The Nine Parts of Writing a Scene

A Framework for Crafting Scenes That Captivate and Resonate Every writer has faced the challenge of creating a scene that truly comes alive on the page. It’s not enough for something to just happen . The moment must carry weight—emotional, intellectual, and narrative. Writing a scene is like composing music; every note matters. Each element—character, setting, action, and thought—plays a role in creating harmony. But how do we balance these elements? How do we ensure our scenes don’t just exist but resonate ? Through reflection and practice, I’ve developed a framework that revolves around nine essential questions. These questions help break down the complexity of a scene and ensure it operates on multiple levels: engaging the reader, serving the story, and reflecting the intricacies of life. Let’s explore this method together, piece by piece. 1. What is the scene about? Start by identifying the core focus of your scene. What’s the one thing this moment is trying to convey or achieve? ...