Scenes & Sequels

Scenes and Sequels, in the hands of a true storyteller, are the two basic elements of any novel. Pare away all the other parts, the setting, theme, characterization, conflict, and drama, and you come down to these two building blocks which are necessary to form the foundation of your book.

SCENES are the dramatic moments that illustrate the changes your character goes through in your story. This is where the action is, where bodies are found, lovers come together, or best friends meet for lunch. The scenes are the visual moments of your book, the parts that could almost be seen as part of a movie.

Scenes should…

• Illustrate your characters' traits, flaws, beliefs, strengths and personality through their actions/reaction to others.
• Advance your plot.
• Give your characters the opportunity to grow and change.
• Show your character reacting to whatever conflict he or she is trying to overcome.
• Speed pacing through narrative.

SEQUELS are the segues between scenes. This is the down time, when the pacing slows, the narrative increases, so the character and the reader can reflect on what has happened in the previous scene, make decisions regarding what to do next, and lay the groundwork for the next scene. Sequels are not the time for action, they are the time for introspection. Sequels are what often make books so much more powerful than movies, because we can read the characters' thoughts and emotions, without a single word being spoken aloud. The sequel is the protagonist's drive toward a new destination, or away from a previous home. This is the long hot bath before the passionate love scene (or the gruesome murder!)

Sequels should...

• Be a time of introspection.
• Be about thought not action.
• Transition the reader from one place and/or time to another.
• Slow the pacing of your novel where appropriate.
• Strengthen characterization by illustrating character's beliefs.

Here's an illustration of Scene & Sequel using Margaret Mitchell's classic "Gone With The Wind."

Scene: Scarlett, on the porch with the Tarleton twins, learns that Ashley is to marry Melanie.

Sequel: Scarlett runs down the drive in front of Tara. She thinks of Ashley, and, believing he simply doesn't know she loves him, decides she must tell him the next day at the barbecue. Shortly thereafter…

Scene: Scarlett confronts Ashley about her feelings but he rebuffs her, admitting his engagement to Melanie. Scarlett's confrontation with Rhett leaves her feeling furious, rejected and humiliated. To top it off she hears the other girls talking about her at the party.

Sequel: Scarlett slowly walks alone in the Wilkes' home where, partly from hurt, partly from spite, she decides to marry Melanie's brother Charles Hamilton.

Mastering scene construction is the first step in writing, but linking scenes together through sequels is just as important. Scenes without sequels are merely a "screenplay" of events. Likewise, sequels without scenes are just like a "journal" of feelings. Only when the two are successfully combined can a well-rounded novel be written.

About the Author:

Leslie Kelly is a multi-published author with Harlequin Temptation. With just her first two books, (Night Whispers, 9/99 and Suite Seduction, 12/00) she has won the prestigious NONA (Notable New Author of the Year Award), the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Colorado Award of Excellence. Her latest book, Relentless, was released in 8/01 as part of the Temptation "Heat" miniseries.

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