Writing a novel is not just moving a character mundanely from chapter to chapter, but revealing information and ideas that flow smoothly, and keep the storyline moving in an engaging manner. The transitions need to be effortless, otherwise there is a high risk the character seems to be jumping from one timeframe to the next, and some major plot points could be omitted. So, how can we ensure the reader's experience is a pleasurable one? The characters and storyline should always be moving forward towards the conclusion. Every piece of dialogue, action or emotion should draw the reader deeper into the novel and the lives of the characters. As you are writing, always ask yourself if it is revealing something about the character's personality and what they are about to face? Does each paragraph have a significant meaning? Always keep in mind where your scene is going to end. This should include a new action for the character to take or where an obstacle places them in a worse situation than before (conflict).  

At the beginning of each new scene, ensure you make it clear to the reader what the setting is and who is speaking.  Remember the little details in your scene. If your scene is set on a cold winter's day, remember the characters are not going to be hanging around for long. If the character reveals that a cloud has blocked out the sun, or it has started to rain, you have to carry the consequences of the weather forward. If your character has noticed something, you can bet your reader has too, so keep a note of what time of day the scene is set, what the weather is like and how this will affect the mood and appearance of the character.

One technique that I use personally is the thought process of a character. This is a very effective way to skip into the meat and bones of a scene. For example, the character can drift into imagining a date or an event, and then it will allow you to jump straight into that event in the next scene smoothly. As a lover of novels with plenty of conflict, a great way to transition into a new scene is showing the character dealing with the consequences of a bad choice they made in the previous scene. You can, of course, begin a scene with the character carrying out a normal day to day task, such as waking up, shopping, brushing their teeth, but try to mix it up so the daily routines do not become tiresome. You could always inject some excitement into that scene by the character discovering a piece of information about their situation or another character. 

Finally, whatever transitioning technique you are going to use, ensure that something noteworthy happens every 5-10 pages so the reader remains engaged. They use this principle called ‘pulse plotting’ in screenplays, but the same can be applied to fiction. Pulse plotting gives your novel a rhythm, whether it be an action point, an emotional point or a character making a dramatic appearance or revealing an interesting piece of information. Using this technique will ensure your novel has energy, emotion and prevents the storyline becoming tedious.