It’s been awhile since we’ve visited scenes so I thought I would come back to it with a post about revelations.
We’ve talked about hooks and goals and settings and a few of those tie into this weeks topic. Because with every chapter and each scene we write, we’re revealing to the reader more and more of this world we’ve created. And we want the reader to long for more.
One of the best ways to do this is to simply give the reader more. Give them something they didn’t already know. Give them something that surprises them or they’ve been wondering about. It’s not only going to progress the story but it’s going to keep the reader interested.
Revealing things to the reader can come in many ways.
Action
Make something happen to your characters or make your characters choose to do something that takes them to the next step of the story.
History
This is your opportunity to show the reader something about the past. Something that explains the progression of the story or makes your MC who he/she is now. The more your reader gets to know your characters (without an information dump, of course), the more they can understand your MC’s and hopefully sympathize with them.
Conflict
This also goes back to action. Create a reason for your characters to have to react, even if it’s through a simple conversation.
Surprises
Give the reader something they weren’t expecting through any of the above avenues.
Goals and motivations
Offer more and more as the story progresses as to why your character wants what they want. And show the reader each new thing your MC is willing to do to get it.
Dialogue
This is a great way to reveal character traits, history, etc. to the story.
These are just a few of the ways you can reveal more of the story to your readers. As I work through edits on my current story, one of my goals is to keep the revelations coming. Scene by scene and chapter by chapter. That way the reader is constantly learning more about my characters, about why they are who they are. This is a bit like pacing. Adding spice to your story here and there to make the reader want to move on. To make them constantly feel like they’re getting to that next step in the story.
So how about you? Do you try to add something new to every scene or do you have your own strategy to unwinding your story to the reader?
Thanks for this post Cindy. I'm working on trying to reveal the history of my character without dumping the information, and yes trying to add something new to every scene is a good challenge.
ReplyDeleteI'm the Great Info-dumper, I tend to splash in just a bit too much history into a scene. Just another thing I need to work on.
ReplyDeleteI love you have all the different snippets a writer needs in a scene put in there. Sorta like a checklist when writing.
Thanks.
After reading your post I feel like my story is a flailing fledgling that's about to fail.
ReplyDeleteI realize I haven't gone through all my scenes yet and made sure they are all important.
Thanks for the encouragement and reminder that I need to do that.
This is an AWESOMe post, Cindy. Especially as I'm revising and working my way through my scenes. A great reminder to keep revealing new things to keep readers itnerested. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteMelanie, depending on how much history a character has, that can definitely be hard. Little tidbits here and there, especially in response to something (as a reaction or an emotion) is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteHey Linda, it seems like we all struggle with info-dumping or setting-dumping (I think I just made that up :D) at one point or another. Just another thing that practicing our craft will help.
Hi Reesha, don't worry about your story. We all create a first draft, even second or third drafts in different ways. This is just one way that works for me and still I end up having to cut scenes that don't add to the story. There are so many little tricks you can use to make sure a scene is necessary and is pulling its weight--keep writing and studying because every little bit helps! Good luck!
Hi Katie, I enjoyed your post, too. Every time I think I've gotten better at one aspect of writing, a new idea or a new way of doing things comes along and helps me stretch myself further. All the best with your revisions!
This is very good. I like how you remind us that we always have an opportunity to SHOW something about the past. I think that is the distinction between a good book and a better one.
ReplyDeleteLove this breakdown. I try to build up by leaving hints in each scene, but hey, I don't always succeed!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy! I like what you said about letting the reader get to know your characters... because when I'm reading a novel, I love it when I feel so connected with the characters that I wonder what happens to them after the book is done. I almost relate to them like I would a friend.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I think it's important to unwrap revelations as you go. Keeps the reader invested!
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