Must-Have Moments by Jen Nielsen
Jen also talked about everything in story and how to make scenes better (using OUTSIDERS as an example):
EVERY character in EVERY scene needs TWO definable goals:
EVERY scene has an arc that connects it to the previous scene. Even the opening scene connects to a previous scene the reader doesn't see.
1. Physical relationship of characters in the scene
⇨ Physical proximity matters!
2. Body language can mark the key points to the moment.
3. What has happened just prior to the key moment?
4. Can you define every emotional shift?
⇨ If you can, you're writing a great scene
5. At what point in each beat is the tension the most palpable?
6. Is there subtext that enhances the scene?
Story
1.
Inciting Incident
a.
Ponyboy heads home late
2.
Complication
a.
One wants something but the other will not or
cannot give it
b.
Both want something
c.
If one gets it, the other loses
d.
Darry is mad. If Pony gets his freedom, Darry
loses his control over brothers
3.
Crisis
a.
Sodapop intervenes; Darry slaps Pony, changing
the trijectory of the story
4.
Climax
a.
Pony runs away, gets jumped by rivals, Johnny
kills rival
5.
Consequence/Resolution
a.
Pony and Johnny rescue kids and become heroes, one dies
EVERY character in EVERY scene needs TWO definable goals:
- Physical goals (external)
- Emotional goals (internal)
EVERY scene has an arc that connects it to the previous scene. Even the opening scene connects to a previous scene the reader doesn't see.
1. Physical relationship of characters in the scene
⇨ Physical proximity matters!
2. Body language can mark the key points to the moment.
3. What has happened just prior to the key moment?
4. Can you define every emotional shift?
⇨ If you can, you're writing a great scene
5. At what point in each beat is the tension the most palpable?
6. Is there subtext that enhances the scene?
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