#74: When Should You Write in Scene vs. Summary?

Fiction Writing Made Easy

In today's episode, I’m covering the difference between writing in scene versus writing in summary. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[01:45] Scenes are concrete moments that unfold in real time. Readers “watch” the characters move across the setting, interact with other characters or the setting, and speak as if everything’s taking place in the real world, in real time.

[02:55] Summaries happen over a condensed period of time (days, months, years, etc.). They convey ideas, concepts, and information rather than create specific experiences that a character (and readers) are “living through” in that moment.

[04:20] An example from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

[07:30] An example from Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (trigger warning: a dead body)

[10:55] Top 3 guidelines for when you should write in scene

[12:20] Top three guidelines for when you should write in summary

[16:15] Do not get hung up on this when writing your first draft! Your main job when writing a first draft is to get to THE END–worry about scene vs. summary later.

[16:45] Key points and episode recap

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured Scene (article)
• How to Write Better Scenes (workshop)

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