Scenes Are Moments

photo your moments

Writing scenes like a photograph.

When we hold a photograph, we see exactly what is in front of us. A single item, or a dozen. Regardless, we are viewing a moment in time.

As I write this, the tree branches are whipping and swirling with the wind. Lightning flashes and thunder rumbles, shaking the walls from outside. Sharp crashes blast the sky. Clouds grow gray and green, almost black. Rain pelts the windowpanes and sounds like a million dimes falling on the rooftop.

This is my moment in time. How did I paint the picture for you?

Think of a particular scene in the chapter of your book.

What is the dominant impression?

What do your characters experience? What do they want? Who are they up against or supporting?

How do you want your characters to feel?

Where do you want to leave your characters at the end of that scene?

How do you want your readers to think about your characters?