Scenes and Sequels: What Writers Must Know

Our lives are composed of scenes and sequels. There are times of action and periods of reflection. There are times our lives seem completely action-packed and others when they are relatively conflict-free. 

Novels are compiled of these storytelling fundamentals:  

• Action scenes are where your characters act. They plan, seduce, argue, escape, search, meet, talk, pursue, investigate, etc.  
  
• Sequels are where your characters react. They think, reflect, process, rest, accept, make peace, etc. Sequels are also used to establish setting, reveal backstory, and show theme.

Tip: A good writing exercise is to break up a day of your life into periods of action and periods of reflection. 

Breaking It Down  

How many scenes and sequels are needed in a book?

Human beings are hard-wired to respond to conflict, more so if it is indirect. Successful books are composed with two or three scenes to every one sequel. 

The average book is 365 pages long. 

By that measure, it would include approximately 70 scenes and sequels (combined total) in every book. 

Meaning about 50 scenes (action parts) and 20 sequels (reaction parts) written. 

Scenes are longer, generally 1200-1500 words. 

Sequels are shorter, generally 300-800 words. 

These are only guidelines, but useful if you want a framework for building a plot. It can be less stressful when you break up a book into these portions. 

10 Important Things to Remember About Scenes and Sequels

1. There must be a purpose. 

Every scene and sequel in a book should have a purpose. The purpose of each should, somehow, make it easier for the protagonist to achieve their goal. In an ideal world scenes and sequels should show character and move the plot forward. 

Ask yourself: 

• Why does the story need this scene? 
• Does this scene disclose anything new about a character or the story? 
• Is it repeating something? 
• Is there a better way to show this information? 
• What is the benefit for the character(s) and the reader?   

2. Every conflict must be believable.  

Avoid including conflict “just because.” If characters have an argument or physical struggle, the motive, opportunity, and approach must be shown. 

Remember fiction is not aimless. A story must be understandable to have substance. 

3. Show. Don’t tell. 

Use dialogue and actions for exposition if there are two characters in a scene or sequel. 

If a character is alone, let them act while they are thinking.

Body language is always a good choice. 

4. Tell when you need to tell. 

Sometimes a scene is too exciting or too intense to show. This is a good time to tell readers what is going on. [Read: 5 Instances You Need to Tell (Instead of Show)]   

5. Beginnings, Middles, Endings. 

Every scene should have a beginning, a middle, and an end.  

6. Set the scene. 

Use emotions and physical descriptions to create a mood for each scene or sequel. 

Let characters react to the setting using the five senses. 

If you want to create a bleak scene with a character in despair, place them in a bleak setting. 

Alternatively, place the character in a happy setting, and let their reactions to the happiness around them reveal their true emotional state.     

7. Create smooth transitions. 

Readers don’t have to know everything a character does and thinks between scenes and sequels. This is where transitions step in. For example: The next day...

8. Use cliffhangers. 

Risk a bit of theatrics at the end of chapters. Make readers wonder what will happen next. Keep them gripped and unable to put the book down. 

Some ways to do this: 

• Leave the viewpoint character with a decision to make. 
• Set a time restraint. 
• Reveal new information. 
• Add a twist. 
• Ask a question.    

9. Pacing is important. 

Provide a good balance of action and reflection. 

Action scenes follow action scenes most of the time. They're the exciting, fast-paced parts of the story that keep readers engaged and eager to see what happens next.

Sequels slow things down when characters and readers need a break to process all the "go, go, go," and the challenges that require quick thinking. 

Sequels are excellent opportunities for readers to bond more with characters.

10. Involve the protagonist in every scene. 

They don't always have to be present in the scene or sequel, but other characters should reference them in some way. When this is done, the story stays on track.