The fundamental unit of fiction is
the scene. A novel is basically a series of scenes strung together like beads
on a necklace. The scenes form a beginning, middle, and ending with the
character trying to reach a goal. Each scene needs conflict and change.
In writing each scene, keep the
following in mind:
Is this scene carrying the plot
forward?
Quickly get the character involved
in the action. This is the stimulus, the something
that happens to the character. The something
should cause conflict. (No conflict, no story.) The conflict should result in
some kind of problem or disaster when the character fails to meet the goal.
Hook the reader with surprising
action. A lost dog or an embarrassing experience or a big disappointment or
worse trouble. If the reader can guess the character’s every action and
reaction, the story will seem trite and dull.
Next week, I’ll continue to discuss
scene development.
Call for Submissions for Young Writers:
BOP readers, it's a dream come true! It's time for
you to be a BOP reporter! Tell us your stories and one might be printed in a
future issue! We can't wait to hear from you!
Submission guidelines at
http://www.bopandtigerbeat.com/be-our-bop-reporter/
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
Creative Nonfiction magazine is seeking new essays for an upcoming issue
dedicated to WAITING. We want your well-crafted true stories
of delays, postponements, and pauses that explore and examine our relationship
with time. Whether you're waiting patiently or not, on tables or for Godot,
however you approach the subject, we can't wait to read your work.
Submissions must be 4,000 words or
fewer. $1,000 for best essay; $500 for
runner-up.
Deadline: September 22.
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