#74: When Should You Write in Scene vs. Summary?

In today's episode, I’m covering the difference between writing in scene versus writing in summary. Here’s a preview of what’s included:[01:45] Scenes are concrete moments that unfold in real time. Readers “watch” the characters move across the setting, interact with other characters or the setting, and speak as if everything’s taking place in the real world, in real time.[02:55] Summaries happen over a condensed period of time (days, months, years, etc.). They convey ideas, concepts, and information rather than create specific experiences that a character (and readers) are “living through” in that moment.[04:20] An example from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling[07:30] An example from Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (trigger warning: a dead body)[10:55] Top 3 guidelines for when you should write in scene[12:20] Top three guidelines for when you should write in summary[16:15] Do not get hung up on this when writing your first draft! Your main job when writing a first draft is to get to THE END–worry about scene vs. summary later.[16:45] Key points and episode recapRate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know what your favorite part of the episode was, too! Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!Links mentioned in this episode:Ep. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured Scene (article)How to Write Better Scenes (workshop)👋 Want a behind-the-scenes look at my book coaching journey? Click here to download Author Accelerator's brand-new eBook to see how I built (and grew!) my business!👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.