These scenes are also useful in crime/mystery books when the detective and their sidekick recap on a case (which helpfully reminds the reader what the evidence is) and where they need to go from there. Equally, it's a good way of sneaking in and building a minor subplot. Perhaps that same detective is also a carer for a parent with dementia so the respite at home, away from the distressing case, isn't as restful as they'd hoped.
I still feel the subplot is a thin line to navigate if the main plot is hugely more interesting. Jack Bauer’s daughter getting herself into trouble while he’s off saving America from terrorists is a good example.
But subtle stuff is fun. I’m talking tv examples again. It was Martin Freeman and I think it was A Confession, but they wonderfully showed his increasing stress levels when he was at home and using his electric toothbrush and it kept lighting up to tell him he was brushing too hard.
Excellent article. It's true those "breathe" scenes are the first to end up on the chopping block, especially when you need to hit a word count.
Thanks so much.
Totally agree. They’re crucial to pacing and always the first to go.
These scenes are also useful in crime/mystery books when the detective and their sidekick recap on a case (which helpfully reminds the reader what the evidence is) and where they need to go from there. Equally, it's a good way of sneaking in and building a minor subplot. Perhaps that same detective is also a carer for a parent with dementia so the respite at home, away from the distressing case, isn't as restful as they'd hoped.
I never thought of the subplot purpose. I love that for building in personal stakes as well. Congrats! You get to write the next article.
More writing? 😆
I still feel the subplot is a thin line to navigate if the main plot is hugely more interesting. Jack Bauer’s daughter getting herself into trouble while he’s off saving America from terrorists is a good example.
But subtle stuff is fun. I’m talking tv examples again. It was Martin Freeman and I think it was A Confession, but they wonderfully showed his increasing stress levels when he was at home and using his electric toothbrush and it kept lighting up to tell him he was brushing too hard.
Definitely can work if it gives us character motivation or personal stakes.