So much of writing advice that deals with plot is focused on some kind of action–confrontations, betrayals, suspense, etc. I chose this photo because it’s quiet. Where would you place this scene in a plot?
I think it could anywhere except the beginning. The beginning should always have some kind of action to hook the reader. You could use it to start a story if a rock comes through the window or gloved hands pop out of the darkness on the first page.
But I think this scene would work better in the middle, when the main character has to think over things he’s learned during the course of the story. Or it maybe this character’s mirror moment. This is a scene in the middle of a story described by James Scott Bell in his book, Write Your Novel from the Middle, which I review here.
Or maybe this scene is the wrap up after the climax. The character is coming to some kind of conclusion from what he experienced in the story.
Now it’s your turn. Where would you place this scene in a plot?
Oooh, I like it! I’d use it at the end of the story, especially if the story followed a long section of the man’s life. I think he worked as a prison guard for several decades, and now he just punched out after his last day. Rather than race out the door for his retirement party, he’s taking a few minutes and contemplating the lives he’s worked with during his career.
Wonderful idea! I’ve been involved in mysteries so long that I can’t come up with something as normal as that.
This could be the Dark Moment when he’s gathering his wits and self-worth after a major defeat against his antagonist. It’s his Phoenix rising from the ashes moment.
Great idea! That would be the time to be quiet and think.