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How Do You Mend A Broken Scene?
3
Aug
10
Roxanne St Claire Icon

And so it ends…the extravaganza that is RWA Nationals.  I’m going on record by saying last week’s conference at the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan was the Best Nationals Ever!  A RITA for our own Laura Griffin (and another for my BFF Kresley Cole!), a National Reader’s Choice Award for our Jen Lyon, and a whole bunch of fun, networking, learning and drinking writerly connecting for all of us.  The hotel was positively divine and I cannot say enough about the accommodating, obliging staff and the amazing food at all the restaurants.   And, once again, major props to the RWA Board for finding us this venue after the flooding disaster in Nashville and pulling off one of the most well-organized conferences I’ve ever attended.

Of course, I considered the obligatory post-RWA wrap up for my blog today, complete with pictures and inside scoop of who wore what on RITA night.   Or I could share the story of how I left, made it all the way to Kristen Painter’s house where we were meeting to drive to Orlando, only to discover…I forgot my clothes.  I had suitcases (yes, plural) full of footwear and wine, but no clothes.  Hence, we launched the conference that will forever be known as “Shoes and Booze.”  And my darling husband drove all the way back home to retrieve the forgotten hanging bag.  But that seems like ancient history now.  For great conference wrap ups, I suggest you read this one by Smart Bitch Sarah Wendell or this one by my own chaptermate Patrick Alan. (Lovingly known as our Male Member.)  Plus, I haven’t downloaded any pictures yet because the workload is daunting post-conference and I have out of town company right now. 

However, I do have something to share for those of you who might have missed it…my workshop.  I had the privilege of presenting one of the many workshops and was delighted that many of the attendees thought that my ideas for “mending a broken scene” were helpful and eye-opening.  (So much so that I’m putting together a half-day and whole-day version of this workshop to present to RWA chapters, if anyone is interested…contact me!)

So, for those of you who missed it, here’s a recap of “How Do You Mend A Broken Scene?“  One caveat, however.  The key to the workshop is “before” and “after” scenes that I shared with attendees.  These handouts are not on the RWA handout jump drive or with the CD you buy because 1) they’re kind of too long and 2) they’re kind of too bad.  Seriously, the “before” scenes could suck the bark off a tree they are so poorly written, but I’m willing to sacrifice my pride for the sake of art.  I’m not willing to let my sacrificed pride go digital, however.  But, one commenter today will win a hard copy of the before and after scenes, all notated with what went wrong and how it was ultimately fixed.  Unless that commenter is a reader and couldn’t give a hoot about the soft underbelly of scene revisions and just wants the full and glorious “after” aka “a book.”  In that case, I will send you a one from my backlist.  Winner’s choice!

The workshop addresses one main point: writing is rewriting.  But if that’s true, then knowing how to rewrite is as important as knowing how to write.  When rewriting, I suggest focusing on scene at a time.

A Scene is a Book

Every scene is a mini book and I strive to write one per day.  If it’s short, I can probably write two, but one takes me the better part of a day if I do it right.  That means a scene has everything a whole book has, only in a bite size chunk:  a compelling opening, rising action, conflict, tension, character change, a climax, and a hook.  In addition, it should address the goal, motivation or conflict of one of the characters, evoke an emotion (or five), paint a vivid multi-sensory image, deliver new information, further the story, and leave the reader wanting more.  And maybe, if you’re really good, you can make the reader cry.  Or laugh.  Or turn on all the lights and lock the doors.  Or go running for her husband and the Reddi-Whip. 

If a writer can do all that more than one time per day, more power to her.  Mostly, I can’t even do that in a day.  What I can do is lay down the bones of all that — which is the hard part — and then figure out what’s wrong/missing and revise.  And that would be my happy place because I live to revise. 

How Do You Know a Scene Is Broken?

Usually, the writer’s gut will announce when something is wrong.  Listen to it!  But if you’re not sure, I suggest looking for some or all of the following:

  • Character goal is not clear
  • Scene is full of action, but nothing happens
  • Characters are flat, untrue, clichéd, uninvolved, distant
  • No identifiable plot point
  • Massive amounts of backstory
  • Forced, unnatural dialogue
  • Huge, unbroken paragraphs of description
  • Noticeable lack of emotion, humor, sexual tension or conflict
  • Emotion is kept in check when it shouldn’t be
  • Scene starts too early or ends too soon

In my workshop, I review three “levels” of revisions, each a writing situation I think is fairly common during the first draft process.  

Level I -  “Could Be a Little Stronger/Better/More Emotional” Revision

A Level I revision is necessary when the scene is just not quite right.  Not a disaster, not a headbanger, but just not singing to a sweet high C.  This scene “works” but needs more emotion, character depth, backstory…something.  Your fixes may be no more than one quick rewrite, during which you might try some or all of the following:

  • Replace internal monologues to dialogues
  • Be sure characters are true
  • Add senses and imagery
  • Don’t back away too soon
  • Draw out emotion
  • Gracefully drop in backstory and description
  • Strengthen the hook

Level II – “I’ve Veered Off Track” Revision

Level II is a little more serious.  Something has gone awry either in the story or the character.  It’s not a D&D (Delete and Drink Heavily), but more likely a character has gone in the wrong direction or a plot point must be reconsidered.  To identify and fix the problem, I suggest asking the following questions:

  • What does the character want when the scene starts & how are things worse when it ends?
  • Can you find a much stronger reason/plot point for a scene?
  • Can you make it more poignant?  More tense?
  • How can the plot be turned on its head to surprise the reader or character?
  • Can you show the character’s true nature…and the conflict?
  • Is the scene as “ier” as it can be (funnier, sexier, scarier, wrenching-ier)?

 Level III – “What a Hot Mess” Revision

Level III requires you to drag out that shovel and dig deeper.  Much deeper.  This is a scene that has lots of potential but came out completely flat, with non-existent tension or conflict.  Maybe you need the action from a plotting standpoint, but as it unfolds, nothing works at all.  

When you’ve got a scene like this, you’ve got the opportunity to replace it with one that takes the reader by the throat and squeezes. How?  You might try some of these techniques:

  • Plot out a brand new character goal and more complex hook
  • Kick emotion (or sensuality/danger/humor/whatever) to infinity and beyond
  • Put the character in a miserable lose/lose position
  • Go for broke on sexual tension and character conflict
  • Write a scene unlike any you’ve ever written before
  • Make the scene address the character’s worst fear or deepest desire
  • Create a “signature” (unforgettable) scene

 All of this, I’m afraid, is much easier shown than told.  That’s why the handouts present concrete examples of all of the above, and help writers get a better handle on what’s wrong with a scene and how to fix it.  Although I’m mortified to have writers read my rough (understatement alert!) drafts, I am told the pages are vindicating…everyone writes crap. 

So, how do you mend a broken scene?  Writers, want to share your favorite revision tip?  Or readers, help us find them in our first drafts — what makes you want to skim and skip?  That’s usually a sign that a scene is broken.  One commenter will win the handouts or a book of your choice, whichever turns you on.

And I’ll leave you with the one conference picture I took with my phone as I was leaving a workshop.  Who’s fabulous backside is that?  None other than cool and delightful writer Carolyn Jewel sporting my favorite accessory — my EDGE OF SIGHT bookmark!  You can’t buy promotion like that!

© 2010 – 2011, Roxanne St. Claire. All rights reserved.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at 5:32 am and is filed under Roxanne St Claire. Tags: . You can feed this entry. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Roxanne St. Claire is a New York Times bestselling, RITA-Award winning author of nearly thirty novels of romance and suspense. The author of two popular romantic suspense series, The Bullet Catchers and The Guardian Angelinos, Roxanne is hard at work on new books for 2012, which will include the launch of a contemporary series, Barefoot Bay, and her first young adult novel, Don't You Wish, and a brand new stand-alone romantic suspense, Space in His Heart. A five-time RITA nominee, Roxanne's books have won the National Readers Choice Award, the Daphne Du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, the Booksellers Best, the Book Buyers Best, The HOLT Medallion, multiple Awards of Excellence, and Borders "Top Pick"" for Romance in 2007. She lives in Florida with her husband, two teenagers, and one impossibly cute Australian Terrier named Pepper.

102 comments to “How Do You Mend A Broken Scene?”

  1. 1

    Dude, when you said you had to get up early for the blog I didn’t think this early! I haven’t even been to bed yet.

    I’ve skimmed through this (my eyes are funny from no sleep) and it’s one of the first things you’ve ever taught me — the basics. I’ve been trying to work on that. :)

    Will have to read it better later!!! ♥

    by Barbie August 3rd, 2010 at 5:45 am
  2. 2

    Wow, what a great blog. As a reader, , it gives me some insight into the stages you all go through to create your magic.
    Love all the updates and tidbits from RWA-sounds like you all had a great wine-I mean time =)

    by Catherine August 3rd, 2010 at 8:22 am
  3. 3

    Wish I could’ve attended the workshop – I’ll watch for it ‘coming to a chapter near you!’ I’m in the middle of the rewrite process and this will be so helpful.

    by Cathy August 3rd, 2010 at 8:29 am
  4. 4

    This was the BEST workshop I attended at Nationals this year . . . one of those AH-HA moments. I did not get a copy of the worksheets and would dearly love one. Thanks for posting this today.

    by Leslie August 3rd, 2010 at 9:09 am
  5. 5

    They scheduled you during the PRO retreat and after working for 5 long years to earn the privilege of attending, I wanted to attend. I got a request for a partial (squeee!) but I know my first three chapters need help — the kind of help those handouts of yours could provide.

    Revision tip? I haven’t tried this but I’m going to when I start working on this next week — print your manuscript in a different font to help you see it in a different light.

    It was terrific as always to see you again. Just being around you refills my well, and you looked marvelous as always. Sooooooooo glad you brought the clothing cause it could have been soooooooooo embarrassing to present that Golden Heart award wearing fabu shoes and no Spanx. ~grin~

    by Marilyn August 3rd, 2010 at 9:14 am
    • 5.1

      Oh, Marilyn, it’s always great to see you, too. And congrats on the request. I knew when I saw the schedule that it would conflict with the PRO retreat – in fact, I was very surprised there was SRO in the room. I expected about 20 people, LOL! That’s why the before and after scenes were in such demand! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire August 3rd, 2010 at 10:45 am
  6. 6

    I always love when someone else breaks down their process — it’s like you’re doing sit ups for me, Rocki! Thanks for doing all the hard work and I get the benefit :)

    Great post!

    by Lori Armstrong August 3rd, 2010 at 9:41 am
  7. 7

    Really hate that I had to miss your workshop, Rocki. Too many obligations, too little time. Thanks for this great blog, though. What a wonderful wealth of information. I will put your advice to work ASAP on a request for a full. Yay! Good to see you again and am looking forward to the Guardian series.

    by Loralee Lillibridge August 3rd, 2010 at 10:20 am
  8. 8

    I’ve taken this workshop. It’s something I still think about when I’m revising (I know I have dead, sucky scenes when I’m writing, but I plod through because fixing is easier than creating from that blank page).

    And I wouldn’t say the writing would suck the bark off of trees. No way.

    So sorry I missed RWA – too much of a “that’s my life” to find that it’s moved to Orlando shortly after I move to Colorado.

    by Terry Odell August 3rd, 2010 at 10:37 am
  9. 9

    Spot on, Rock! GREAT insight on how to fix a scene. I’m going to reread it.

    Then go fix my scene!

    You looked gorgeous with a capital G at the RITA’s.

    Rachel

    by Rachel Hauck August 3rd, 2010 at 10:45 am
  10. 10

    This was an awesome workshop. I’m in the middle of revising now and found it so helpful. I’d love a copy of the handouts since I wasn’t able to get a copy at the workshop. I’m not surprised it was so well attended. The information is fantastic.

    by Julie August 3rd, 2010 at 10:49 am
  11. 11

    Thanks for sharing your revision ideas – revisions are the hardest part for most of us but the one that’s usually most needed. I enjoyed the rest of your blogs, too!

    by Anna Small August 3rd, 2010 at 10:50 am
  12. 12

    This is a seriously great post and it must have been a fabulous workshop. (Can’t believe I missed it!) I’ve always believed writing is rewriting, but I’ve never seen such a helpful breakdown of the how’s and why’s. Thank you!!

    by Jenny Bernard August 3rd, 2010 at 11:03 am
  13. 13

    Great post, very helpful for those of us who are struggling with craft and constantly re-writing.

    by Caroline from Canada August 3rd, 2010 at 11:05 am
  14. 14

    Thanks so much for posting this workshop to your blog. I missed your workshop at RWA last week and definitely need this advice as I work my way through some of the tougher aspects of revising two manuscripts (one at a time, of course). I would love to see those handouts, too…

    by Kathryn August 3rd, 2010 at 11:11 am
  15. 15

    This workshop was one of the highlights of the conference for me. Anytime an author shows her process from great to sparkle, I can’t help but sit up and pay attention.

    I would love a copy of the before and after drafts. I appreciate you brought what you were told would be enough. Obviously, many, many of us have broken scenes that need mending.

    by Sherry Cahill August 3rd, 2010 at 11:26 am
  16. 16

    Thank you, I’m in revision hell right now and this will go up where I can read it every day.

    by DeNise August 3rd, 2010 at 11:35 am
  17. 17

    Wow, I wish I’d been able to attend Nationals. I’m bookmarking this page so I can come back to it again and again. Thanks for sharing the class with those of us who couldn’t be there!

    by Tamera Lynn August 3rd, 2010 at 11:36 am
  18. 18

    I was at the workshop and didn’t get– or even get to see– any of the handouts. I want them!!!! I would love to attend the longer workshop you are putting together, and if you are interested in presenting at the New England chapter conference in April 2011, please email me. I am Workshop Chair.

    by Mina bourque August 3rd, 2010 at 11:46 am
    • 18.1

      I’m sorry you didn’t even see a handout, Mina. I know the room was ridiculously crowded. I used to live in Boston and my whole new series is set there – we should work something out! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire August 3rd, 2010 at 12:23 pm
  19. 19

    What a fabulous workshop! As I type this, I’m printing out your list of tips for future reference.

    I like what you said about the scene being a mini-book. I had never thought of it like that, but it is a very helpful way to look at it.

    Thanks for sharing this with us. And SO FUN seeing you in Orlando!!

    by Laura Griffin August 3rd, 2010 at 12:42 pm
  20. 20

    This workshop was AMAZING. I, too, was one of those that didn’t get a handout but it didn’t matter because the takeaway was the same. Please tell me you’re doing it again at RWA11…?

    by Cambria Dillon August 3rd, 2010 at 12:46 pm
  21. 21

    As a reader, I skim and skip when the scene has gone on too long and is starting to bore me or if there’s an ick factor like abuse.

    There’s also an author I used to read who had a series and she’d always repeat how the character’s parents died and other things that may have been humorous once or twice, but hardly in book 6 or 7 (and sometimes repeated again in the same book!).

    by Anne August 3rd, 2010 at 1:08 pm
    • 21.1

      Anne, thanks for sharing. I really hoped to hear from some readers today because we can’t always be objective about our scenes. I love when a scene starts “late” and ends “early” because it makes the book move so fast. In my opinion, Kresley Cole is a MASTER at this, keeping her books at a breathtaking pace. No wonder she got that Rita on Saturday! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire August 3rd, 2010 at 1:46 pm
  22. 22

    OH MAN!!! I miss out on everything exciting! Nothing happens here in Missouri and I can’t afford to go anywhere right now! I know…Bitch…Bitch…Bitch…!! You, Ladies are so, so lucky!!!

    by Lisa G. August 3rd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
  23. 23

    I have just completed the first draft of book 2, so stumbling onto this today is about as perfect as timing gets. GREAT points, every one of them, and I shall be posting the whole list right in front of me as I start on the FUN part of writing, the RE- part. Thanks for the detailed and very insightful checklist!

    by Wendy W. August 3rd, 2010 at 1:30 pm
  24. 24

    Every writer should attend this workshop – it’s a master class in how to craft brilliant scenes!

    by Kristen Painter August 3rd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
  25. 25

    Thank you so much for posting this today. I missed your workshop due to other obligations that I had to attend and was truly bummed about it.

    When I’m revising a scene that doesn’t seem to have that zing that I want, I take it and write in first person. This will usually give me the emotion I’m missing and also help me see if it actually needs to be there.

    I’d love, love, love to win the handouts.

    by Vicki August 3rd, 2010 at 1:55 pm
  26. 26

    Damn, I needed this! You’re a great teacher, Rocki :) Good to see you again as always! You really should have shared your experiences with the restaurants . . . :)

    by Allison Brennan August 3rd, 2010 at 2:15 pm
    • 26.1

      Allison! Great to see you, too. My restaurant experiences (which included a Chef’s Table and one of the best dinners I’ve ever had, courtesy of my friends in management!) would just make everyone pea green with envy. Suffice it to say, we ate well in Orlando! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire August 3rd, 2010 at 3:18 pm
  27. 27

    Rocki, it was GREAT to see you in Orlando! The MSW bar-meet was a blast!

    Great, timely blog! Wish I’d made your workshop, it’s perfect fro me as I begin to tackle my revisions for SINFUL MAGIC.

    by Jen Lyon August 3rd, 2010 at 2:24 pm
  28. 28

    I like descriptive scenes, but sometimes I skim when it goes on too long and there’s not enough action. There are some occasions where I don’t know why I lose interest in the scene, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the scene is broken.

    by Jane August 3rd, 2010 at 3:06 pm
    • 28.1

      Well, it’s broken if you lose interest, Jane. That’s what’s so hard to figure out when you’ve written the scene – but readers know immediately. Thanks for stopping by! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire August 3rd, 2010 at 7:03 pm
  29. 29

    What a great blog post… I would love to see the examples! I’ve found myself in similar situations… especially in the beginning of the first book of the series I’m writing. (Which is the part all the literary agents I contact see!) I constantly think I need to rewrite it. This is great for some tips on how to approach that rewrite specifically.
    Thanks!

    by Samantha August 3rd, 2010 at 4:06 pm
  30. 30

    You. Are. Brilliant. This is so incredibly helpful. I hate having missed you all at nationals!!

    by toni mcgee causey August 3rd, 2010 at 4:09 pm
  31. 31

    I’ve heard great things about your workshop! Thank you for sharing a summary here. And of course, I’d love to receive the hard copy of your handout. :)

    by Suzanna Medeiros August 3rd, 2010 at 4:09 pm
  32. 32

    Great tips! I’ll have to come back to this :-)

    by Chelsea B. August 3rd, 2010 at 4:22 pm
  33. 33

    Wow! Great stuff. I’m hoping to bring your workshop to my New Orleans chapter soon. Thanks for sharing your process.

    by Pamela K August 3rd, 2010 at 4:28 pm
  34. 34

    I’m so sorry I was unable to attend nationals. I missed so much. Any plans to speak for Tara on broken scenes?

    by Michele Benard August 3rd, 2010 at 4:31 pm
  35. 35

    This was one of the most practical, helpful workshops I attended. I didn’t get the handouts since they ran so short, but I appreciate the recap here. Thanks!

    by Debbie Kaufman August 3rd, 2010 at 4:33 pm
  36. 36

    Roxanne, it was amazing to meet you. Your workshop helped me tremendously. Thanks so much for presenting it! :)

    by Carol Shrembek August 3rd, 2010 at 5:06 pm
  37. 37

    Very helpful post, Roxanne! I’m sorry I couldn’t make Nationals or your workshop. This ‘rox’!

    Thanks, and best of luck with the school shopping. I’ll be starting that in two days.

    ~Donna

    by Donna Michaels August 3rd, 2010 at 5:44 pm
    • 37.1

      Hey Donna. Am back from the school shopping. HOW can they charge so much for shorts that are not much bigger than a bathing suit (bikini) bottom? We finished, but I’m tapped out – of money and energy! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire August 3rd, 2010 at 7:09 pm
  38. 38

    sorry I missed National and this workshop. Please tell me that I’ll get better at editing. Just finished editor-demanded edits and had lots of “duh” moments. I hope self-editing gets easier with more books!!!!

    by Jill James August 3rd, 2010 at 5:45 pm
    • 38.1

      Of course you’ll get better and it does get easier. The more you write for one editor, I think, the better you get at pleasing THAT editor. Then you move…and start over, LOL. xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire August 3rd, 2010 at 7:10 pm
  39. 39

    Oooh, oooh, me, me! I want the “before” and “after” scenes. Seriously, though, this is great. I’m just starting out, and this kind of advice is invaluable. Thank you!!

    by Jennifer August 3rd, 2010 at 7:04 pm
  40. 40

    Hey Rocki
    Loved this entry. Wonderful tips & questions to help identify & solve tricky problems. Will print it out & stick to my computer.
    Wish I could have attended your workshop. So glad you got the audience you deserve.
    Anna Perrin XXOO

    by Anna Perrin August 3rd, 2010 at 8:35 pm
  41. 41

    I wish I could have been at RWA. Thanks so much for sharing your workshop notes here.

    by KellyJ August 3rd, 2010 at 11:07 pm
  42. 42

    I’ve got one tip for complete scenewrecks that has worked wonders for me.

    Whenever you’re getting stuck halfway through a scene – when it won’t flow and starts to feel like quicksand – it means that you’ve started it at the wrong time. You need to start the scene earlier or later on the story timeline.

    I rarely ever write a completely broken scene anymore (as opposed to those that need some buff&shine after the first or seventh draft, which is basically every single one). Instead I stop halfway, as soom as I reckognize that quagmire feeling, and rewrite completely.

    by Pelotard August 4th, 2010 at 6:14 am
  43. 43

    LOL on “scenewrecks” – love that term. Great advice on timing, too. That’s something I should add to the workshop. And clearly you’ve learned the “listen to your gut screaming” trick that still eludes some of us. Great comment and thanks for stopping by! xo

    by Roxanne St. Claire August 4th, 2010 at 6:59 am
  44. 44

    Oh thank you so much! that is better than an RWA recap

    I had been desperately searching all weekend long for someone to post highlights or any kind of info (as I couldn’t find any blogging on the RWA site this year either) — but clearly….everyone was having too much fun and was too engaged to do so :) I’m glad to hear everyone had a great time!

    and even so, still this post was better! thanks for the help, I promise to put it to good use!

    by Chris August 4th, 2010 at 7:58 am
    • 44.1

      The conference recaps are fun, Chris, but I was also certain I’d forget someone! I met so many terrific people and it all went by in a blur – the workshop I can remember. Thanks! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire August 5th, 2010 at 9:44 am
  45. 45

    Thanks for posting this workshop! Perfect timing – I’ve got a 1st draft with some definite trouble spots.
    I didn’t get to go to Nationals this year, but next year there’s no way I’ll miss it.
    : )
    Karen

    by Karen August 4th, 2010 at 10:20 am
  46. 46

    to much non relevant info makes me skip. lol I was reading a book the other day and the heroine was a dog trainer. Great! There was some great info in there on training a dog but after a while there seem to be to much of it. I can’t say i didn’t learn anything that might help with my own dog but it was a romantic suspense book. Enough said. Getting to far off the main plot i guess is what makes me skim.

    Lisa B

    Can’t wait for your next book. It’s taking forever it seems lol

    by Lisa Boggs August 4th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
    • 46.1

      Hey Lisa! I met a reader at Nationals who said she was a big fan and read all my books and her name was Lisa and I kind of grabbed her arm and squealed, “Are you Lisa Boggs????” Uh, no. *redfaced* I was so excited to almost but not meet you, LOL.

      I know what book you’re talking about and I’ve heard that same buzz…but cool idea and always well executed by that author! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire August 5th, 2010 at 9:47 am
  47. 47

    thanks for the knowledge
    great pic

    by kh August 4th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
  48. 48

    hey rocki i just have to say that meeting you in person and for real was one of the best highlights of my week. And I LOVE that you put a picture of carolyn jewel’s tushy on your post :) she is another favorite of mine!!

    by Sophie Littlefield August 5th, 2010 at 12:22 am
    • 48.1

      Dude, ditto. I so owe you a long email but I’m so busy doing what we talked about that I haven’t had a chance to write it. You ROCK and I loved meeting you, finally! Made new friends with Carolyn Jewel, too, who is well-named as she is a gem. xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire August 5th, 2010 at 9:51 am
  49. 49

    The lazy person in me tries to delete scenes that don’t work. But then I end up with, like, no scenes. So if the scene needs to be there, I try to figure out how the scene is supposed to change the characters or the situation. And what the characters are negotiating for (trying to get) in the scene. If I don’t know, I’ve got big problems.

    by Shizuka August 5th, 2010 at 6:27 am
  50. 50

    It was great meeting you at the conference, Rocki. Little did you know but I attented your workshop and it was great. I need the handouts though, as they were in short supply.

    I’m thrilled to have my backside on this blog. I foresee all manner of fame from this.

    by Carolyn Jewel August 5th, 2010 at 10:55 am
    • 50.1

      Carolyn! I didn’t know you were at the workshop – what a compliment! You definitely deserve handouts for all that free advertising on your derriere.

      SO great to meet you! xo

      by Roxanne St. Claire August 5th, 2010 at 11:00 am