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Write A Novel And Get It Published: Scenes

by Nigel Watts

A novel’s scenes anchor it in physical reality, although they can be imaginary. You need to understand them in detail, either through imagination or research if you are using a real setting. Isolation and extreme weather are useful but not essential. Try to view scenes through your readers’ eyes and use all five senses to describe them. To make them more real use specific names for things (such as ‘poodle’ rather than ‘dog’). Be selective in what you describe – you don’t need to tell the reader everything you know, only those aspects that bring the scene to life or are relevant to the action.

Use close-up as well as long-shot and medium distance to give variety to the creation of a scene. Spend some time visualizing the scene, and let your imagination get to work on it – look for the dramatic interest in every scene. If the scene is essential for information but has no drama, then add something to it, for instance something that reveals character. It’s important to show the human reactions within a setting but don’t overwrite the emotional aspect. Respect the reader’s intelligence – you don’t have to show them everything.


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