Scenes, part 4 of 4: getting in and getting out

Beginning and ending scenes

Introduction

We’ve talked about how scenes must lead from one to the next in a coherent and causally related progression.

The keys to this are how to start a scene and how to end one.

But let’s begin at the end.

How to end a scene

Scenes should end on a note that makes the reader want to turn the page. Often called a ‘thrust,’ it’s something that pushes the reader into the next scene or chapter to learn what happens next, unable to put the book down.

If a scene fizzles out, ends on a flat note, doesn’t raise the tension, it can be a good place to put the book down, turn off the light, and go to sleep. And maybe not pick it up again if there wasn't anything to drive the reader forward.

Photo by Zohre Nemati on Unsplash

Every scene must have a purpose, and the goal is to push the story forward and raise the reader’s interest in some way.

You want each scene to end on a ‘thrust.’

Thrust

Here are a few ways to end a scene that will help thrust readers forward, turning the page to find out what happens next: