STOP Writing Scenes Until You Know the LAMB Method!

Summary

Nancy Lamb’s 10-step method for writing compelling scenes focuses on maintaining reader engagement and building tension. Key techniques include avoiding dead-end scenes, using 'forwarding devices' like new information or decisions, and creating obstacles that move the story forward. Lamb emphasizes the importance of credibility, cause and effect, and clear motivations for characters. She also stresses the need to raise stakes and simplify scenes to keep them focused. This method provides writers with practical tools to craft scenes that drive a story forward, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid dead ends: Ensure each scene leaves the reader eager to continue with a forwarding device, such as new information, a decision not yet acted upon, or a new complication.
• 😀 Two steps forward, one step back: After overcoming an obstacle, introduce a new one to maintain tension and keep the story progressing.
• 😀 Maintain credibility: Set up surprising or extraordinary events early in the story to prepare the reader, making them more believable when they occur.
• 😀 Create credible motivation: Characters must have clear, believable motivations for their actions, and sometimes these motivations can be disguised to create suspense.
• 😀 Honor the law of cause and effect: Events in a scene must be linked by clear cause-and-effect relationships to make the story feel logical and engaging.
• 😀 Keep your eye on the goal: Every scene should move the reader closer to the climax or overall resolution of the story, with a clear contribution to the plot.
• 😀 Remind the reader of the central conflict: Don’t let the central conflict disappear for too long—keep it at the forefront to avoid confusing the reader.
• 😀 Conjure up interesting obstacles: Present obstacles that aren’t easily solved within the same scene to maintain tension and engage the reader.
• 😀 Raise the stakes: As the story progresses, continually make the stakes higher, increasing the consequences and tension of the scene.
• 😀 Simplify your scenes: Trim unnecessary characters and details to keep scenes focused and help the reader easily follow the key elements of the story.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of a scene in storytelling?

The primary goal of a scene is to get the reader excited to read the next scene. A dead-end scene, which fails to excite the reader or provide something to look forward to, should be avoided.

What is a forwarding device, and can you give examples?

A forwarding device is a plot element that entices the reader to keep reading. Examples include new information, an unacted decision, or a new complication. For instance, in 'Game of Thrones,' the revelation that dragon eggs can hatch sparks curiosity about the next part of the story.

What does the 'two steps forward, one step backward' principle mean in scene writing?

It means that after a character overcomes an obstacle, another one should be introduced to maintain tension and keep the story moving. For example, in 'Where the Crawdads Sing,' after the character’s relationship improves, she faces the new obstacle of being accused of murder.

How can a writer maintain credibility in their scenes?

Credibility is maintained by laying the groundwork for surprising events in earlier scenes, so they feel believable. For example, in 'Stranger Things,' Eleven's early demonstration of psychokinetic powers is subtle, which makes her later, grander feats more credible.

What is credible motivation, and why is it important?

Credible motivation refers to providing characters with clear reasons for their actions. In 'The Great Gatsby,' Gatsby's nervousness and actions are driven by his love for Daisy. Without this motivation, his actions wouldn't make sense.

Can you explain the 'law of cause and effect' in storytelling?

The law of cause and effect means that events in a story should be connected logically. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice,' Mr. Darcy's insulting proposal causes Elizabeth to reject him, and this cause-and-effect relationship drives the story forward.

What should a writer consider when creating a scene in relation to the story's overall goal?

Each scene should contribute toward the overall goal of the story, typically leading to the climax and the resolution. If a scene can be removed without affecting the storyline, it might need revision or removal.

How can a writer remind the reader of the central conflict?

The central conflict should remain present throughout the story to avoid disorienting the reader. For example, in 'Breaking Bad,' Walter White's journey is defined by the question of whether he is doing his criminal activities for his family or for power.

What role do obstacles play in scene writing, and how should they be handled?

Obstacles create tension and should not be solved immediately. For example, in 'The Hunger Games,' Katniss faces dehydration and must search for water. The solution to obstacles should be engaging and sometimes require the character to think critically.

What is the importance of raising the stakes in a scene?

Raising the stakes makes the scene feel more consequential and intense. For example, in 'Gone Girl,' Amy discovers her husband is cheating, but the stakes are raised when she reveals that the same gestures he used on her are now being used on his new girlfriend.

How can simplifying a scene, particularly by reducing the number of characters, improve the narrative?

Simplifying a scene by cutting unnecessary characters can focus the reader’s attention on the key elements of the scene. It can also help avoid confusion and make the plot clearer. For example, in 'Harry Potter,' a character like Pyrites was removed to streamline the narrative.