I always draft with scenes. I write out a synopsis and then break it down into scenes and then start writing. Scenes are mini-stories, like you say, that make up the overall story. I think you are right on the money here, Kourtney. Great post.
Lots of good advice here. I'm definitely all about the scenes, and more often than not, a chapter for me is a single scene. I've got a story to tell right then and there, and then the next scene is the next story. I find this approach most useful when I write serials, which I do more of nowadays than anything else. Maybe it's cheating, but I love the idea that when I'm writing serials, I'm essentially just writing scenes that the reader links together in their head to create the coherent story. I don't think I'm doing that wrong, and it makes it much easier for me to tell the story.
Honestly, what I find difficult, and I often have to read back through other books to reorient and remember how to do this, is to write something that doesn't take place scene-by-scene. I need a week to pass by, or a month, or a year -- how do I do that? I'm so busy writing in the moment, moment-by-moment, that I forget how to let time pass.
I was thinking about it a bit more and I think I always just assumed when I was a younger writer that a chapter = a scene. For transitions/big gaps between scenes, consider maybe showing the passage of time in things like the seasons, hair growth/beard growth, etc. that might help ease the difficulty a bit.
I've often thought of chapters/scenes as being more or less the same as well... big books with lots of very short chapters... So my next question would be how to group the scenes into longer chapters?
Never thought about it this way before. I always think about ‘set pieces’ like in a movie so in my head I’ve always got various ideas I know need to sit in the overall arc but then rarely get there because the chapters don’t lead me in that direction. I’m going to approach things this way now. I feel like hitting my head off the table for not seeing this sooner.
I'm glad this seemed to click for you too! I never thought of approaching my writing this way, which seems so silly now in retrospect. I think once I nail down scene and sequel, it's off to the races for me (hopefully) 🤞🏼
This gives me a new perspective on how to write my novel. Maybe if I start writing by scenes instead of chapters....next time I open my documents, I'll do it that way!
Thank you for writing this and reminding me of this technique. I believe Charles Dickens and P.G. Wodehouse did a very similar thing. Also a great representation of the rule of three.
I do mine with two scenes per chapter. In my planning I also note who the POV is, what the conflict is and active steps the POV character takes to try and resolve the conflict
That’s how I PLAN but not how I actually write. Was surprised to learn that it is also how at least a few of the “big names” on comic books back in the 80s do things - plan out the big scenes, either around a key piece of dialogue or a major visual image, and then write to connect the big scenes
Thank you for this! I used to be a vibe writer, so to speak, and still am for a lot of the process, but I find that scenes accommodate the creative process far better than chapter writing while still keeping the structure consistent. Much appreciated!
This is a really interesting shift. I'll have to go back to my book and see what it might change. Thanks!
Also, just out of curiosity, why are you adding chronic illness representation to your story? I think it's awesome, I'm just curious what inspired that, if you don't mind sharing.
I thought it was interesting too that's why I absolutely needed to share it. As for my story, I'm thinking rheumatoid arthritis, two professional tennis players have been diagnosed with it in the last decade. I have a close family friend (elderly) that deals with it, and a few younger friends too.
RA is a big one, my uncle has it. I just thought it was interesting you wanted to include it. And I was particularly interested since this is what I write about. Good luck!
Amazing to read this analysis. For a long time now I’ve instinctively written what I call « nuggets » which are really scenes. They have a beginning, middle and end, get shuffled round, and can change places, in the overall structure. By writing all your scenes first and placing them in order at the end to form your « book » you can play around a lot with tension and build up and really think about your structure without having to unpick 100 000 words.
Thinking about rheumatoid arthritis because two pro tennis players have been diagnosed with it in the last decade and decided to let people know about their diagnosis. It also affects a few friends (young and old) of mine.
That makes a lot of sense! Would make for a great element to your story, we definitely need more chronic illness representation. Good luck with your research and writing! (This article also really helped with my writing today, thank you)
I usually, as a noob writer, just write the scenes and they usually turn into chapters XD.
I don’t really care much for the conventional ways of doing it, I don’t even really look up youtube for tips on how to write. I just write what feels good.
I know there are often conventions that many keep to, but as I hear on my places, break conventions, do something new. That way you are always unique :)
This is brilliant. Thanks for sharing!
Of course! I'm glad it resonated with you too. I can't believe the shift it caused in my head when it comes to thinking about my own writing.
Really good stuff!
Thanks so much for reading!
I always draft with scenes. I write out a synopsis and then break it down into scenes and then start writing. Scenes are mini-stories, like you say, that make up the overall story. I think you are right on the money here, Kourtney. Great post.
I love that you already do this, Parker. I'm definitely going to give it try when it comes time!
Lots of good advice here. I'm definitely all about the scenes, and more often than not, a chapter for me is a single scene. I've got a story to tell right then and there, and then the next scene is the next story. I find this approach most useful when I write serials, which I do more of nowadays than anything else. Maybe it's cheating, but I love the idea that when I'm writing serials, I'm essentially just writing scenes that the reader links together in their head to create the coherent story. I don't think I'm doing that wrong, and it makes it much easier for me to tell the story.
Honestly, what I find difficult, and I often have to read back through other books to reorient and remember how to do this, is to write something that doesn't take place scene-by-scene. I need a week to pass by, or a month, or a year -- how do I do that? I'm so busy writing in the moment, moment-by-moment, that I forget how to let time pass.
I was thinking about it a bit more and I think I always just assumed when I was a younger writer that a chapter = a scene. For transitions/big gaps between scenes, consider maybe showing the passage of time in things like the seasons, hair growth/beard growth, etc. that might help ease the difficulty a bit.
I've often thought of chapters/scenes as being more or less the same as well... big books with lots of very short chapters... So my next question would be how to group the scenes into longer chapters?
Never thought about it this way before. I always think about ‘set pieces’ like in a movie so in my head I’ve always got various ideas I know need to sit in the overall arc but then rarely get there because the chapters don’t lead me in that direction. I’m going to approach things this way now. I feel like hitting my head off the table for not seeing this sooner.
I'm glad this seemed to click for you too! I never thought of approaching my writing this way, which seems so silly now in retrospect. I think once I nail down scene and sequel, it's off to the races for me (hopefully) 🤞🏼
I’ll meet you at the race course!
The full scene-sequel is little known. Unearthing the original W. S. Campbell texts fills in a great deal of material lost over the last 80 years.
The sequel, for instance, could be a chapter on its own in some cases.
Yes, pacing dictates length of chapters, while short stories can be a single scene-sequel - as a one-act play.
This gives me a new perspective on how to write my novel. Maybe if I start writing by scenes instead of chapters....next time I open my documents, I'll do it that way!
I think this made something click in my brain too! Thank you!
That's incredible! You're welcome!
Thank you for writing this and reminding me of this technique. I believe Charles Dickens and P.G. Wodehouse did a very similar thing. Also a great representation of the rule of three.
I do mine with two scenes per chapter. In my planning I also note who the POV is, what the conflict is and active steps the POV character takes to try and resolve the conflict
Scene and Sequel work for a reason, you know!
That’s how I PLAN but not how I actually write. Was surprised to learn that it is also how at least a few of the “big names” on comic books back in the 80s do things - plan out the big scenes, either around a key piece of dialogue or a major visual image, and then write to connect the big scenes
Thank you for this! I used to be a vibe writer, so to speak, and still am for a lot of the process, but I find that scenes accommodate the creative process far better than chapter writing while still keeping the structure consistent. Much appreciated!
I'm still a big vibe writer, so I get it. Glad you liked the blog!
This is a really interesting shift. I'll have to go back to my book and see what it might change. Thanks!
Also, just out of curiosity, why are you adding chronic illness representation to your story? I think it's awesome, I'm just curious what inspired that, if you don't mind sharing.
I thought it was interesting too that's why I absolutely needed to share it. As for my story, I'm thinking rheumatoid arthritis, two professional tennis players have been diagnosed with it in the last decade. I have a close family friend (elderly) that deals with it, and a few younger friends too.
RA is a big one, my uncle has it. I just thought it was interesting you wanted to include it. And I was particularly interested since this is what I write about. Good luck!
Thank you so much!
Amazing to read this analysis. For a long time now I’ve instinctively written what I call « nuggets » which are really scenes. They have a beginning, middle and end, get shuffled round, and can change places, in the overall structure. By writing all your scenes first and placing them in order at the end to form your « book » you can play around a lot with tension and build up and really think about your structure without having to unpick 100 000 words.
I agree completely. Create scenes first. We can put them into chapters later on.
Slightly off topic but I'm curious about this chronic illness you plan on representing and why, do you have a specific illness in mind?
Thinking about rheumatoid arthritis because two pro tennis players have been diagnosed with it in the last decade and decided to let people know about their diagnosis. It also affects a few friends (young and old) of mine.
That makes a lot of sense! Would make for a great element to your story, we definitely need more chronic illness representation. Good luck with your research and writing! (This article also really helped with my writing today, thank you)
Thanks, I just need to make sure I'm getting it right so I don't misrepresent. That's truly my worst fear! And you're so welcome, I'm glad it helped!
I usually, as a noob writer, just write the scenes and they usually turn into chapters XD.
I don’t really care much for the conventional ways of doing it, I don’t even really look up youtube for tips on how to write. I just write what feels good.
I know there are often conventions that many keep to, but as I hear on my places, break conventions, do something new. That way you are always unique :)