Your scenes feel flat? Here’s why — and how to fix it in 15 minutes, on the page.
I’m breaking down Scene & Sequel on the whiteboard using my CARE formula (Character, Action, Reaction, Emotional Impact) — plus the Jenga-tower way to stack mini-scenes so every page turns with hope and despair.
You’ll see Chapter 4 of my current novel on the page: Mike’s goal to get the kids to a barbecue keeps getting blocked, and every mini-action → reaction → emotional hit makes things worse until he finally connects. That’s how you build tension scene after scene.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 What is Scene & Sequel? (Why it feels confusing)
0:33 The Jenga Tower: Scenes as layers
1:13 Action vs. Reaction (and why reaction forces the next action)
2:05 Scene goals must feed the book goal
3:04 Tension = Hope & Despair on every page
4:01 My CARE Formula: Character, Action, Reaction, Emotional Impact
4:40 Mini-scene 1: The pickle jar curse + Ellie calls him out
6:11 “Dude, not Dad” — Mike’s failure as a father
8:16 “You always leave” — the gut punch
10:16 Bending down to Jenny’s level: kiddo/Elle
12:32 “Where I go, you guys go — I promise” (hope + despair)
13:50 The Sequel: ice thaws a bit, Jenny leads Elle
WATCH NEXT
How I analyze a Scene start to finish: https://youtu.be/4IXMKMLyUO4
How to Make Your Book Unforgettable: https://youtu.be/uhDeKzGRCus
Do This to Write a Stronger Plot: https://youtu.be/sbtadjvRUq4
📚 GET THE BOOK: Writing Compelling Fiction: https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Fundamentals-Unforgettable/dp/B09HFX1HFC
Workbook & Planner: https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Workbook-Authority/dp/B0D65RWQL4
🎓 COURSES & FREE RESOURCES
Writer’s Boot Camp (12 weeks, code YOUTUBE 10% off): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/boot-camp
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FREE Character Planning Guide: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/create-believable-characters
FREE Plot Plan Guide: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/emotional-storytelling-plot-plan
Free Community: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/communities/writing-compelling-fiction-academy
👩🏫 About Me: I’m Shirley Jump — NYT, USA Today, Amazon, Publishers Weekly & WSJ bestselling author of 87 books in 24 countries (HarperCollins & Hachette). I’ve written hybrid traditional + indie. On this channel we literally write the book together.
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