Connect different scenes

Earlier in the novel, a character can do something or experience an event whose consequences or meaning are revealed through scenes that appear towards the end of the book. Connecting scenes together gives the story direction and provides the reader with satisfaction.

For instance, in The Earl's Son by Isabella Berdyna Zysk, Lord Filbert, a baron, and son of an earl, deceives a poor young maiden who is now expecting his child. The consequences of his deception have a profound effect on the child and, later in the book, the baron is forced to confront his past.

In the story, Rogue's Holiday by Regan Walker, Robert “Robbie” Powell sets a trap for a group of inciters who blame the government for what happened in a nearby town. Robbie, a government spy, successfully plans the arrest of many of the conspirators. The few who escape continue to follow Robbie throughout the story to execute their revenge.

Use scenes to reveal the traits of a character and ultimately, make the story easy to understand

Scenes should be used to develop the characters as they show the characters’ reactions and attributes. In Murder at Murky Marsh, the main character, Sadie, appears gentle at the beginning. Her pluck, however, is seen through the scenes in which she carefully plans the demise of her foes. She even goes undercover as a needy old man in need of work in order to carry out her revenge.

In another book, Silent Retribution Man by J. Sato, one man carefully tracks the jerks in society and seeks revenge for the victims. In a conversation with a news reporter, Seaver discloses why he has set out on his mission and how circumstances in his past have fuelled his anger. As the book opens, the cause of his actions is not immediately explained but through the conversation, Seaver’s perspective is explained.

Use scenes to create suspense and capture the reader’s attention

When written creatively and brought into the story at the right point, scenes can be used to grip the reader right from the beginning. When a plot loses momentum, a scene can also be used to speed things up and restore the reader’s interest in the book.

In The Splendid Secrets of 66 Lilly Pilly Lane, mentioned above, the work opens with Chia in the dark filthy mines. Her suffering is compounded by her interaction with the cruel mine master.

From the beginning, Chia’s suffering is evident. As the reader reads the first scene, they become emotionally invested. They want to know the cause of the girl’s suffering and who will come to her aid and how the selfish stepmother will come to her ultimate demise.

The point at which Chia meets her stepmother again marks the climax of the story. The suspense is greater at this point as the reader longs to find out whether Chia will be able to overcome the qualities in her that hold her back and finally gain the victory she deserves.

In both instances, the scenes are used effectively to keep the story interesting and emotionally suspenseful.