Two authors talk about the “scene and sequel” method of writing— Elizabeth Lyons in A Writer’s Guide to Fiction and Jack Bickham in Scene and Structure . These techniques are a bit different from what we normally think of. A simple definition for scene is “ACTION” or “CONFLICT.” A scene is a segment of story action, written moment-by-moment, without summary, presented onstage in the story “now.” It is not something that goes on inside a character’s head. It is physical. It could be put on the stage and acted out. Another word for it might be a “happening” and it advances the plot. The pattern of a scene (happening) is:  • Statement of goal • Introduction and development of conflict • Failure of the character to reach his goal, a tactical disaster. The Goal . A scene begins with the character walking into a situation with a clear-cut, specific goal, which appears immediately attainable. This is will move him one big step closer to attaining his major story goal.  •...