So, you’re a writer.

But are you writing in summary when you should be in scene?

Note: You can read along with the example below the video and link to the RSP podcasts.

Get the recording of the Rocking Self-Publishing webinar here.

Get the Rocking Self-Publishing interview here.

Follow along with the example writing.

In Summary:

Sara bit her tongue, because she didn’t want to get in the middle of her parents’ fight again. Last time she tried to speak up, it didn’t go so well for her. She was trying to not hate her dad, but since the divorce began, he seemed like such a jerk.

In Scene:

Sara’s parents were yelling again. She didn’t know how long they’d been at it this time, because she’d just got home. She dropped her back pack and kicked the door shut, ensuring it would slam loudly enough to rattle the walls.

Her parents stopped yelling long enough to shift their glares from each other to her. Sara felt the back of her neck turn pink under such heated stares.

“I can hear you outside, you know. The whole neighborhood can hear you,” she shouted.

Her mother dropped her gaze. Was that shame? Sara had never seen her mother look so undone.

“Sara,” her father began.

“No! I don’t want to hear it.” She hadn’t meant to borrow his favorite line; it slipped out. “You’re a liar and a cheater and…” Sara had no idea how her father managed to cross the great room so fast. She hadn’t even registered his approach. She registered the slap across her face, and a moment later her mother, still across the room, bug-eyed with both hands over her mouth. Sara grabbed up her back pack and did an about face.

This time she didn’t bother closing the door.

 

Tell me what you think. Put your questions & comments below.

Happy Writing,

Alida

P.S. Watch for the next video, in which I’ll tell you how to write in scene.