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Constructing and editing scenes

Constructing and editing scenes. What is a scene?. A scene is a moment in time in a novel, short story or piece of creative nonfiction. A scene has a clear setting. A scene can be visualised . Usually a scene will also have at least one character who takes action to advance the plot.

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Constructing and editing scenes

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  1. Constructing and editing scenes

  2. What is a scene? • A scene is a moment in time in a novel, short story or piece of creative nonfiction. • A scene has a clear setting. • A scene can be visualised. • Usually a scene will also have at least one character who takes action to advance the plot.

  3. When to think about scenes • After an idea has formed. • Some writers will start with scene and then plan later. • Other writers will plan the plot points and then construct the scenes. • At some point, you’ll need to think about the function of the scene.

  4. Building scenes • Try starting with setting. Where is this scene taking place? Write down one location. Consider: • What mood does this particular setting create? • Does this setting symbolise something? • Why is the scene taking place here?

  5. Building scenes • Thinking about your location, write down as many details about that place as possible. • Try to chose details that capture the mood.

  6. Building scenes • Now, consider who will be in this scene. Make a list. • Through whose eyes are we viewing this scene (also known as point of view)? A third person god-like narrator? A third person narrator who is close to a particular character? A particular character?

  7. Building scenes • Return to your description of the place and select the details that the narrator would be able to see. • Change any details to reflect the narrator’s beliefs, attitudes, past experiences, thoughts and emotions.

  8. Building scenes • What will happen in this scene? Choose one or two actions and briefly describe them. • How might the actions that take place in the scene change the mood and feel?

  9. Building scenes • Now put it all together: mix setting, point of view, character and action. Play with what details you reveal when. • Consider the mood you’re trying to create.

  10. Editing the scene • Now you have a rough draft of a scene. • Usually you would first focus on the place of this scene in the narrative and how it connects to the other plot points. • For now, we’ll focus on this one scene.

  11. Building scenes Check for: • Consistent point of view • Visuals: have you given the reader enough detail they can picture the scene at all times? Are the visuals consistent? • Logic: does the scene contain any errors of logic?

  12. Building scenes Check for: • Clarity: do all my sentences make sense? Are there any dangling or misplaced modifiers (e.g. Driving out West, the kangaroos are a real menace)? • Dynamic sentences: are my sentences mostly in active voice (subject appears before the verb)? Do I use strong verbs (runs rather than is running)? • Has repetition been avoided?

  13. Building scenes Check for: • Are my sentences complete unless deliberately not so? A complete sentence contains a subject, a verb and possibly an object. • Have I used commas correctly (in lists, flips, drop-ins and FANBOYS)? • Is the tense consistent?

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