What Work Does It Do?

The first few drafts of a novel generally result in a large conglomeration of words. Here is a quick and easy way to initiate revisions.

1. Write a short description of each scene.
2. Note what work the scene does.

Scenes work by:

• advancing the plot
• introducing characters
• elucidating characters
• showing how characters react to their world
• eliminating characters
• laying a foundation for an upcoming event
• building or releasing suspense
• building or destroying relationships between characters
• laying a clue
• exposing a red herring
• advancing or thwarting the protagonist
• advancing or thwarting the antagonist
• ratcheting up the tension
• creating a turning point

If I missed something, please tell me in the comments.

If you can’t identify what work a scene does in about two seconds, the scene probably has to be cut. Go ahead, re-read that scene. Try again to answer the work question. Any luck?

At this point I often come up with excuses: It provides backstory. It has a great description. It’s funny. Bah.

If you want a tight novel, every scene has to work for a living.