Novel Creating a proper scene jump

jannert · Mar 28, 2017

Dr.Meow said: ↑

@jannert Thanks, and I'll check that site out too. I think ultimately the key here is to get outside opinion. As the writers, we're automatically too close to the tapestry to see the faults in it all the time. Things like scene jumps can especially trip up the reader if it's done poorly, but the writer is thinking "It's fine, can't you see we're in a different scene?" I appreciate the insight, and you're right, making sure the scene change is clear is more important than having it be cliche. It's not a movie where we can see it visually, so in this case sometimes the reader must be "told". We can't always "show" them everything.
Click to expand...

I think you can 'mention,' rather than 'tell,' if that makes sense. It doesn't need to be heavy-handed. But don't say 'the man' if he has a name that we either already know, or will know within the next few paragraphs. Just spit out his name. Ditto time, location, and etc.

Dr.Meow · Mar 28, 2017

jannert said: ↑

I think you can 'mention,' rather than 'tell,' if that makes sense. It doesn't need to be heavy-handed. But don't say 'the man' if he has a name that we either already know, or will know within the next few paragraphs. Just spit out his name. Ditto time, location, and etc.
Click to expand...

That's true, I guess it's really not telling, it's somewhere in between, which is just fine.

Log in or Sign up

Novel Creating a proper scene jump

jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

Dr.Meow Contributor Contributor

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Novel Creating a proper scene jump

jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

Dr.Meow Contributor Contributor

Share This Page

Useful Searches