Scene Selection
Feb. 28th, 2024 06:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
languajixThe oneshots in Hold Every Memory are a series of scenes touching on specific moments in time, rather than an action-driven point-A-to-point-B plot.
To make sure the end result isn't too cluttered and bloated, and that each scene has some sort of "punch" to it, here are some of the ways I evaluate each individual scene, before/during/after the writing and editing process:
If I were writing longer scenes for a longer fic, breathing room would be necessary and point 1 would be less important. As it is, I want things to move fast and (hopefully) leave an impression. Honestly, it's kind of funny how long and closely I scrutinize these stories during the editing process for how small and fast-moving the end result feels. I end up fairly satisfied with what I post, though, which is worth all the doubt and second-guessing to get there!
*except in the single fic where the entire point of it will be being a fluffy interlude (the nibbles fic). In that case, write fluff and cute stuff to my heart's content and prioritize whether it's enjoyable.
To make sure the end result isn't too cluttered and bloated, and that each scene has some sort of "punch" to it, here are some of the ways I evaluate each individual scene, before/during/after the writing and editing process:
1) Does this scene add anything to the overall story? (Necessary plot details/moving the story forward, tying together themes, calling back/forward to other moments in the fic or the series, etc. 'It's cute/funny/interesting' is not sufficient*.)
2) Does this scene fit the vibes of the story?
3) Does this scene feel true to the characters as I've established them, and consistent with any character development? If I imagine the dialogue being spoken in their voices, does it feel like something they would say?
4) Would this scene have enough strength to 'stand alone' if posted on its own? (Even if it's incredibly short and/or doesn't have a complete beginning/middle/end.)
2) Does this scene fit the vibes of the story?
3) Does this scene feel true to the characters as I've established them, and consistent with any character development? If I imagine the dialogue being spoken in their voices, does it feel like something they would say?
4) Would this scene have enough strength to 'stand alone' if posted on its own? (Even if it's incredibly short and/or doesn't have a complete beginning/middle/end.)
If I were writing longer scenes for a longer fic, breathing room would be necessary and point 1 would be less important. As it is, I want things to move fast and (hopefully) leave an impression. Honestly, it's kind of funny how long and closely I scrutinize these stories during the editing process for how small and fast-moving the end result feels. I end up fairly satisfied with what I post, though, which is worth all the doubt and second-guessing to get there!
*except in the single fic where the entire point of it will be being a fluffy interlude (the nibbles fic). In that case, write fluff and cute stuff to my heart's content and prioritize whether it's enjoyable.
