Linking Scenes in Christian Fiction

We have only two points to remember:

A) Keep them short and to the point.

B) Condense them as much as possible.



If you blabber on too long with detailed description, you will give your reader a reason to rest and "close the book for now."

That means no more turning the pages.
In other words...Make a point or else why write it.


Try weaving your information into thought dialog or speech dialog instead of going into a long scene description where you talk at the reader.

For example:

Before: Kate had been beaten every day since she was 3 years old by her sadistic father. Taking it all, to keep her sisters safe. Jake felt sorry for her. He wished there was something he could do.

After: Jake reached for her. "I know what kind of man your father was. No child should have to endure the beatings you took for your sisters." His heart wrenched at his own words. "Let me help you."

If we end a chapter or scene like the After example, it also becomes a hook. All chapters should end on a hook.

That means it is a sentence designed to lead the reader into the next page or chapter. The After example has us asking, "Will she let Jake help her?" We don't know until we turn the page.

The Before is just information, thrown at us. It does not induce us to ask any questions. We just take the info and...shut the book.

Keep them moving--turning the page to the next riveting key scene...but that's another page.

Suggestion:

Check out your own manuscript. Do your scenes give us pertinent information by talking at us? Or do you place your information into the scene in a natural, unobtrusive way?


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