This breakdown of scene structure and the and so vs. and then distinction is incredibly helpful. The way you explained how a character's new goal should flow naturally from the complication really clicked for me.
Your example with the False Goal was particularly eye opening I'd never thought about sending a character after something they won't actually achieve just to keep them active. Was that a technique you discovered through your own writing or something you picked up from editing others' work?
With the False Goal, I think that one just came from reading a lot and studying stories that handled conflict really well. The reader can get so conditioned to the cycle of "character pursues goal > achieves it > moves onto the next goal" that it becomes a little predictable
A lot of the time, it's those unexpected disasters and wrong turns that really give everything a shot of adrenaline
I edit a lot of novels where there's a big setback or catastrophe coming and the characters just sort of...sit around waiting for it. The writer knows something big is coming, and when we write it like that, we're unconsciously spoiling the surprise for the reader. A huge part of building incredible tension only happens when we can really put ourselves inside the character's head. Have them act like everything is normal, make new plans, then take an absolute wrecking ball to them 😈
Ohh yeah I love the idea of letting characters think everything is fine before suddenly throwing everything off It definitely makes the tension feel more natural
Btw I have an idea related to your fic if you're comfortable with it we could talk about it in DMs
I just finished listening to Take Off Your Pants by Libbie Hawker. It demystified a lot of things for me. When I put that together with this series on scenes, I think I can do it. I started today with the easy stuff -- goal, flaw, antagonist, ally, all the pieces that need to be in place. Tomorrow, I'll work on the actual outline.
I think for a beginning writer but avid reader who was swamped in jargon that made no sense at all (like beats for example), it was very helpful. And it taught me that an outline is not at all like what I learned in high school. It's a step by step as to how to do it. I'm not at all sure that a more experienced writer would find it helpful, but maybe?
This breakdown of scene structure and the and so vs. and then distinction is incredibly helpful. The way you explained how a character's new goal should flow naturally from the complication really clicked for me.
Your example with the False Goal was particularly eye opening I'd never thought about sending a character after something they won't actually achieve just to keep them active. Was that a technique you discovered through your own writing or something you picked up from editing others' work?
Thanks so much for your kind words!
With the False Goal, I think that one just came from reading a lot and studying stories that handled conflict really well. The reader can get so conditioned to the cycle of "character pursues goal > achieves it > moves onto the next goal" that it becomes a little predictable
A lot of the time, it's those unexpected disasters and wrong turns that really give everything a shot of adrenaline
I edit a lot of novels where there's a big setback or catastrophe coming and the characters just sort of...sit around waiting for it. The writer knows something big is coming, and when we write it like that, we're unconsciously spoiling the surprise for the reader. A huge part of building incredible tension only happens when we can really put ourselves inside the character's head. Have them act like everything is normal, make new plans, then take an absolute wrecking ball to them 😈
Ohh yeah I love the idea of letting characters think everything is fine before suddenly throwing everything off It definitely makes the tension feel more natural
Btw I have an idea related to your fic if you're comfortable with it we could talk about it in DMs
Hell yeah. Hit them with that wrecking ball 💪
And happy to chat via DM if you'd like. Just hmu!
Excellent. Thanks Cae! I am tremulously considering outlining a novel.
Do iiiiiiiiit! If outlining isn’t your thing, scene structure like this can also be woven in during the revision stage pretty effectively!
I just finished listening to Take Off Your Pants by Libbie Hawker. It demystified a lot of things for me. When I put that together with this series on scenes, I think I can do it. I started today with the easy stuff -- goal, flaw, antagonist, ally, all the pieces that need to be in place. Tomorrow, I'll work on the actual outline.
I’ve not heard of Take Off Your Pants! Did you find it helpful?
Wishing you all the best with your outline. It’s always my favourite stage. Hopefully you have the best time
I think for a beginning writer but avid reader who was swamped in jargon that made no sense at all (like beats for example), it was very helpful. And it taught me that an outline is not at all like what I learned in high school. It's a step by step as to how to do it. I'm not at all sure that a more experienced writer would find it helpful, but maybe?
I’m definitely curious to give it a look! I have a whole bunch of craft books I’m hoping to get through next year, so I’ll add it to the list
I needed this! Saving for later!!
Really hope it helps! Happy to answer any questions if you have them
Thank you!!
This is so so good! Love.
Thanks so much! Really stoked you enjoyed it
Hi. Is there a chance for feedback?
https://substack.com/@lukaszgorycki/note/c-307959452?r=9as9r&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web