In order to edit a scene effectively, you need to know what to change. The best edits are strategic, intentional, and target the most important problems with effective solutions.

How do you figure out what those edits are?

Ask the right questions.

In this episode, you’ll discover six questions that will help you identify what’s working and what’s not in the beginnings and endings of your scenes. Then, they’ll show you exactly how to fix the weak spots.

You’ll learn:

• How to start your scenes at exactly the right moment
• How to raise the stakes in the first half of the scene
• The biggest problem writers make in the resolution—and how to fix it
• What readers want to know in the resolution of a scene
• How to make it clear that something changes in every scene
• And more!

This is the second part of a two-part series. Don’t miss How to Edit a Scene of a Novel, Part 1 for twelve more scene editing questions.

Want a quick reference guide to all eighteen questions from this episode and the last one? Download the Scene Edit Questionnaire at alicesudlow.com/sceneedit.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Download the Scene Edit Questionnaire: alicesudlow.com/sceneedit
• Ep. 8: What Is a Scene? The Ultimate Guide to Write and Edit Amazing Scenes
• Ep. 9: 5 Essential Questions to Find the Most Important Event in a Scene
• Ep. 10: How This Scene Works: Looking for Alaska by John Green
• Ep. 11: How to Edit a Scene of a Novel, Part 1
• The first scene of UNDER THE WHISPERING DOOR by T. J. Klune
• The first scene of LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green
• The

Send me a Text Message!

Want my support in your revision?

In Story Clarity, we’ll work one-on-one to sharpen your story’s structure and craft a revision plan that works. If you’re ready for thoughtful, personalized feedback from an editor who gets what you’re trying to do, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

Get started by telling me about your story here.

Support the show

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »