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...