contains a mini-arc of change. These mini-arcs of change will add up to create your story's overarching arc. [06:45] Tip #5: Give your point-of-view character agency in each scene. Let them make decisions and take actions that move the story forward. [08:15] Tip #6: Show readers what your point-of-view character is thinking and feeling throughout the scene. Let readers inside your character's head! [09:15] Tip #7: Try to advance at least one subplot per scene. This will keep things interesting for readers and help you write a cohesive story. [10:45] Tip #8: Use the "story present" to trigger any backstory, exposition, or worldbuilding details. Don't build whole scenes just for the sake of delivering information. [12:00] Tip #9: Only include dialogue that's relevant to what's happening in the scene. If it's not relevant, you probably don't need it. It's that simple! [12:30] Tip #10: Make sure each of your scenes contributes to the global story both externally (the plot) and internally (your character's arc). [14:30] Key points and episode recap. Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts Are you subscribed to my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts! If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance! Links Mentioned in This Episode: How to Write a Well-Structured Scene (article and podcast) FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author! Support the show