How to Make Thinking & Talking Scenes Interesting | Novel Writing Advice

[@Tea-uo7ev]

Honestly, I like writing speech more than an action scene.

[@LuddyFish_]

same here. I love writing speeches more than action and you can make speeches emotional. Its quite tricky to make speeches emotional as you need the write words and scenes to do it but I have made myself cry re-reading a speech I had completely forgotten about a year after I wrote it. To make things a little easier, you could write in first person so that the MC talks to the reader and then talk through an emotional scene but it also has to be done right. It can't just be, "...and then i started to cry." It has to be something like "...darkness surrounded me. Voices echoed through the black screaming I was too weak, I had let them down. I dropped to ground hopeless, afraid, fearful. My hands covered my face full of tears as I was left there to suffer and feel emptiness." That's probably not that emotional as I try to put myself in those situations when writing emotional scenes and write whatever I feel as I pretend to experience it. Then I need some time to make some slight changes but you get the point. If you're not crying then your readers aren't crying.

[@RedWizardFox]

Same. I love dialoug and character development more than writing full out action

[@cedricburkhart3738]

I think I'm much better at action s scenes.

[@cloudthief8918]

Teach me your ways.

[@Tea-uo7ev]

@@cloudthief8918 if you're actually invested in your characters story and arc then it will be infinitely easier

[@appledough3843]

0:24 Give your character something to react to. 1:04 Introduce dilemma right away. 2:26 Make sure there’s a clear conclusion.

[@digitdude1375]

Thank you

[@salvatorefalzone4509]

This was so helpful! I was waiting for this kind of advice. I am Italian and I write in Italian but your tips are universally helpful. You are amazing!

[@pauligrossinoz]

😄Gold Star! I'm really glad your videos popped into my recommend list, because I have never come across anyone who can explain the process of writing as simply and as well as you do. It's a joy to listen to your excellent explanations. Thanks for sharing!

[@Robeeh2]

Your t shirts are always brilliant x

[@orangesoda4535]

Introspection is boring to people? But.....I based my entire novel on first-person introspection....

[@UGNAvalon]

though "introspection is boring" might be a generalized summary, i think theres definitely an audience/market for that specific kind of story. don't fret! =)

[@noahegler9131]

Remember, all generalizations are false.

[@yikesmcgee1283]

I think that generalization is usually applicable to action novels

[@docstockandbarrel]

Has it sold a lot?

[@elisa4620]

I love self-aware characters! And that comes with introspection. They are a rare breed, sadly. Do there's definitely a market for you :)

[@NelsonGombakomba]

You're so good at what you do. All I can say is THANK YOU. You've helped me a lot.

[@TRA25]

After watching a few of your videos, I can say I enjoy your brevity in them. I think it'd be immensely helpful if you could show quick on screen examples so that we can see precisely what to avoid and ways to remedy such mistakes. Thanks for these videos.

[@williamzy4969]

As always, another good advice. Dialouge is one of the hardest parts to write because it shows your character's emotions, personality and reactions. Thank you so much for clearing up some things.

[@samfowler2073]

How do you cram this much good stuff in such short videos? You say more in five minutes than most other author tubers do in twenty.

[@sleepysadpoet]

I absolutely love everything you have to say. I'm a writer and editor. You've helped so much, and I take notes constantly

[@englishnerd5580]

This is a topic I desperately needed! Thanks for posting this video (and all your stuff) with such depth and clarity. I know I can count on you for great advice when it comes to my novel! :)

[@noctique5575]

Oh my, so many new videos from you this month! I'm prepared for a marathon ;D

[@LesterSuggs]

Excellent presentation. Gave me several ideas.

[@Charlie_Toben]

You have an amazing ability to present information in a exciting, intelligent, and captivating way. I love all your videos. Hope to keep seeing new ones whenever you have time to make them.

[@ktr33muziclibrary30]

I gotta admit I’ve been passing over you videos for the ones with the more “flashy” thumbnails lol I’m an amateur trying to master the art and so I finally clicked on one of you videos. Long story short of all the authors KZbin I get tips from, your the one I’m subscribing too... you always seem to say that one thing nobody else has and it gets me where I’m heading. Thanks 🤗. And if you haven’t done so yet maybe make a video going over all the different types of scenes in a novel and ways to implement them. It’d definitely help me out

[@KreativeKill]

I think the planning and disagreement scenes will be the most useful in my story, because it will be a group of friends who have different world views and they will always be butting heads.

[@KreativeKill]

I honestly watched this video back to back 5 times to make sure everything soaked in, lots of tips in here.

[@EmilyNGA]

I've been binging your videos! Love them! Are there any tips or videos on writing introspect and thought in third person? This is what my current struggle is. Easier to do in first.

[@somegirlontheinternet1202]

These videos lately have been so helpful! Thank you for covering different topics from what's already out there and for providing real examples! ☺

[@yapdog]

My mind is abuzz with EB's helpful introspection tips. But could I uses them? Can I? Do I really have the guts to rip apart my scenes at the seams, exposing the tragic flaw in my protagonist? His self-indulgence? No... _my_ self-indulgence? From the constant and measured reminder--relentless digits flashing on my screen: only time will tell. Time.

[@KreativeKill]

haaha this is super meta

[@yapdog]

And that's the most beautiful reply I've ever read! Seriously! Thank you :^)

[@yapdog]

That’s the absolute best compliment you can give a writer, aspiring or non! I screengrabbed this thread and will mount it on my wall. Whenever I’m feeling… _less-than_ , I’ll use it to help me pull myself out of the dumps. Thank you, Laila’s Lullaby! ❤️

[@thenexu836]

Sorry, but I don’t think that you have what it takes for introspection.

[@yapdog]

Perhaps it is true that I lack the ability to contemplate the folds my own mind’s origami. Hell, even my _metaphor_ is inadequate! I’ve clearly demonstrated that I have not the words, nor the imagination, to depict the mass of sticky, entangled threads of my own thoughts... my motivations... my _genuine_ desires, so callously suffocated by my own desperate need to feel validated. To be _liked._ Yes... it’s best that I leave introspection to the experts... I think....

[@ijuka]

Essentially the reactive scene from the snowflake method book: 1. Reaction 2. Dilemma 3. Decision. Though, you include the possibility of being with other characters. Dialogue is a form of action, so if there's dialogue, I don't really think that it counts as a proper introspective scene in the same manner. For example, the quote you used is, in my opinion, just a normal action scene, with conflict in the dialogue. She has some introspection during it, but I wouldn't consider it a proper, full-blown introspective scene. The one afterwards seems to be one, indeed. It would correspond with the "debate" part of Save the cat. In Hero's Journey, though, she generally would consult with a friend, mentor etc. for making the decision instead of it being as easy as here.

[@kerrycampion1751]

Love your videos Ellen they are always so full of fresh and useful advice. I also really like it when you give us these types of examples as it really helps me see what you mean. Keep it up!

[@cesarhernandez7108]

Incredible, great, I love it, your volume system is great! Youre becoming better and better every day! Oops! sounds like John Lennons, doesnt it?

[@glittercatfeet5448]

First of all, I love your videos! They've helped me so much to refine my writing and really make it flow and be engaging so thank you for that. I just wanted to let you know that when you give an example from a book it really helps me understand exactly what you're talking about and if you could do that even more that would be amazing 😍

[@eliyahuberkowitz2812]

Ellen, thanks. This was something I kind-of knew but you brought it into focus.

[@kazz8176]

You're so CUTEEE omg I can't

[@howlshy4603]

Thank you for being genuine, funny how unique trait it became. Once again, thank you for sharing your experience and tackling many issues with a fresh perspective. Would you consider making an episode on multiple plot and character lines? I mean having a look at potential advantages, disadvantages, ways to tie different arcs nicely etc. Just a brief suggestion of mine ;)

[@KreativeKill]

she has one. but I would like a multiple character dialogue differences video, that would be cool. Unless you want something specific for multiple plots.

[@RayPoreon]

I'm gonna look like a massive weeb here but I'd recommend people looking to write introspection watch death note(the anime, not the movie). In that series, there were characters that served as outlets for explanations(Ls team and Ryuk) so introspection is exchanged for dialogue. Where introspection is used however is during a scene that is tense and action-oriented. Obvious examples being when L and Light are having a tennis match and each side is trying to psychoanalyse the other one during it and determining whether they should try to win or not. And the other one is the 'potato chip scene', where Light successfully fools L and his subordinates and explains how he did it through introspection(because Ryuk was unavailable), but in his mind, his actions are exaggerated leading to the infamous "I take a potato chip, and eat it!" Of course, screenwriting and text are different, but it's worth a try in the very least.

[@wiggleworm5423]

thank you! This helped me so much. I was stuckkk.

[@carterwillis6624]

Um ok someone please respond to this; I’m writing a character with adhd, and so like a good half of what he does it just think and go on random thought tangets ( I mean not actually half, but it happens from time to time). I mean that’s fine, right? I mean idc because that’s what life is like with adhd, but I’d like feedback. Thx

[@ijuka]

It's not fine, no.

[@evakuhlbornefelt34]

Love your T-shirt!😍

[@sudiptoghosh3874]

Sister what ...ur showing in written. .getting camouflage. . with the background. .. bookshelf. ..!! Please. .check before uploading. .!! Thanks ..!!

[@Pinegully1]

What about characters who, by nature, do a lot of introspection? I have a character with Asperger's, and a large part of her character, and the story itself, are the seemingly random thoughts and ideas she has. Another internal element that often gets brought up is her mild Associative Synesthesia. Because of this, she occasionally thinks with colors (for example, sleep is "the color of distant mountains", and alarm and embarrassment are both bright yellow). Often these thoughts and color associations do nothing to further the story, but do provide a lot insight to why she does the things she does, or says the things she says. To give you a better idea of what I'm talking about, at one point in the story, she catches a leaf mid-air, then has an internal conversation with herself about the leaf. She decides to carry it with her to keep it from touching the ground, and to see how those around her will react to it. Neither the leaf, nor her thoughts about it further the plot in any way, but they do serve as a way for the reader to get to know the character better. My hope is that it will also give the reader an idea of what life with Asperger's is like, as her thoughts reflect the struggles many people on the Autism spectrum face. Things like panic attacks, sudden mood swings, depression, and even hypersensitivity/Misophonia can't be fully explored without a degree of introspection. What are your thoughts on this? I'd love to know.

[@messinalyle4030]

As an autistic person myself, I would say that the characteristics of a character's neurodivergence should be treated basically like the characteristics of their personality. Show them, but not to the point that they pull you away from the plot. Even neurotypical characters with shy, passive personalities would be shown being as active as they have to be in order to keep the story moving. An autistic person should be no different.

[@DTHRocket]

thanks, helps a lot

[@SysterYster]

I love your tips. They always make me think through my writing and sometimes I find that I have followed your suggestions spot on, but other times I find that I have done the things you say we shouldn't do. It's great, it makes me think! Thank you! :)

[@Roma_eterna]

My novel has a lot of philosophical scenes, more so than the action-packed story with swords and such. So this has been helpful for me as I try to make my introspective scenes more interesting.

[@ominousMCBANE]

Ellen - I've just gotten into your videos. They really are very good. Thanks from London x

[@ULSWC]

This is really helpful, thank you! I'm wondering if you could help me with when to use free indirect speech and when to use directly quoted thoughts (ex. She was lost vs. _I'm lost_ ). I'm never sure which one to use. Some authors seems to mix them up randomely, but I'm not sure about that.

[@shivashrivastava4437]

I love your videos, they are so helpful, thanks.

[@skaetur1]

Thinking “I mean” to yourself? Bad writing.

[@albertmarble]

Including examples to illustrate your point would be helpful. Way too many craft books already talk at you rather than SHOW. Thanks!

[@loveswords2000]

I'm always happy when it comes to writing even if the story is boring I don't care I still enjoy it

[@tomlewis4748]

Are you saying that budding authors make a mistake when they write introspective scenes without giving the character an incentive to be introspective? Doesn't not doing that break a cardinal rule (not merely a suggestion) which states that every scene must have an inciting incident, either in the scene or prior to the scene? That seems like a no-brainer. Without that, all you really have is typing. Of course that's necessary, and just as necessary is that the dilemma must be thorny, or the entire scene has no real purpose. Are you saying that there are budding authors who don't automatically or instinctively know these basic requirements? I guess my point is that these are things that should not have to be taught. If one does not already understand these concepts intuitively, my best guess would be that they would have little success in ever being able to write well. I would suggest that they reconsider attempting to write, and maybe take up the trombone, instead. I guess that on occasion a scene like this could have an open ending, as long as it is resolved in a subsequent or later scene, but I agree that one should do their best to try to have a climax and resolution in the scene if possible.

[@pixxelwizzard]

People pay good money for this kind of instruction. :)

[@howedelamitri]

Good content. Good presentation. You will go far

[@lunat3894]

This is so random, and I'm not trying to distract from your awesome content, but i've been binging your videos and i just want to say i am amazed by how fresh and dewy your skin always looks. Goalssss! :O

[@monsada6040]

Luna T how to creep someone out

[@user-eo5bh2zg2]

"I love your skin. I'd love to have it. I must have it. Give me your skin"

[@crowsguard]

thank you, all your videos are so helpful

[@MisterPlumbobGames]

Your videos are amazing!

[@freddiemay2742]

New here - just catching up on your videos and am enjoying the teachings that you give (thank you!)...Have you written a novel that's available to read?

[@TallicaMan1986]

Dang, woman. You look fit as hell.

[@MALIKISSME]

Hi Ellen, im from Indonesia, and i really like to watch some of your videos. But sometimes its a bit tricky for me to catch up the subject while watching the video, because i living in very noisy loud neighborhood. I think lots of your viewers especially me will be thankfull and really get helped if you put somekind of chapter or tittle on every different subject/tips on the video.. 😆

[@magorzatamarjanska5500]

Thank you from Poland. This is a great pleasure to learn writing craft from you. It is often written on the Polish FB writers' groups - write what you feel and craft is neglected. All the best and please continue to improve our craft.

[@vibeholmer2686]

Thank you so much!! Really helpful❤️ You got my ideas flowing so much that I actually thought of an idea, which is hopefully going to become a big part of the book!!

[@Artomedics]

How do I book your services? I'm 4/19 on my first draft.

[@beepbeepimmadragon8758]

In one of my stories my protag calls random boys who like her her fan club and she’s a center flyer and captain of her school’s competitive and sideline cheer squads like how do you handle your fan club?

[@drfabulous2804]

Personally I find dialogue scenes are both easy to read and write. Action sequences can become mundane and tough to pad out a whole chapter, dialogue is much more fun because we see how the characters interact and thier relationships with each other. GRRM wrote an entire series mostly on dialogue and thinking scenes.

[@Greg0516]

I find myself extremely fortunate to live in a world where I found the meaning of my life in writing and I also have acces to useful and helpful videos like this. Thank you, World, thank you Ellen Brock!

[@Anton_Jermakoŭ]

Couldn't you just hint at the solution the character came up with? And make the reader guess what is the solution? I genuinely want to know

[@ruthmeow4262]

Hello. I have been wanting to write a novel forever, and your videos are helping me get the story structured and fill out the characters. And btw, where did you get that sweet T-shirt?

[@eugenetswong]

This was helpful. I'd love to write more introspection scenes.

[@toddel321]

Very good advice.:)

[@shinypearls4]

Thanks ,, that's very useful 👍🏻

[@BlackHand531]

Thanks for the tips

[@missmichelle1627]

Where do you get your t-shirts from? There are so many interesting ones that you wear about reading and books.

[@blackpikachu5417]

Hi, New to your channle. Quick question, can this information be applied to a light novel? I'm working on a few light novel series and standalones and well to be honest I didn't even realize it was a light novel format until I did more research and realize that I write differently than normal regular novels and when I looked it up I realized that how I do my writing or my writing style is that of a light novel. Thank you in advance for your help! 😇

[@aaronwang5204]

Thanks for the video Ellen, illuminating as always, look forward to the next one!

[@mainulhusainkhan1333]

this was so useful for me. thanks so much Ellen

[@PeterMacansky]

[@jge8144]

👏👏👏👏👏 One question, though. When writing introspection, is this the only instance when filter words r necessary? In your examples on this vid, plus the ones on using introspection to convey emotions-along with telling or showing or sometimes by itself- I noticed some filter words, although it's pretty clear why it's there.

[@KreativeKill]

your comment got cut off for some reason.

[@jge8144]

KreativeKill I wonder what happened. I see it here.

[@KreativeKill]

o wow, you're right. now its fine. KZbin is so weird. Sometimes on other videos the comment will be cut off, even if its a huge post. so it could have been really important info that i missed. but ur comment is good now.

[@amypease7271]

Such a great summary of a tricky part of writing!

[@larrylovehandle8472]

So all of my writing knowledge comes from you and Jim butcher. It sounds like you are mostly describing what he would call sequels as opposed to scenes. (Sequel = Emotional reaction, reason, anticipation and choice, with "dilemma" standing in for reason and anticipation here) I do think that not all dialogue automatically fits the sequel pattern because it could be actively pursuing a goal as in an argument or negotiation. So that would be considered an action scene then I think.

[@Thessalin]

Nooooo! Don't let August end!

[@MrBigscarythingy]

Brilliant advice, as always.

[@sleepysadpoet]

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR SHIRTS

[@philippelecompte7319]

How about humour?

[@orsettomorbido]

Really useful, thanks!

[@amitSharma-ng1mj]

Love u girl

[@Some0neSomewhere]

Much better than the first version ;) Though it's always cool to see behind the scenes.

[@EllenBrock]

Sorry about that! Silly mistake! I learned my lesson about better labeling the different versions of my videos.

[@Some0neSomewhere]

Ellen Brock No worries at all. I just appreciate the effort and knowledge. It helps a lot. If we can't have a giggle at our own mistakes....etc. Though, have to confess, it would have been hilarious to hear some swearing "I could have said that $*^#^@*& better!"

[@xChikyx]

Ellen Brock i really liked seeing the other one and see how these videos are done :)

[@joenavanodo3780]

Hands.. you do a lot of explaining with your hands, but that was good, a good vid, I may play it again, but I can’t look , I’m done with the hans S

[@newworldcreations4714]

Cannot thank you enough for your videos. Great experience it is to learn from you. I am working on a first draft project that will certainly take time. But when finished, might it be possible to send you a copy for evaluation before I tackle a second draft? Your advice and suggestions would be golden. Hope to hear back from you. Tim James

[@VelvetWay]

I don't think Ellen would be willing to do that at no cost. It is her job after all ;)

[@kevinvu5432]

I'm not sure what you are using for your lighting or makeup. but I genuinely think that could be altered. For these kind of videos your audio is more important than video quality.

[@esmerlda199516]

I LOVE GINGERSSSSSS!!!!