Hello!
Here is what you will find in this month’s newsletter:
A blog post from revisionmuse.com on the importance of the turning point in a scene.
An interview with Cindy Quayle about writing and publishing.
A link I found interesting on adding A+ content to your amazon product detail page.
The Importance of the Turning Point
Turning points are the moments where your story takes a decisive turn. There is before the turning point, and then there is after the turning point. Once after the turning point, the trajectory of your scene changes. But those moments where things are turned around are where revelations are unveiled, fates are changed, and the story’s direction is irrevocably altered. This post examines how to use turning points in your scene structure, ensuring they are impactful and seamlessly integrated into the narrative flow.
The turning point is the moment within a scene where the story’s trajectory changes. It can be subtle or grand, but it shifts the character’s circumstances, outlook, or direction regardless of scale. It’s when something significant occurs, forcing your character to react and respond.
Consider a scene where your protagonist has a conversation with a friend that begins cordially. The turning point might be when the friend reveals a deep-seated secret. This revelation alters the entire course of the conversation and, possibly, the characters’ relationship. From that moment, the scene takes on new depth and meaning.
The turning point is crucial because it adds intrigue and makes the scene interesting. Without a turning point, a scene can feel predictable, flat or aimless. The pivot propels your character from their current state towards their new goal, ensuring the story is constantly moving and not stagnating.
It is worth noting that a turning point can occur due to external events (like receiving critical news) or internal changes (like a shift in perspective). Both forms can be effective depending on the scene’s context and plot.
Techniques for Implementing Turning Points in Your Scene Structure
There are common patterns for turning points. By understanding these patterns, you can utilize them effectively in your writing, enhancing the impact of your scenes and further captivating your readers.
Turning points come in many shapes and sizes, but certain patterns frequently recur in compelling storytelling. Here are three of the most common patterns:
Revelation: In this pattern, important information is revealed, changing the character’s understanding of their situation. For example, a detective might discover a key piece of evidence that shifts the direction of an investigation. The reveal propels the story in a new direction.
Decision: Here, the turning point hinges on a decision made by a character. Perhaps a character chooses to confront a longstanding fear or take a risk they’ve been avoiding. This decision leads to new actions and outcomes, altering the course of the narrative.
Unexpected Event: In this pattern, an unforeseen event dramatically affects the characters and the story’s trajectory. This could be a sudden disaster, an unexpected arrival, or an accidental discovery. The characters must react and adapt to this new situation, resulting in a shift in their goals and actions.
Remember, a turning point should always serve the story and the characters. It needs to make sense within the narrative context and feel true to the characters involved. As you gain experience in recognizing and utilizing these turning point patterns, you’ll find that your scenes become more dynamic and engaging.
Common Questions
Where Should the Placement of the Turning Point Be in the Scene?
Typically, the turning point occurs around the middle to the latter part of a scene, after introducing the goal and the disruption. This turning point is the moment of change or realization that propels the rest of the scene forward.
Can a Scene Have Multiple Turning Points?
While it’s possible, too many turning points may confuse your readers. It can also dilute the impact of the turning point if there is more than one. Each scene should have one main turning point to keep the narrative focused.
Can a Turning Point Be a Subtle, Internal Shift Rather Than an External Event?
Absolutely. Turning points can be internal—like a character’s realization or a shift in their emotional state. Remember, the key is that the turning point changes the direction of the scene and affects the character’s new goal.
How to Use a Turning Point in Your Scene Structure Conclusion
Turning points are the moments that pivot your narrative, taking your characters and readers in a new direction. A well-crafted turning point can transform the entire landscape of your story, infusing it with excitement and unpredictability. As you develop your scenes, aim to create turning points that are surprising and integral to your narrative’s progression, ensuring they leave a lasting impact.
Would you like to see some turning points in action? Sign up for my newsletter and get an insightful exercise on identifying turning points in the first chapter of ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.’ You’ll also gain access to a bonus chapter breakdown and a handy scene structure checklist for your writing projects.
An Interview with Cindy Quayle
Cindy Quayle generously answered some questions on writing and publishing:
What is your favorite writing tip or technique, and how has it helped your process?
My favorite writing tip is using a rough outline to avoid spiraling out of control with never-ending good ideas. Because I’m a mystery writer, the first thing I do is identify the crime, the victim, and who committed the offense. Once that’s established, I work backward to complete the timeline of events. Once I have an outline of the story, I start filling in the details.
What do you do to get over writer's block?
The best way that I have found to get rid of writer’s block is to put away the current WIP and do something that is non writing related. Most of the time when I get writer’s block, it is because I’m mentally tired of thinking about my story.
What is one thing you wish you had known about self-publishing before going through it yourself?
One thing that I wish I had known before I published my first book is to know if it was going to be a series. I wish I had written 50-60% of each story so I knew how many book covers I needed to design. For my first book, I used a cover designer from ETSY, and although I loved the cover, the designer didn’t know the book genre’s market. With the current book covers, I feel like the designer did a great job conveying the genre as well as the themes from the book, making them more marketable.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m a planster. :)
What's your drafting process like?
Once I have the outline, I start writing the first draft until I get to the end. This is probably the only time that I write a complete draft. The rest of the time, I just keep filling in the details as I re-read what I’ve written.
How do you find time to write while managing other responsibilities?
I wish I had set hours and times for writing, but my time fluctuates on how busy my kids’ schedules are. Right now, I’m shooting for publishing one book a year.
What is one "rule" or writing advice you purposefully break?
The one rule that I’ve broken is following a trend. The reason why I decided to write a book was because I hadn’t seen many cozy mystery books with Asian characters who enjoyed traveling and scuba diving. I don’t know if this decision will keep me from selling a lot of books, but it was the story that I wanted to write.
If you would like to be interviewed for a future newsletter, feel free to message me and let me know.
A Link I Found Interesting
I found an interesting article that shares how to add A+ content to your book's Amazon product detail page. This is something to think about doing if you are selling on Amazon to help increase your sales.