But there's a skill to knowing when to break a scene. You don't want to just stop and jump ahead in time or location, because that can feel jarring. Too many scene breaks can feel like pieces of a story strung together and lose the narrative flow. Breaking every time you get to a good hook line just feels choppy and...weird. Like chapter breaks, you want a scene break to make the reader think "ooo" and keep on reading.
What makes a good scene break?
You'd think cliffhangers, but no, they can get boring after a while. A good scene break is one that leaves the reader with a sense of forward momentum. The story isn't stopping, it's nudging them on with a renewed sense of curiosity. Some common ways to do this:
The "dum-dum-DUMMM!" moment
Something has just been revealed or discovered that is a shock. Not only is it a shock, but it's probably also going to require immediate action on the protagonist's part. Hence, moving the story forward to the next scene without having to say "three hours later" or something similar.
The "we have to do this" moment
Stating a goal is a great way to show things about to happen, and then allow you to jump right to that point. Readers know what has to be done and where the characters are going. (even if it's just a vague idea). Showing the trip isn't necessary.
The "I hate waiting" moment
Delays are boring, but they happen. And when a character can't act even though they really want to, breaking at the height of their discomfort is a great way to transition into them finally getting to do something. It's also fun when paired with a ticking clock, so readers know things are getting worse while the protag is forced to wait.
The "sleepy time" moment
Although you want to be wary with ending a scene with a character going to sleep, sometimes it is the right way to break a scene. The trick here is to do it in a way that also keeps the tension high so the reader doesn't also feel the need to hit the hay. Let the character not want to rest or sleep. Going to sleep sucks at that moment, because something big and bad is looming. Yes, she's going to sleep, but anything can happen at any moment regardless.
The "all is lost and I really need a moment" moment
Total emotional breakdown deserves a break, so when your characters have just undergone something emotionally catastrophic, why not break and skip ahead to when they've composed themselves and are ready to deal with it? This can work especially well when watching them fall to pieces isn't very fun (there's nothing happening, no goal, no stakes, they're just losing it), but seeing them deal with the aftermath and struggling through this crisis is delicious.
One thing to remember with scene breaks, is that just because you have one of these moments does not mean you have to break the scene. Transitions are useful at times (and let's discuss that next week), so use them if you want to. Scene breaks are great ways to control the pacing of your novel and keep the focus on what matters, not the stuff that happens when no one is looking.
How do you feel about scene breaks? Do you break often or show the transition? Do you mix them up?
15 comments:
I try to break the scene where it feels natural to end and then move to the next action scene. For me at least, long transitions break the pace too much and add to the word count. You've got great suggestions on how to break the scenes.
I've been reading a lot of Bruce Colville's books lately. He's a master at ending scenes where you're dying to turn to the next page.
I've put some scene breaks in when I realize it's trailing off and I can't find a way to end it. When I stop and look at where the drift begins, I chop it and either start over from there or made it a scene break. My better breaks are mostly from writing past the point I should have stopped and then backing up. I don't write them deliberately very well.
I try to end my scenes the way I like to see them end when I'm reading; leaving the reader wanting just a little bit more so they keep reading.
I think, aside from the last scene in a book, the worst thing a scene ending can do is leave the reader feeling like everything's okay. It should leave a sense of uncertainty and curiosity.
Oh, good points! In my first draft, I was shocked at how many scenes ended with the character going to sleep (which often means the next one opens with them waking) and had to go back and mix it up a bit. But it's true that if they fall asleep with some doubts about the next day, it takes on another slant.
Great advice as usual! I try to use a combination of these scene or chapter ending styles throughout my WIP, but I sometimes wonder if there's a secret for choosing which one really works best to pull the reader through.
This is helpful. I have several scenes that ends where the character goes to sleep, and it gets monotonous after a while. It's nice to see what are good stopping points. :-)
Such wonderful advice. I'm totally guilty of letting a scene drag on past the point of interest (same with chapters). I need to take this advice to heart.
Great advice. I end scenes based on instinct. I guess that instinct has been developed over a lifetime of reading. In any case, I try to listen to the natural rhythms of the story. Generally, I break a scene at moments of inhalation or exhalation.
Nice names. I need to see what scene breaks I have and how I would categorize them.
I tend to break the scene when it feels natural and move to the next scene. On reviewing and editing I may create a transition if the jump is too jolting, but on first-draft write-up I like to keep things moving.
In my head, I try to picture my story as a movie or TV show - when might the camera fade out? When would we cut to the next scene? Makes it simpler when my novel gets optioned for that blockbuster, aye? (wink wink)
This is a skill I'm still learning, so thanks for the great tips!
Love the tips. I tend to skip writing the boring parts, so it's good to know there are good ways to do it.
I go with how the curtain draws to an end. Sometimes it's something earth-shattering, sometimes just an admission. It depends on the story and the characters and making sure you listen to them when they want to end that chap.
Every time I sit down to read one of your posts, I want to get my checkbook out and send you my tuition. I learn so much over here and I wanted to say thanks.
Natalie, I haven't read anything by him yet but I'll have to check one of his books out now. Thanks! Good tip about feeling natural. You can usually just feel where a scene ends.
Jaleh, I have some that I've chopped for that very reason. I feel that "come on already, get to the good stuff" feeling :)
Paul, couldn't agree more.
Angelica, sleep can be a story killer, but sometimes it is the right way. The higher the "next morning stakes" the more that type of scene end works.
Nicole, Thanks! I wish there were a secret, but it all depends on the story. The only thing that's common is to end with something in question the reader is willing to turn the page (or keep reading) to see the answer to.
SBibb, you might try looking back to what happens right before the character goes to sleep. Is there a moment where tensions or questions are high? Try ending there and see how it flows.
LinWash, thanks! I think we all do it from time to time. Sometimes it's because we're still figuring out a piece of the story.
Sarah, instinct is so important and doesn't get enough credit. We can develop our skills, but that writer's ear really helps us know when something needs to happen or if something is written right.
CO, thanks! Categorizing things always seems to help me. Like giving it a name gives you power of it :)
Debbie, oh totally :) It's not a bad tip actually, as the boring transition stuff is usually cut out of movies.
Julie, most welcome! It's one of those things that once you start really looking for them, it all clicks and you start seeing them.
Maria, thanks!
Traci, listening is good, as is varying what you do. The same thing gets boring.
Findingbooks, LOL thanks!
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