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Building a scene and readability
Improving techniques independently: DescriptionGood idea to describe the heist place before the heist begins?Is it better to describe the main character's physical appearance early on in the story?How to refer to clothes without modern words ? (e.g: t-shirt)What is a good ratio of description/action to talking?What information about a fictional world is unnecessary?Should important events that happen a long time before the rest of the story be in a prologue or in chapter 1?Sizing of a chapter and how many should I use?Is it bad to describe a character long after their introduction?Should I describe a character deeply before killing it?
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When building a scene at the beginning of a chapter for instance, before character interactions take place, what are the important elements to consider, and how long should the description be, before getting on with the narration?
description openings chapters
edited 7 hours ago
Cyn
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Lanet RinoLanet Rino
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When building a scene at the beginning of a chapter for instance, before character interactions take place, what are the important elements to consider, and how long should the description be, before getting on with the narration?
description openings chapters
edited 7 hours ago
Cyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
asked 8 hours ago
Lanet RinoLanet Rino
112 bronze badges
New contributor
Lanet Rino is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
What you seem to be asking for is a critique of your writing, which is not the wheelhouse of Writing.SE. It is preferred that you present a single coherent question that has a single specific answer (not asking for opinions for instance). Perhaps you might be able to rewrite your question to focus on a particular issue you are having?
– Arkenstein XII
7 hours ago
2
Edited to be more specific
– Lanet Rino
7 hours ago
Welcome to Writing.SE, Lanet! Take a look at our tour and help center pages, they should make it a bit clearer how broad or specific a question can be. :)
– Galastel
7 hours ago
add a comment |
When building a scene at the beginning of a chapter for instance, before character interactions take place, what are the important elements to consider, and how long should the description be, before getting on with the narration?
description openings chapters
edited 7 hours ago
Cyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
asked 8 hours ago
Lanet RinoLanet Rino
112 bronze badges
New contributor
Lanet Rino is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
When building a scene at the beginning of a chapter for instance, before character interactions take place, what are the important elements to consider, and how long should the description be, before getting on with the narration?
description openings chapters
description openings chapters
edited 7 hours ago
Cyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
asked 8 hours ago
Lanet RinoLanet Rino
112 bronze badges
New contributor
Lanet Rino is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 7 hours ago
Cyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
asked 8 hours ago
Lanet RinoLanet Rino
112 bronze badges
New contributor
Lanet Rino is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 7 hours ago
Cyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
edited 7 hours ago
Cyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
edited 7 hours ago
Cyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
asked 8 hours ago
Lanet RinoLanet Rino
112 bronze badges
New contributor
Lanet Rino is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 8 hours ago
Lanet RinoLanet Rino
112 bronze badges
asked 8 hours ago
Lanet RinoLanet Rino
112 bronze badges
112 bronze badges
New contributor
Lanet Rino is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Lanet Rino is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
What you seem to be asking for is a critique of your writing, which is not the wheelhouse of Writing.SE. It is preferred that you present a single coherent question that has a single specific answer (not asking for opinions for instance). Perhaps you might be able to rewrite your question to focus on a particular issue you are having?
– Arkenstein XII
7 hours ago
2
Edited to be more specific
– Lanet Rino
7 hours ago
Welcome to Writing.SE, Lanet! Take a look at our tour and help center pages, they should make it a bit clearer how broad or specific a question can be. :)
– Galastel
7 hours ago
add a comment |
1
What you seem to be asking for is a critique of your writing, which is not the wheelhouse of Writing.SE. It is preferred that you present a single coherent question that has a single specific answer (not asking for opinions for instance). Perhaps you might be able to rewrite your question to focus on a particular issue you are having?
– Arkenstein XII
7 hours ago
2
Edited to be more specific
– Lanet Rino
7 hours ago
Welcome to Writing.SE, Lanet! Take a look at our tour and help center pages, they should make it a bit clearer how broad or specific a question can be. :)
– Galastel
7 hours ago
1
1
What you seem to be asking for is a critique of your writing, which is not the wheelhouse of Writing.SE. It is preferred that you present a single coherent question that has a single specific answer (not asking for opinions for instance). Perhaps you might be able to rewrite your question to focus on a particular issue you are having?
– Arkenstein XII
7 hours ago
What you seem to be asking for is a critique of your writing, which is not the wheelhouse of Writing.SE. It is preferred that you present a single coherent question that has a single specific answer (not asking for opinions for instance). Perhaps you might be able to rewrite your question to focus on a particular issue you are having?
– Arkenstein XII
7 hours ago
2
2
Edited to be more specific
– Lanet Rino
7 hours ago
Edited to be more specific
– Lanet Rino
7 hours ago
Welcome to Writing.SE, Lanet! Take a look at our tour and help center pages, they should make it a bit clearer how broad or specific a question can be. :)
– Galastel
7 hours ago
Welcome to Writing.SE, Lanet! Take a look at our tour and help center pages, they should make it a bit clearer how broad or specific a question can be. :)
– Galastel
7 hours ago
add a comment |
2 Answers
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Each chapter will open on something that sets the scene to come.
A descriptive paragraph (or other length) that focuses on the setting is a perfectly legitimate way to do this, but it's not required. You can also open with dialogue, or character thoughts, or an action, for example.
If you have multiple POVs, you may wish to start each chapter with something that makes it obvious which character's head the reader is in this time.
If you have multiple settings, let the reader know where they are physically.
If you have more than one time stream (either because of actual time travel or due to flashbacks or historical scenes or stories within a story) make sure the reader knows when they are.
Length of the chapter opening can vary depending on what you need. It can be pretty much nothing, just straight into it. It can be a sentence. Or it can be a few paragraphs (generally for a major change in setting and such).
It's too short if the reader is confused.
It's too long if the reader is bored and wants to get on with the story.
If you aren't sure if you've gotten these things right, ask your critique group or beta readers. You know where and when you are so having fresh eyes on it is important.
answered 6 hours ago
CynCyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
add a comment |
+1 Cyn.
In addition to setting the scene, be certain that as the scene unfolds the goal of the scene (shorthand for the goal of the main character) is clear.
In a good scene, there will probably be some form of conflict. Stakes should also be clear. What will it cost the character if they don't reach their goal?
At times, goals and stakes are muted, and at times as big as the great outdoors. But the characters should have some skin in the game, and at the end of a good scene, a reader walks away better for having read it. This often means readers feel the plot has advanced. Not all books/genres/categories require every scene to advance plot, but it's a good idea to be able to think in these terms so you can use the tool at will.
answered 5 hours ago
DPTDPT
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add a comment |
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2 Answers
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2 Answers
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Each chapter will open on something that sets the scene to come.
A descriptive paragraph (or other length) that focuses on the setting is a perfectly legitimate way to do this, but it's not required. You can also open with dialogue, or character thoughts, or an action, for example.
If you have multiple POVs, you may wish to start each chapter with something that makes it obvious which character's head the reader is in this time.
If you have multiple settings, let the reader know where they are physically.
If you have more than one time stream (either because of actual time travel or due to flashbacks or historical scenes or stories within a story) make sure the reader knows when they are.
Length of the chapter opening can vary depending on what you need. It can be pretty much nothing, just straight into it. It can be a sentence. Or it can be a few paragraphs (generally for a major change in setting and such).
It's too short if the reader is confused.
It's too long if the reader is bored and wants to get on with the story.
If you aren't sure if you've gotten these things right, ask your critique group or beta readers. You know where and when you are so having fresh eyes on it is important.
answered 6 hours ago
CynCyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
add a comment |
Each chapter will open on something that sets the scene to come.
A descriptive paragraph (or other length) that focuses on the setting is a perfectly legitimate way to do this, but it's not required. You can also open with dialogue, or character thoughts, or an action, for example.
If you have multiple POVs, you may wish to start each chapter with something that makes it obvious which character's head the reader is in this time.
If you have multiple settings, let the reader know where they are physically.
If you have more than one time stream (either because of actual time travel or due to flashbacks or historical scenes or stories within a story) make sure the reader knows when they are.
Length of the chapter opening can vary depending on what you need. It can be pretty much nothing, just straight into it. It can be a sentence. Or it can be a few paragraphs (generally for a major change in setting and such).
It's too short if the reader is confused.
It's too long if the reader is bored and wants to get on with the story.
If you aren't sure if you've gotten these things right, ask your critique group or beta readers. You know where and when you are so having fresh eyes on it is important.
answered 6 hours ago
CynCyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
add a comment |
Each chapter will open on something that sets the scene to come.
A descriptive paragraph (or other length) that focuses on the setting is a perfectly legitimate way to do this, but it's not required. You can also open with dialogue, or character thoughts, or an action, for example.
If you have multiple POVs, you may wish to start each chapter with something that makes it obvious which character's head the reader is in this time.
If you have multiple settings, let the reader know where they are physically.
If you have more than one time stream (either because of actual time travel or due to flashbacks or historical scenes or stories within a story) make sure the reader knows when they are.
Length of the chapter opening can vary depending on what you need. It can be pretty much nothing, just straight into it. It can be a sentence. Or it can be a few paragraphs (generally for a major change in setting and such).
It's too short if the reader is confused.
It's too long if the reader is bored and wants to get on with the story.
If you aren't sure if you've gotten these things right, ask your critique group or beta readers. You know where and when you are so having fresh eyes on it is important.
answered 6 hours ago
CynCyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
Each chapter will open on something that sets the scene to come.
A descriptive paragraph (or other length) that focuses on the setting is a perfectly legitimate way to do this, but it's not required. You can also open with dialogue, or character thoughts, or an action, for example.
If you have multiple POVs, you may wish to start each chapter with something that makes it obvious which character's head the reader is in this time.
If you have multiple settings, let the reader know where they are physically.
If you have more than one time stream (either because of actual time travel or due to flashbacks or historical scenes or stories within a story) make sure the reader knows when they are.
Length of the chapter opening can vary depending on what you need. It can be pretty much nothing, just straight into it. It can be a sentence. Or it can be a few paragraphs (generally for a major change in setting and such).
It's too short if the reader is confused.
It's too long if the reader is bored and wants to get on with the story.
If you aren't sure if you've gotten these things right, ask your critique group or beta readers. You know where and when you are so having fresh eyes on it is important.
answered 6 hours ago
CynCyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
answered 6 hours ago
CynCyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
answered 6 hours ago
CynCyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
answered 6 hours ago
CynCyn
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
27.5k2 gold badges60 silver badges127 bronze badges
add a comment |
add a comment |
+1 Cyn.
In addition to setting the scene, be certain that as the scene unfolds the goal of the scene (shorthand for the goal of the main character) is clear.
In a good scene, there will probably be some form of conflict. Stakes should also be clear. What will it cost the character if they don't reach their goal?
At times, goals and stakes are muted, and at times as big as the great outdoors. But the characters should have some skin in the game, and at the end of a good scene, a reader walks away better for having read it. This often means readers feel the plot has advanced. Not all books/genres/categories require every scene to advance plot, but it's a good idea to be able to think in these terms so you can use the tool at will.
answered 5 hours ago
DPTDPT
19.2k2 gold badges38 silver badges101 bronze badges
add a comment |
+1 Cyn.
In addition to setting the scene, be certain that as the scene unfolds the goal of the scene (shorthand for the goal of the main character) is clear.
In a good scene, there will probably be some form of conflict. Stakes should also be clear. What will it cost the character if they don't reach their goal?
At times, goals and stakes are muted, and at times as big as the great outdoors. But the characters should have some skin in the game, and at the end of a good scene, a reader walks away better for having read it. This often means readers feel the plot has advanced. Not all books/genres/categories require every scene to advance plot, but it's a good idea to be able to think in these terms so you can use the tool at will.
answered 5 hours ago
DPTDPT
19.2k2 gold badges38 silver badges101 bronze badges
add a comment |
+1 Cyn.
In addition to setting the scene, be certain that as the scene unfolds the goal of the scene (shorthand for the goal of the main character) is clear.
In a good scene, there will probably be some form of conflict. Stakes should also be clear. What will it cost the character if they don't reach their goal?
At times, goals and stakes are muted, and at times as big as the great outdoors. But the characters should have some skin in the game, and at the end of a good scene, a reader walks away better for having read it. This often means readers feel the plot has advanced. Not all books/genres/categories require every scene to advance plot, but it's a good idea to be able to think in these terms so you can use the tool at will.
answered 5 hours ago
DPTDPT
19.2k2 gold badges38 silver badges101 bronze badges
+1 Cyn.
In addition to setting the scene, be certain that as the scene unfolds the goal of the scene (shorthand for the goal of the main character) is clear.
In a good scene, there will probably be some form of conflict. Stakes should also be clear. What will it cost the character if they don't reach their goal?
At times, goals and stakes are muted, and at times as big as the great outdoors. But the characters should have some skin in the game, and at the end of a good scene, a reader walks away better for having read it. This often means readers feel the plot has advanced. Not all books/genres/categories require every scene to advance plot, but it's a good idea to be able to think in these terms so you can use the tool at will.
answered 5 hours ago
DPTDPT
19.2k2 gold badges38 silver badges101 bronze badges
answered 5 hours ago
DPTDPT
19.2k2 gold badges38 silver badges101 bronze badges
answered 5 hours ago
DPTDPT
19.2k2 gold badges38 silver badges101 bronze badges
answered 5 hours ago
DPTDPT
19.2k2 gold badges38 silver badges101 bronze badges
19.2k2 gold badges38 silver badges101 bronze badges
add a comment |
add a comment |
Lanet Rino is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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1
What you seem to be asking for is a critique of your writing, which is not the wheelhouse of Writing.SE. It is preferred that you present a single coherent question that has a single specific answer (not asking for opinions for instance). Perhaps you might be able to rewrite your question to focus on a particular issue you are having?
– Arkenstein XII
7 hours ago
2
Edited to be more specific
– Lanet Rino
7 hours ago
Welcome to Writing.SE, Lanet! Take a look at our tour and help center pages, they should make it a bit clearer how broad or specific a question can be. :)
– Galastel
7 hours ago