Set Your Scene
When I went to the ACFW conference, I had an editor meeting. I'd heard that particular editor liked scenes to be fleshed out at the beginning. Because of what I'd heard, I gave her my prologue to read instead of my first chapter.
Sure enough, the first thing she said was that she liked how I'd set the scene rather than jumping into action.
This isn't to say we shouldn't start with action. We should almost always start with action that's appropriate for the genre.
But before you jump into the action, set your scene.
Orient the reader. Give them a visual of where the character is. This definitely doesn't need to be a paragraph-long thing. A few sentences often are fine.
Every new scene needs to be set somehow, and early on. Do you set your scenes? Does too much description in a book bother you? Or do you like heavy description?
Sure enough, the first thing she said was that she liked how I'd set the scene rather than jumping into action.
This isn't to say we shouldn't start with action. We should almost always start with action that's appropriate for the genre.
But before you jump into the action, set your scene.
Orient the reader. Give them a visual of where the character is. This definitely doesn't need to be a paragraph-long thing. A few sentences often are fine.
Every new scene needs to be set somehow, and early on. Do you set your scenes? Does too much description in a book bother you? Or do you like heavy description?
Comments
Great post, Jessica!
Hey Tabitha,
I agree. It could even be a paragraph on page one. The reader just needs something to hang onto, and often our imaginations fill in the blanks.
Such a good post. =)
Great post. Got me thinking this AM! God bless you today.
I'm with you in that I don't really need a lot of descriptive, although, if the prose is beautiful, then I like to read it for the words themselves. Otherwise, like you said, select details make the scene stronger.
That's so interesting. What a nice editor to help out like that. I always want to jump into action, but you make a very good point about knowing the characters first.
Terri, how funny about you second-guessing! LOL One thing I'm always second-guessing are the days. I get my chronology all mixed up.
I've heard such mixed thoughts on this...jump right into action. No, set the scene. I think it must depend?
~ Wendy
As for setting the scene: especially in the beginning of the story, it's better if you layer the descriptions with the action; almost like a play by play as your MC is moving / feeling their way through the action. Give us glimpses of what they're seeing, hearing, smelling, thinking, etc...
Then by the time your character is full into the action, the scene has been set without it being an info dump. It feels more natural that way.
Exactly Anita! You said it better than me. :-) Wanna do a post on it? *grin*
I get bogged down when an author has a lot of description, but I enjoy a few sentences of scene setting.
In my own books, I use dialogue more than description.
I can't wait to read your book!
:-) I was actually lucky that a writer friend shared this info (maybe Katie?) Sometimes it's hard to find information on what editors like.
Linda, who ripped you? LOL Everyone has their style and even when you set the scene, there's still a suspense feel.
Patti, I completely agree.
Jill, it's wonderful you've improved. :-)
Angie, you enjoy literary fiction? *grin* Most plots make me so sad, but I LOVE literary writing. It's beautiful and if the description is lovely, I'll read just for that.
Me too, Natalie.
Jennifer, your book seemed great to me. If there's a line or two and everything is balanced, then I think the reader mentally fills in the blanks and doesn't even notice.
The next day...
An hour later...
Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
Oy!
Funny how I couldn't see it at all in my own edits, but once he pointed it out, it was hilarious.
I like a bit of scene setting, but obviously, a little goes a long way!
Great topic !
Authors who set their scenes in the midst of action or dialogue hold my interest. If I come to a solid block of setting, I tend to skim over it. It's like looking at a stage with scenery minus the actors.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Cheers, Nance
Patti
Oh - and I just awarded you for an award on my blog :)
I don't like too much-like 'Moby Dick'-that had too much...I remember reading a 2 page description of a wooden bench with carvings...but I also think that description can mystify a reader and make them long to be in a scene and such.
..now I've gone off on a tangent...
back on track!
I do think scenes HAVE to be fully formed. I encountered problems with short stories where I felt like I was standing in a room with characters, but there were giant holes all around me because of the lack of description. I don't like that. I need to be able to see the settings in my head, and place the characters within the setting like chess pieces or I get confused! :)
Steena, is it possible to have mental gray hairs? 'Cause I'm feeling you on that. Thanks for the award! I'm heading over.
Penny, I know what you mean! I don't need tons of description, but I do like to know where the conversation is taking place. LOL At the same time, I'm guilty of not fleshing out my scenes enough.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. :-)
Dara, I did the same thing with going an opposite direction. Don't worry, the more you write the more likely you'll find the style that best suits your voice. :-)
Haahaaa! Stephanie, you're right, of course. That last line cracked me up though!