We’ve been discussing the elements of scenes, and I’m covering five. First was the opening hook, then turning points,this is revelations and next up will be response.
Discovery
Dealing with a complication leads to a choice. Most often, the first choice leads to a failure. Early in a book, the choice and complication can be simple. But these can hint at choices later in the book.
Discovery is a reveal. The reader becomes aware of something new and it’s literally a pivot point. Learning this changes an aspect of the story and drives the character in a different direction.
At the catalyst of a story, the character decides to take action.
Likewise, in a scene, there is some type of discovery as well. Here’s a snippet from chapter one of Trailing Kaiwulf. Jee is an agent of TRAIL, which makes her a high-priced bounty hunter. She’d been about to board a starship heading off for a vacation when her boss cancelled her leave. Now she’s blown into his office like a whirlwind. Jee makes a swift decision in reaction to a visceral response, and it will color the rest of her decisions throughout the story.
How dare you call me back here? TRAIL doesn’t own me, Jeff Thompson. I’d be halfway there if it wasn’t for you. How dare you cancel my leave? Who do you think you are?”
“Watch this holovid before you give me a definite no.” Thompson initiated a life-sized holographic image of a youth.
“I’m not watching a thing. I…” Jee’s voice faded as the holovid activated. “Whoa.” She made a sensual growl, low in her throat. “Who is that?”
Jee tends to objectify men, and though she has growth in this story, she doesn’t lose that tendency. Revelation about a character’s flaw, situation, or conflict are powerful elements of a scene.
Next month, we’ll take a look at the next section of a scene: response.
How have you used a creative hook to grab a reader’s attention? Feel free to leave an example and the name of the book.
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About the Author
Kayelle Allen writes Sci Fi with misbehaving robots, mythic heroes, role-playing immortal gamers, and warriors who purr. She is the author of multiple books, novellas, and short stories. She’s also a US Navy veteran and has been married so long she’s tenured.
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