Comments on: Don’t Abuse Scene Breaks

By: Walt Shiel

Walt Shiel — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 23:34:13 +0000

I have nothing against scene breaks, only their overuse.

There is no “rule” about what constitutes a scene vs. a chapter, and I would not pay much attention to anyone who thinks there is some “optimal” length for a chapter. It depends on the book and how the story is being presented.

I think of a scene as a sort of mini-chapter that requires less of a shift (For the reader) than does starting a new chapter. I tend to think of a chapter as almost a short story within the larger story.

But every writer and every story is different.

By: Naomi

Naomi — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:47:58 +0000

I do agree with you. Too many scene breaks can make the writing seem a bit hollow and underdeveloped. However, I’ve also read advice from writers who warn against having chapters of differing lengths, as it can seem abrupt. I think it’s a matter of opinion and taste, as well as what makes better writing. I personally use a few scene breaks, but I’m trying to kick the habit xD

By: Walt Shiel

Walt Shiel — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:45:46 +0000

I agree with you completely.

And thanks for passing along the book recommendation. Many new writers seem to think there’s no need to study the craft since they’ve read a lot of novels. Enjoying a book and understanding how it was done are not one and the same thing.

By: Andy

Andy — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:14:44 +0000

Great post, Walt. It seems to me that this could also be a product of so much information coming at us, calling for our attention. People tend to develop short attention spans. Unfortunately, it shows up all over the place, including books.

Fiction writers could also benefit from reading good books on craft. One that comes to mind is Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. He goes into intricate detail of what a scene ought to be and how to build tension, etc.

There’s no substitute for good craft.