Today's random question helps you decide if a scene, or portion of a scene, is necessary.
Read through the scene and ask yourself, why is this character here? In this scene? Right now? Is it vital for the reader to know what the character is doing?
Unfortunately, sometimes it isn't important the reader know what the character is doing right then. If it shows your character's daily routine, you can probably cut the information.
Example:
You write three pages describing the heroine waking up, popping a few slices of bread in the toaster for breakfast, flipping on the Today show, and walking past a rumpled bedspread on the way to her closet.
Why would the reader need to know this? The heroine goes through these motions every day. This information isn't new, it isn't revealing, and it isn't moving the story forward. Now, if she normally shoots out of bed, skips breakfast, and rushes out the door, but you're showing an upset in her normal routine that is vital to the plot--leave the information in. Otherwise, cut it.
The character should always have a reason for acting out the scene. A routine is not a reason because she'd be doing it anyway.
However, sometimes your character will be mentally working out the events in a previous scene--this is called a sequel--and you might not want an action-packed setting for this. Try to show the character's mental state through his actions as he's mentally wrestling what to do. I think it's a good idea to avoid lengthy routines even in sequels. Occasionally, you can pick one "comfort" habit and work the thoughts around it. This gives more bang for the buck.
Let's use the previous scenario. In the previous scene, the heroine found out her father may or may not be cheating on her mother. The heroine is a neat-freak. Instead of walking through her morning routine while she's trying to decide if she should confront her father or not, consider having all of the thoughts take place while she makes her bed. Be specific about the exact way she smooths the sheets. Her precision with folding the blanket just so. The way she uses two hands to place each sham and how she tilts the accent pillow to a ninety-degree angle.
This uses the setting to show her need to be in control. She's comforting herself through her confusing thoughts by rendering precision to something she can control. Also, this grounds the reader in the time and place as she thinks. The act of making a bed can become important if you approach it with care.
Have you been guilty of writing "the boring parts" of your characters' lives? (I have!) How hard is it for you to cut instances where she's brushing her teeth, sipping a cup of tea, or deciding which pajamas to wear?
Join me on Wednesday for another random question, this time for you!
This is an excellent post, Jill. As I was reading this part: "You write three pages describing the heroine waking up, popping a few slices of bread in the toaster for breakfast, flipping on the Today show, and walking past a rumpled bedspread on the way to her closet." I was thinking, but it's all in 'how' these things are done. We are able to show emotions through these movements. And then you said just that! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. Sometimes when I'm working through a characters habits etc. I write this kind of thing down, but I don't include it in the story, unless like you said it is vital to the story:)
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent point. I kept scratching my head about a scene I wrote yesterday. Finally I scribbled on a piece of paper. Why is this scene important? Why do I need it. Once I answered that question, I was able to add in an essential element.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Good post! There is a fine balance with this topic, I think, and I've been struggling with this in my scenes lately. When does just enough drop over into boring or mundane? That's a good question to ask ourselves. I also like to ask myself, what's my character's goal in this scene? If it isn't clear the way I'm writing it or not there at all, I need to re-examine the scene. If it's there but it takes forever to get to it, I need to re-examine the scene. It also really helps to have critique partners to keep you on track :D
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder to have each scene be absolutely necessary to move the story somehow. Sometimes the less said and the more left to the reader's discerning eye, the better.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I write those scenes just to get back into my storyworld. Usually, I do it in a different word document and name it brainstorming. Hopefully, they never make it into my finished manuscript.
ReplyDeletethis is such an great reminder to me (who is struggling w/ revisions right now). keep it focused, keep it tight ... these are important things!
ReplyDeleteGood morning!
ReplyDeleteThe Alliterative A: Oh, definitely. Sometimes routines can have a huge impact on the story, but I know I've been guilty of walking the reader through a routine for no apparant reason!
Kara: I like the idea of knowing the character's routine. Good point.
Wendy: I do a lot of head scratching! I'm glad you worked it out.
Cindy: Yeah, and I don't know about you, but I like the little details of what people do. I guess if it reveals character and keeps the plot going it's fine to leave in.
Joanne: Oh yeah! I love to fill in the blanks when I'm reading.
Julie: Great technique to get into the storyworld!
Tess: Revisions--woo-hoo! Focused, tight--right on!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Great point, Jill. To examine all those sequel moments and use them in the best possible way. And yes, sometimes the best way is to cut them.
ReplyDeleteI think visualizing a routine sometimes helps carve out more about the character. Keeping those actions in our mind instead of on paper can be tricky. I will be keeping that in mind when I pull out my laptop to write this week. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm reminded of Hemmingway, and his ability to describe his character putting on shoes, sitting on the bed, getting into pajamas. It is possible good writing can describe the ordinary using amazing prose. I'm not there yet, for sure. But techniques you write can help me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Jill.
ReplyDeleteOver the past year, I've learned to make friends with my delete key. I force myself to state a reason for each part of the story. If something doesn't work, out it goes.
My ability to delete was put to the test when I was offered representation. Earlier this year, my agent kindly but honestly told me that a major portion of my story didn't work. I had to delete 86K words. That hurt. But I did it, am rewriting 75K of them, and will have a far better story as a result.
Ouch. Guilty as charged. I like the idea of using those kinds of actions to point out a change in the character's normal routine, though!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Paul: And sometimes they're keepers!
ReplyDeleteCMOM: I love the idea of using the routine to delve into character. Nice!
Lynn: It truly depends on the book, doesn't it. I think the main thing is to be aware of our intentions with each scene.
Keli: Ouch!! You're a brave woman, and your book is better for it. I've rewritten 100% of a book before, so don't feel bad. It's an interesting learning experience.
Niki: Oh, yeah. The three pages of the girl walking through her routine? That was a real scenario! I promptly cut it!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I've cut so many boring parts, it's not funny. I do think it was necessary for me to write them in the first draft, just to give me a sense of my character. They have no business staying in though.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good reminder; it is easy to fall into this. I try and remember to make sure everything has a specific purpose for being there, but it's more easily said than done!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jill! Somewhere in the back of my mind buzzes a tiny bug, reminding me to make everything focus on moving the story forward. I tend to write sparsely, so I end up having to add things in later. I think it's about balancing the right details. :D
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Jill! You have to ask yourself, "Will xxx move my story forward?" If the answer is no, then it should be cut. That being said, sometimes you have to write things to help you develop the character in your mind and in the manuscript. When you're done with your first draft you can go back and cut out the extra bits...
ReplyDeleteHi Jill -
ReplyDeleteThanks for clarifying an important principle.
I've put some of those details in my current manuscript, "Lost and Found," because I'm establishing the heroines Type A personality.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Perfect picture for this post. Great theme you've been on. :O)
ReplyDeleteSusan M: Me too. In fact, a few of my first books were ALL boring parts! (heh-heh!)
ReplyDeleteKaren L: It is easier said than done. I wish I had the maturity to automatically know "hey, don't include this."
Danyelle: I'm sparse about certain things--like description. I always add more setting details in later revisions.
Sharon: Oh yes! Cut out the extra bits in revisions! Nicely said!
Susan JR: If she's type-A, you have to show it in the details. I know. It's hard to make a blanket statement about this stuff, isn't it?
Diane: Thanks! I want to snuggle up with that puppy.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jill:
ReplyDeleteI have been guilty of showing every itty-bitty movement of my character. Now, because of your post, I have to reread my latest effort and see if I have done it again. Thanks for the reminder.
great post. I'm going to look at my W.I.P and see what isn't necessary.
ReplyDeleteQuiet Spirit: Same here! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteEm: I found a few pages that weren't necessary in my current wip. Those sneaky devils!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
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ReplyDeleteJill, I have an award for you over at my blog. I gave you credit for me posting my weekly goals on my sidebar...Hopefully, I can live up to them. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great question! Definitely something to remember.
ReplyDeleteso many great blog posts! you make me think:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a technique. I'm sure it would be very interesting. I don't know if I could do something that complicated. It seems very difficult.
ReplyDeleteFantastic, Jill. I'll be using this as I gear up through rewrites again. Thanks!
ReplyDelete