Scenes are the bricks or building blocks of
fiction. They’re
based on conflict and change. Each scene moves the story forward
(or sometimes
backward). They happen in real time, blow-by-blow, often sizzle
with excitement
and contain twists and surprises, and readers lean in close,
wondering how each
scene will resolve.
Sequels are the transitions that happen after
the scenes. Sequels
are focused on the aftermath and ramifications of a scene. When
especially
intense scenes happen, especially if a scene ends in disaster,
setback, or
failure, characters need a chance to sort through their emotions
and thoughts.
Often what comes first in a sequel is the POV character’s raw
feelings like
anger or despair. As in real life, once the character calms down,
he or she is
able to more objectively understand what has happened. From this
understanding the
character reaches a decision or new goal. Sequels are important for
shaping characters
and motivations. Thus the
structure for
sequels are emotion, ruminating, decision or goal.
For example, a couple who just started dating
go out for
dinner, drink more than they planned to and end up in bed
together. Or perhaps they
confess too much, reveal too much. What
takes
place during the dinner or in the bedroom is unplanned and a game
changer. The next day comes tough realizations and decisions. Does
one of them
back off the relationship? Is one scared by the depths of his/her
feelings? Do
they realize that they’ve made a big mistake?
Or a scene can take place at a funeral. Often
while at a
funeral characters might
feel numb, or
overcome by grief, or are desperately struggling to keep it
together. Afterward, in
the sequel a character or
characters have an opportunity to sort through their emotions Will
they feel
regret, relief, or anger? What will these feelings lead to? If
someone was
murdered this could lead to revenge. If someone died too young,
perhaps the
mourner wants to take more risks in life so then boldly asserts
him or herself.
Which then leads to a new scene.
Not every scene needs a sequel, especially near
the climax
or in fast-paced genres like thrillers. Typically stories that
feature a lot of
emotional risk such as romances or coming-of-age stories will
contain more
sequels. While sequels often feature analysis of what just
happened, it’s
important that it’s just not a rerun of the past events. Somehow
the sequel
must also be externalized. This means the character cannot sit
around weeping
or thinking alone in a scene—put the sequel into action. The
character can call
a friend or start working furiously, struggling to brush away
unwanted
emotions. It’s also important that sequels don’t go on too long.
If you’re
story feels too slow, make sure if every sequel is needed or if
they can be
tightened.
Sequels can also be about the physical impact
of the scene—perhaps
your character needs to bind a wound or force her breathing and
heart rate back
to normal. Horror stories use sequels to milk the suspense and
fright factor. The
character can call a friend or realize she’s in danger and start
packing, madly
tossing clothes and items into a suitcase. A private investigator
can call in
for backup and strategizing on taking down the bad guy.
Without sequels fiction is a series of actions
wham bam
zipping around. Thus sequels help pacing, space out the action,
add pauses in
the action. It also helps with the buildup and easing off of
tension. Sequels
are also a great place to slip in back story via thoughts or
flashbacks.
Remember too that as in real life, we come to know characters
better when they
fail and pick themselves up again. This picking up and dusting off
occurs in
sequels.
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Jessica Page Morrell is surrounded by writers. She is the author of Voices from the Street published by Gray Sunshine, Between the Lines: Master The Subtle Elements Of Fiction Writing published by Writer's Digest Books, and Writing Out the Storm, Collectors Press. Additionally in July 2008 Bullies, Bastards & Bitches: How to Write the Bad Guys in Fiction was published by Writer's Digest Books; Dear Bad Writer, How to Avoid the Rejection Pile was published in 2009 by Tarcher-Penguin.
She is currently hosting the Making It in Changing Times Mini-Conference in Portland on January 26th.
