Pulling the Reader In

To create a successful scene you must sell the action and setting by pulling the reader into the scene. There are four key elements to engage the reader's interest.

1.               Immediacy

Avoid long narrative blocks that numb

Avoid those nasty interruptions in flow

2.              Appeal to the senses

But beware, a little goes a long way

Must fit scene/POV character and her interest

3.              Detail—should reveal character

Don't overwhelm with unnecessary minutia

4.             Keep the narrative dynamic

Remove the “thought”/ “knew” / “realized” phrases

No agent/editor/reader ever said, “It’s okay to change POV”


The Hermit WRiter.