How to Fix a Bad Scene | Novel Writing

I created a flow chart to diagnose bad scenes. The chart will help you to identify the problems with your scenes and provide possible solutions. This is perfect for when you know something is wrong with a scene in your novel but you're not sure exactly what's going wrong or how to fix it.

Timestamps

01:23 Does the scene move the plot forward?
02:37 Does the reader need to see the scene happen?
04:18 Is there a conflict?
05:44 Is it obvious to the reader that the scene pushes the plot forward?
06:56 Does the character experience an emotional shift?
08:16 Is the scene still not working?
10:57 Does the scene contain vital information?
11:35 Do you like and want to keep the scene?
12:23 Does the part you like require an entire scene?
13:53 Does the information require an entire scene?
15:27 Is it possible to move the information to another scene?

Story Structure Resources:
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Writer Types: The Four Types of Novel Writers

[EllenBrock]

Hi guys! I'm excited to be back making videos again. It's been a hard couple of years, but things are (fingers crossed) looking up. My hope is that I will be able to shift my focus onto making videos for you guys as we move into 2022!



I tried something a little different with this video and used notes on a tablet so that I could do the whole thing in one take with minimal cuts. I'm very rusty so I apologize for the loss of camera focus at a few points and any other technological failings.



Let me know if you have any video ideas for the future. I appreciate you all so much!

[EllenBrock]

Timestamps

01:23 Does the scene move the plot forward?
02:37 Does the reader need to see the scene happen?
04:18 Is there a conflict?
05:44 Is it obvious to the reader that the scene pushes the plot forward?
06:56 Does the character experience an emotional shift?
08:16 Is the scene still not working?
10:57 Does the scene contain vital information?
11:35 Do you like and want to keep the scene?
12:23 Does the part you like require an entire scene?
13:53 Does the information require an entire scene?
15:27 Is it possible to move the information to another scene?

[escapeartist]

I really am going to have to start subbing in the word "obstacle" for "conflict" because I always get the wrong impression when I read that stories need conflict. Obstacle clicks in my brain way better - it implies the character moving forward or toward a goal but then something impedes them, gets in their way.

[malintries]

I'm so excited! I discovered your channel while it was "on a break" and thought sadly you were done making vids, so you have no idea how happy I was to see you back!! Your channel is one of the BEST resources I've found on novel writing, you always explain things sooo well and I always leave your videos feeling like I've truly learned valuable things xx

[JohnBradford]

I just wanted to let you know that I and so many others are happy and thankful to have you back. Your videos helped inspire me to pursue a more serious approach to creative writing that I hope to turn into a full time career in the near future. Out of all of the authortube channels, yours has definitely proven to consistently be one of the most professional, useful and constructive. Again, thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication.

[racoon]

your advice is genuinely some of the best on the platform, so glad to see you back!

[morgantraynor]

You’re back!!! So glad to see you again. :)

[miaramck]

This is why we're subbed to you, lol!

[AroundTheCampfire]

The Return of the Queen! Welcome back :D

[ldfm-zr]

So happy to see you are well and ok. I was concerned. Sorry to hear you’ve had a rough couple of years. Wishing you all the best! Everyone is right, your content is awesome!💜💜

[JoelAdamson]

A lot of Youtubers start with "sorry I haven't posted in a while, " but in this case I have actually been waiting and looking forward to it. Great to see something new, Ellen! Thank you!

[johnthompson]

I have screen-captured the flow chart because it is so helpful. Thank you!

[cravidana]

Oh my gosh, you're back. I missed you. ❤️

[MxZui]

YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HAPPY AND GRATEFUL I AM YOU'VE POSTED AGAIN! WELCOME BACK! YOU'RE ONE OF THE VERY BEST WRITING CHANNELS ON YOUTUBE!!! 👑💛🤗

[gayatri]

There are times when you care abour a creator beyond what they create. You fall in that category
Glad you are ok

[extraHERO]

It always feels like miracle when you come back

[pauligrossinoz]

*That was **_awesome!_*

I just polished my outline using these ideas. I moved several scenes slightly forward or backwards - to the previous or next chapter, and then deleted a bunch of useless scenes.

I cut a total of 2 full chapters worth of unnecessary scenes, which improved the pacing a lot.

I'm left now with a logical, but minimalist, outline that flows through my story quickly.

I also decided to add one more constraint to my outline, which is:

*All chapter endings need to feel tense to the reader.*

That means if the current chapter answers or resolves something that the reader was worried about from the previous chapter, then it has to generate new tension to replace it. Or, alternatively, the chapter has to end with a strong reminder of a previous point of tension that is as-yet unresolved in the story.

This principle of "end-each chapter-with-tension" is often achieved by me just moving a scene into the next chapter. Problems have to get disconnected from their resolutions to keep the reader turning those pages.

My chapter endings are things like: leaps into the unknown, trying a desperate escape method, or, at least something like receiving an ominous warning note.

[cozyhomemakingvibes]

This notification popped up while I was working on my phone and I was so happy to see it! I was thinking how much I’ve missed your videos just the other day.☀️📚❤️☕️

[dwihokaihoanjasmara]

It's been a year!! Wellcome Back!!

[ZemogNaes]

Ellen, I never comment on YouTube. Just wanted to say I'm glad to see another of your videos. I don't want to say "welcome back" because you should go at your own pace. You don't have to be "back". Thanks for the new video!