On July 22 , I discussed the first part of this technique as outlined by Elizabeth Lyon and Jack Bickham. In this formula, “scene” is different from the way we usually define it. A scene is a segment of story ACTION or CONFLICT. Remember: Scene conflict has to be on the outside. It CANNOT be internal. It should be able to be acted out on stage. Now this is not to say that there should be no internal conflict. There should be—lots. This is where Sequel comes in. Again, the definition is not what we usually think of as a sequel, like book two of a trilogy or Rocky II or Harry Potter #5. Following our Action/Conflict Scene, Sequel refers to a character’s REACTION to the scene. This allows us to deal in depth with the character’s emotions, motivation, and to show his thought processes as he analyzes his plight and makes future plans. The Sequel is the glue that holds scenes together and helps you get from one to the next. A Sequel begins the moment a Scene ends. Struck by a tact...

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.  •...