I use this as a review when I re-write my scenes. No matter what rewrite I'm on :o)
All Senses: This one I do right away, after the first draft of the scene. For some reason, I always forget the smells.
See (enough setting description?)
Hear (setting sounds other than dialogue?)
Taste (if applicable)
Smell (setting smells, other characters, stinky stuff?)
Touch (characters feeling the setting specifics, texture, weather, etc.)
Technique: I search for the following words. In the first draft, I let it all come out, even the yuck words. Then, these following words I seek and destroy. Add your own. The "find" function on the computer is a wonderful thing. But writer, beware! Don't zap them mercilessly. Every now and then, you just need a "that" or a "had."
Had (can indicate passive language)
ould (would/could/should--use sparingly)
Was (was verbing: "she was running" use instead "she ran.")
That, looked, turned (my personal terrible trio)
Repeat words in close vicinity
It (unidentified pronouns?)
Comma Check
Exposition: This is the dreaded "in the head" stuff that tends to bore readers if there is too much or if it's telling the story instead of the action/dialogue. This is the "show don't tell" rule. But you still need some, IMHO. At least enough to let us into the characters and their motivations.
Too much? Any can be changed to scene?
Delete as much "in the head" as you can
But...still have emotions/feelings in the scene
Transitions: Enough grounding at the top of the scene?
Transition needed from last scene? Or any previous scene?
Character emotion transition from last time we saw them?
Review: Does this scene move the story forward?
Or--does it reveal something about the character the reader doesn't know?
Do I need it?
Exciting? Conflict (either internal or external) Surprise or twist?
Finally: Do scene word count. Decrease words by 10%. (This from one of my favorite authors: Stephen King. Get his book, On Writing , if you haven't already.)
Come by next month when I'll talk about that evil four-letter word, plot.
