Scenes, Chapters, and Beats
In visual media, we work with shots, scenes, and sequences to tell a story. A single shot gives one point of view. A series of shots filmed in one location makes up a scene. And a sequence is a number of scenes edited together to tell a story.
In the book world, this translates into scenes, chapters and beats. But what are they exactly? And how do they work together to create a seamless, page-turning narrative?
A scene is the smallest unit of a story where significant actions unfold in real-time. Scenes are self-contained capsules that feature compelling characters doing something meaningful within a specific time and place.
Key Features of a Scene
Time and Space Boundaries: A scene is confined to a single location and timeframe. If the action shifts to a new setting or time, it’s a new scene. Think of it like a movie—whenever the camera moves to a different place, you’re entering a new scene.
Purpose: Each scene should drive the story forward by revealing character, advancing the plot, or building tension.
Real-Time Action: Events in a scene should feel as though they’re happening in the moment, immersing readers in the story.
Scenes are the building blocks of your narrative. When strung together, they create a flow of events that build your plot and connect your characters’ journeys.
Chapters: The Story’s Rhythm
Chapters are structural divisions in your book that group one or more scenes together. They help organize your story and set its pacing.
Whether writing single POV, dual POV, or multi-POV, I treat each chapter like its own mini-story. Each one includes:
A Goal: What the character wants to achieve in this chapter.
Motivation: Why they want it.
Conflict: The obstacle or tension preventing them from achieving their goal.
Each chapter should have a beginning, middle, and end that leaves readers wanting more. The end of a chapter is a natural pause in the narrative, but it should entice readers to turn the page.
Beats: The Obligatory Moments of Genre Fiction
Beats are the obligatory scenes that define your story’s genre. They represent the expected emotional highs, lows, and turning points that readers anticipate.
For example, in a romance novel, certain beats are non-negotiable:
The Meet Cute: Even in a second-chance romance, there’s always a moment when the characters reconnect.
The Dark Moment: When all appears lost, and the relationship gets tested or seems doomed.
The HEA or HFN: Every romance must conclude with a Happily Ever After (HEA) or Happy For Now (HFN), giving readers the emotional payoff they crave.
Every genre and subgenre has its own beats. A thriller has beats like "The Hero at the Mercy of the Villain Speech." A mystery has a Red Herring or the second body drops. Understanding your genre’s beats ensures you’re meeting readers’ expectations.
How Scenes, Chapters, and Beats Work Together
Scenes: The micro-level actions that move your characters through time and space, contributing to the plot.
Chapters: The mid-level organization that groups scenes into digestible, compelling chunks.
Beats: The macro-level structure that ensures your story fits within the conventions of its genre and delivers on its promise to readers.
By understanding and mastering these three elements, you’ll be able to craft a story that flows effortlessly, engages readers, and keeps them turning the pages.
If you like how I break things down you should check out my Page Turner Pacing course. There’s a At Your Own Pace option, a Cohort where you learn with others, and a few One on One slots where you work directly with me. There’s only SEVEN days left in the campaign. Make your decision this week!