Episode 256: Assembling the Skeleton - Showing, Telling and Cutting Out Scenes in Speculative Fiction

It may sound counterintuitive, especially to newer writers, but leaving scenes out actually makes your book stronger and more engaging. So how do work out what to cut or which darlings to murder, whilst still meeting your audience's expectations? This week Jules and Madeleine take an in depth look at how to put together 'good bones' for a book - a skeleton that will hold the story you want to tell. From the throughline (both individual novel and series) to character arcs, child arcs and the anatomy of a scene, the dragons will discuss how to structure a story without losing your sense of direction. Under the microscope this week - Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Game of Thrones and many more.

 

Title Music: Ecstasy by Smiling Cynic