Eleanor Bertin’s quotes below are from her blog posts on the InScribe Professional Blog on April 7th and 28th, 2025. They are a reminder of how to build a scene. Two questions follow the quotes for your perusal.

Keep in mind that these scene building techniques can apply to nonfiction writing as well!

“Begin with an opening sentence that grabs and holds the reader’s attention. Follow through with a build-up of tension in dialogue and action in the middle. When you craft an ending where the situation blows up and the guests, your readers, wonder where we go from here, you have made your scene.”

“Noting minute details can raise tension, alerting readers to impending disaster or simply a new outlook. Differing points of view, varied and unique settings, and alternating between high action and slower-paced reflective scenes can all contribute to a compelling emotional experience for your readers.”