4 Ways To Kickstart A Scene

Are you stuck with your novel? Why not try our four ways to kickstart a scene to help you get back to work?

We all get stuck when we’re writing a book. It’s normal and natural for this to happen. In this post, I will share some writing exercises to get you on the novel-writing road again.

4 Ways To Kickstart A Scene

1. Change Viewpoint

In this exercise, try writing the scene from another character’s perspective. If you’ve been writing mainly from the protagonist‘s viewpoint, switch to the antagonist, the love interest, or the friend. Let us see the story through their eyes. It might get you to see possibilities that weren’t clear before. It might also help you find a point of conflict that wasn’t obvious. You can always change it back to correct character’s viewpoint when you’re finished.

You can also try moving from third person to first person or second person. This is a wonderfully creative exercise because it allows you to get closer to the character (first person) or further away (second person). This new way of writing makes you think differently about the character. Once again, you can always change it back to the original viewpoint using the material you’ve gleaned from writing in another point of view.

2. Change Setting

Change the setting of the scene you’re writing. Make it weird and whacky or normal, but make sure the characters aren’t as comfortable as they were before. How do the characters react? What can we learn about them from the new setting? You may never use this piece of writing, but it will show different sides of the people involved. Or, if it’s working well, consider incorporating it into your book.

3. Change When The Scene Happens

If you’re stuck in a scene, change when it happens. Use a time near the end of the book, or one near the beginning. Perhaps it’s one that happens long after your story ends. Just try to be as creative as possible. How would the scene change if it were in this new timeline? How do the characters react? Use what they already know or don’t know to shake things up.

4. Ask The Dramatic Question

Read: The 3 Most Important Things To Remember About The Dramatic Question

The dramatic question has a yes or no answer. For example, in a police procedural the question would be: ‘Will the hero (policeman) catch the killer?’ Every scene you write should have a connection to this question. This includes showing who your characters are in the process.

Ask your own dramatic question whenever you’re stuck. If you can’t find a connection, you’re probably writing an unnecessary scene.

Read: The 3 Most Important Things To Remember About The Dramatic Question

The Last Word

These exercises will spin you out of writer’s block and help you to kickstart a scene. Why not try them if you’re stuck? It could be a quick fix for your writing problems.

If you liked this blogger’s writing, you may enjoy:

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7. Fictional Pillars For Writers
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10. What Is Procrastination & How Do Writers Beat It?

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