Simple Tips
1) Just because you write a scene, does not mean that the scene belongs in the book. In othe words, you, as the author, needed to write the scene to advance your understanding of the character or action or theme, but that does not mean that the reader has to read the scene. Cut it or revise it. If you are uncertain whether a scene belongs in the book, use the Scene Tracker.
2) The action plot develops through the character's choices. As the character confronts obstacles, she makes a choice. That choice then creates another obstacle. These choices define the not only the character but the action plot as well.
3) Up the tension, conflict, or suspense in each succeeding scene. The action rises and builds momentum. To see that the scenes rise in conflict, plot each scene out on a Plot Planner.
4) Create a deadline for the character to have to succeed by in order to up the tension and suspense. Will she or won't she succeed in time?
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