Comments on: How to Write Powerful Scenes that Engage Your Readers

By: Lynette M. Burrows

Lynette M. Burrows — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 03:19:48 +0000

In reply to Lissa Johnston. You’re welcome, Lissa. And you’re right. Keeping readers engaged is what we all want and this is one way to do that.

By: Lissa Johnston

Lissa Johnston — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:33:05 +0000

Thank you for this deep dive on how to generate a quality component of the story. If we include these integral pieces, we can avoid the dreaded 'so what?' reaction that often results in the reader setting aside the book.

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:28:41 +0000

In reply to Diana Stout. Thanks, Diana! I appreciate it deeply.

By: Diana Stout

Diana Stout — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 22:10:16 +0000

A masterful writing of Dwight Swain's "scene and sequel" methodology. I've never seen it described using the greater-than symbol. I have a visual that I use, and I use it all the time. It helps clarify how we perform and react in a precise order. Swain identifying this order knocked it out of the park! Well done explaining it all.

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 16:01:13 +0000

In reply to Tinthia Clemant. Thanks. Sounds like you do get it, Tinthia. If you feel uncertain the next time you analyze one of your scenes, you can always refer back to this post.

By: Tinthia Clemant

Tinthia Clemant — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 13:44:23 +0000

Great post. Great Explanation. Me: goal --> understand Scene-Sequal; Conflict --> Explanations don't make sense; Disaster --> Still lost in the woods; Reaction --> I will try to find a coherent explanation;Choices --> Two articles to choose from; Desicion--> I choose your article and bingo, I get it! I think. 😂

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:27:21 +0000

In reply to Jackie Rod. Thank you Jackie! You are right. We all need to ask that question of ourselves at the end of our scenes.

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:26:20 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen. You are welcome, scene-writer Jenny. *Smile*

By: Jackie Rod

Jackie Rod — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:31:27 +0000

Thanks for the great information, Lynette. I like "scenes as muscles for the story." Next, I love the question at the end of the post that all writers should ask themselves.

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:43:04 +0000

So much THIS --> If story structure is the beating heart of a story, scenes are the muscles that make it move.

I am a scene writer, so this post will keep me happy all weekend long!

Many thanks...