and response.

* This creates doubt as to whether the character will succeed, thus raising the level of suspense for the reader.

* The character is confined somehow to the situation, and since he has narrowing options and no outlet, pressure rises to a breaking point.

* The character tries yet again to overcome the obstacle, and this time (often his third attempt) his efforts climax, followed by the scene resolution.

* Resolution may be in the form of either success or failure, to one degree or another, depending on the needs of the story.

* Since outright success too early in the story would be anti-climatic, the more likely scene resolution would be either bittersweet success, outright failure, partial failure, or failure that leaves the character even farther from his goals than when the scene started.

In a scene from one of my young-adult novels, the main character is driving an old Chevy Suburban through the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Before he accomplishes his goal of reaching the highway, he must fend off the other characters, navigate a winding mountain road, and avoid hazards created by earthquakes. The scene ends in disaster which sets up a sequel and, ultimately, the rest of the story.

Once the scene has reached its resolution, the scene is over. And after an appropriate transition, the sequel may begin. Jack M. Bickham, in Scene and Structure, presents a comprehensive explanation of sequel and its use.

Basically, this is how a fully developed sequel works:

* The resolution of the scene has left the character in a state of emotion, most likely frustration since the outcome was probably something less than outright success.

* As the character gains control of his feelings, he enters a time of thought where he begins to reason through the situation.

* In the process, the main character reviews recent events.

* He enters a phase of analysis to digest facts and better understand his predicament, including alternative courses of action available.

* From analysis emerges a phase of planning the next step.

* Once the character has planned his next move, he makes a decision to proceed.

* Then the character acts upon his decision, thus setting up the next scene.

In one of my young-adult novels, a sixteen-year-old boy is frustrated in his attempt to summon emergency help. A flooded creek blocks his route. Exhausted and discouraged, he plops down on an outcropping of rock. He begins to think the situation through, to review his predicament, and to analyze it. A plan emerges. He makes a decision to act, then proceeds to the next scene with a clear goal in mind.

One of the advantages of writing in scenes and sequels is flexibility. To meet the pacing needs of the story, scenes and sequels and their various components may be lengthened, shortened, skipped, or reversed in order. As Bickham explains, scenes and sequels may be difficult to recognize in published novels precisely because authors have varied their use to fit the needs of the story. Flexibility in the use of scene and sequel allows the author to create an emotional roller coaster of ups, downs, twists, turns, and loops to engage and entertain the reader.

If your writing lacks get-up-and-go or seems to sputter like an engine in need of maintenance, maybe it's time for an overhaul of your scenes and sequels.

Learn more about this author, Mike Klaassen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

---

Add your voice

Know something about Understanding the importance of scene and sequel in fiction?
We want to hear your view. Write now!