The Sequel follows after a Scene. (note last week’s post)

It has three parts: Reaction, Dilemma, and Decision.

A Scene ends on a Disaster. To my liking, that term is a little strong. However, it does need to end with a cliffhanger…a setback…an emotionally-charged sentence, or paragraph, which entices the reader to turn the page and READ MORE.

However, if we write scene after scene, starting with new goals and new setbacks, our readers are left with their heads swimming and nothing resolved.

We must provide a little down time in order to let our readers recover.

Thus, follows the reaction, the first of the three parts of the SEQUEL:

Reaction: This is the emotional follow-through to a Disaster. Your POV character is shown reacting…hurting… weeping.     

Dilemma: This is a situation with no good options. Readers worry and wonder what will happen next while you let your POV character work through the choices and sort things out. Finally, he considers what he feels to be the best option.

Decision: This is the act of making a choice among several options. Your POV character becomes proactive again.

So make your character’s decision one your reader can respect. One that has a chance of working out. With a new goal, now the reader is compelled to turn the page, yet again.

You’ve gone from Scene to Sequel and back to the Goal for a new Scene.

A Scene leads naturally to a Sequel, which leads naturally to a new Scene, and so on until you end the cycle by giving your POV character the Ultimate Victory!

THE END