How to Write Scene Transitions (in Novels!)

What makes a scene a scene? And how do you transition from one scene to the next without being repetitive or dull? Today's workshop is part one of a two-part answer to a few questions you guys asked on summaries and scene transitions!
Looking for more writing workshops? I've got 'em!
Character transformation: skl.sh/33iwgFH
Writing a book description: skl.sh/356PtLg
Stuff I use as a full time writer/author (that you may have spotted in this video!) (affliate links are afoot):
WRITING/WORK STUFF
Alphasmart Neo2. Highly highly recommend. amzn.to/3cStKui
Adjustable laptop desk. I LOVE this thing. Typing with my arms at an angle has drastically reduced elbow/wrist pain. amzn.to/2OYh0tX
Clever Fox planner. I’ve used a few planners and this is my fav. Lots of space for mind-mapping and brainstorming, daily to-do lists, space for goal setting. amzn.to/3vNmk3Z
Best writing pens, hands down. I use them every time I revise a book. amzn.to/311nRoP
Acer monitor. I kind of hate the word gamechanger but this really was that kind of purchase. amzn.to/3vH71Kh
Brother laser printer. I won’t lie, this thing is a behemoth. But I’ve had it since 2017 and I think I’ve had maybe one paper jam? It works great, it’s super consistent, A++ for printing manuscripts. amzn.to/3tzIvZE
Macbook Air. Doesn’t really need my recommendation. amzn.to/2OUCaJx
COFFEE STUFF
Ninja coffee maker. I freaking love this thing! It has a “speciality” setting that’ll make...not espresso, but pretty dang close. There’s a milk frother attached if you want to get fancy with your drink. amzn.to/31533Nu
Cold brew pitcher. I have two of these on constant rotation in the fridge. Don’t judge me. amzn.to/3cSKVM9
Zulay milk frother. (Yes, I take my coffee seriously.) amzn.to/3r7DDJu
VIDEO MAKING STUFF
Canon G7X Mark iii camera. The autofocus does tick me off sometimes, but in manual mode it’s perfect, and I love the flip up screen (ie, you can see yourself as you film) and the fact that there’s a mic port. amzn.to/3r9BfCb
Savage studio lights. I mostly use these for ‘talking head’ videos. amzn.to/3r7G6Un
Ubeesize 10” ring light. That’s the little guy sitting on my desk. I mostly use it for vlogging. amzn.to/31hqpzD
JJC mini tripod. amzn.to/3feXxjJ
Rode clip mic. amzn.to/2OSaLb2
______________
Check out my free Create Dynamic Characters course, a quick writing workshop that'll help you create a protagonist who transforms AND find an organic plot for your novel in just 20-30 minutes! michelleschustermancourses.th...
Plus I've got lots of other freebies for you to download and use on your writing journey, including:
From Premise to Plot: A Guide to Plotting
My FIRST First Draft Checklist
My Revision Game Plan
The Query Formula
Download 'em all here: www.michelleschusterman.com/f...
_____________
BLACK LIVES MATTER. To my fellow white authors: we have to show up every day. We have to speak out. We have to make it clear to the Black authors and creators in our community that we are here for them. Silence is not an option. Please check out this Google Doc for hundreds of resources on how you can support, donate, and learn--not just in February, not just when another senseless tragedy due to racism occurs, but every single day from right now moving forward: docs.google.com/document/u/0/...
________________
SUPPORT INDIES!
Like audiobooks? I switched from Audible to Libro.fm in 2019 and have zero regrets. Libro.fm sends your $ to the indie bookstore of your choice! The monthly fee is the same. Sign up with this referral link and get a FREE audiobook: libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm1...
Looking for your next writing craft book? Check out my Bookshop and support indies! bookshop.org/lists/writing-cr...
________________
Looking for a ghostwriter for your novel? I might be your gal! reedsy.com/michelle-schusterman
If you're interested in using Reedsy to offer your ghostwriting or editing services, sign up here: reedsy.com/p/michelle-schuste...
*full disclosure: the above link is a referral! If you sign up and get a project, you and I each get $100!*
___________
MY BOOKS
/ 6522087.michelle_schus...
www.goodreads.com/author/show...
__________
Music from www.bensound.com/royalty-free...
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from purchases. There is no additional charge to you!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Got any other tips on scene transitions? What works for you?

[@chelseawritesbooks8763]

I just deleted and changed a ton of scenes where there was no change. They were fun to write, but not important. Already my book flows so much better.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

That's awesome, Chelsea! Deleting a scene feels awful until you actually do it and realize how much better the draft is! :)

[@reginaduke7451]

Good morning! I try to end scenes with a tease or cliffhanger (can be as simple as "That's when all hell broke loose." Then the next scene is what's happening with some other character. Then back to first scene, where we learn what "all hell" meant. Babbling. Writing an epilogue.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Hi Regina! That's great advice - cliffhanger endings never fail, imo. Good luck with your epilogue (and congrats on getting to the end!!!)

[@coldfirelightpoe6803]

Love what you said about a character changing emotional response from beginning to end of scene.

[@fridgeghost4017]

This will be so useful when I start editing my nano novel because I know there are problems

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

So glad you found it helpful, FG!

[@kanashiiookami6537]

I think I'm basic for scene transition; starting with an impactful sentence or bit of dialogue (usually to draw myself into getting set in the world and character's minds) and ending with either a subtle hint of what's to come (usually, though that's just my reminder to myself😅 while writing) or a cliffhanger when needed...or what may be very boring is the character falling asleep and the transition being the next morning. Because of that last scene transition device, during edits I realised how often one character seemed to have naps during the day, but as silly as it felt during the time, I realised later that I could weave it into the plot with how he spent most nights awake and scared because of his traumatic past, and how he needed those naps in the story to function. Because, later on, without them, he becomes sleep deprived in a way that furthered my plot and the story with a pace that, in my outline, didn't quite make sense until this revelation. (A journey that shouldn't have taken long for him to reach his goal, which would have defeated the time sensitive suspense going on in the side character's plot. So because of this exhaustion he got into an accident that ended up setting him back and adding more suspense to what *should* have been an easy win for him. [If I sound like I'm rambling, I promise this makes more sense in the actual series!]) So yeah, sometimes an overdone scene transition for a character that you only catch having had done while editing can actually help your story, even if it doesn't seem like it at the time. 😅

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

That makes total sense, K! And it's a great example of how sometimes you just need to write a bunch of scenes in order to get to know your character and figure out his real purpose in your story!

[@LauraWrites]

Omg progressing time through transitions is my Achilles heel! Thanks for this video! It gave me a lot to think about!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

You're so welcome, Laura!! I'm so glad it was helpful! :D

[@sherrylalonde5719]

This was brilliant, thank you for addressing this. These examples were excellent and really make it clear. Even though I've probably read thousands of well done scene transitions, the rules of writing are never just internalized; I always have to figure out how it's done before I can accomplish it. Reading a lot can give you a feel for good or bad writing but it can't magically make you a good writer. I wish:) Thanks for this!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

I'm so glad this was helpful, Sherry! Reading novels is honestly the best way to become a better writer, imo - but you make a good point about internalizing it. I guess it's a matter of reading and consciously thinking like a writer, asking "why did the author do this?" or "why does that metaphor work so well?" is what makes it helpful! (And then, of course, you've gotta actually write...but you're already doing that!) :D

[@DefektiveEnvy]

What I love about your videos is your enthusiasm for messiness, especially in the beginning stages. I also love the freedom of not worrying about anyone reading my 0 draft. I love to write down any ideas, phrases, words, or scene ideas, even if I don’t know I’ll keep it or if it’s “good.” Later I can connect the dots and find gems I’m glad I didn’t neglect to record

[@writenowdream3882]

I was thinking that if scenes don’t add to the story, delete them. I did not realize that while they may be relevant, if no change happens then the scene is dead weight. Time to rewrite!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Absolutely true!!

[@JoeyPaulOnline]

I loved the examples and useful to know will be keeping this in mind during revisions this month!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Yay, I'm so glad it was helpful, Joey!

[@heathermacdonald6404]

Thanks, Michelle! Another helpful video about an important topic. Hope your work is going well, and you're finding time to enjoy the festive season.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

So glad you liked it, Heather! And thanks so much - I hope your December is going well so far!

[@lazarusrize]

I split my screen this morning: Microsoft Word on the left and your wonderful face on the right. New Heading: Scene Transitions. This was great information, and I look forward to your other content. Thank you, and Happy New Year, Michelle!

[@vizeath]

Thank you for the education. 😊 I was worried so much with the lengths of things.... I was afraid it would be too short or too long.

[@DaltonKevinM]

When I compose a scene, I see it. I could, if I felt so inclined, tell you what camera angle I saw in my head for each and every sentence. I probably just consume way too much media. But because I see it in my head shot for shot, the only "transition" that I ever put any conscious thought into was a hard cut, which I consider to be the double carriage return.

[@jasonhacker9059]

Thanks so much! Quick and to the point! I have just finished my first book and was totally lost as to what to do next. Thanks so much!!!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

You're very welcome!

[@ran_loona]

The way you explain things makes it so easy to understand! I'm only using the advice to finish editing my first long fanfiction but who knows, maybe I'll gather my courage and write my own work one day :D

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Thank you so much! Hey, your first long fanfiction - that's a big accomplishment!! 😄 There are so many authors out there who are prolific fanficcers too. No reason you can't do both!!

[@annemong3573]

This video was so informative, very well narrated and illustrated. Thank you so much!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching, Anne! :)

[@TheRayvolution]

New to your content. Very. Very. Helpful.

[@kirstenlund8976]

This helped me figure out what was wrong with my book and how to fix it. Thank you!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

That's awesome!! I'm so glad to hear that, Kirsten! :D

[@ann_making_stuff4426]

Thank you for this~

[@jpch8814]

I wrote a long dinner scene between friends reuniting, it's 1000 words full of banter and fun, but it doesn't add much to the plot 😥

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

That's totally okay! Just keep going till you finish the draft. When you revise, you'll either figure out a way to make that scene move the plot forward, or you can take that fun dialogue and move it to more conflict/action-filled scenes!

[@blessedbev1]

What's the heading for the part 2 video?

[@albertmarble]

I was looking for the same one :)