Transitions occur frequently in plot, and techniques to make them seamless may sometimes trip us up. The more complex transitions also take the character (and the reader) to and from location, tempo, characters, tone or mood, and POV, they also move them from different points in time. Move a Future Scene into the Present: Not to be confused with foretelling or foreshadowing, this is an excellent technique that can eliminate overwriting and increase pace while preparing the reader for what might come later. However, use sparingly! To do this, you write the scene from the future before the situation arises. Example: An employee has trouble with the boss, who has warned him many times before about his performance. The scene starts with the character imagining what both he and boss will say. Write the dialogue, emotions and reactions. Projection into the future as he imagines getting fired. Then later on, when the firing takes place, you don't have to rewrite the scene, just refer to it when employee is cleaning out locker. Make this type of transition do double duty during a time of conflict. Delayed Past Events: This technique keeps the reader guessing about character motivation and to find answers to present dilemma that exist only in the past. You insert periodic references to an important experience or situation that must eventually be disclosed…. But not yet... This transitional effect needs precise timing to keep reader guessing without getting frustrated: Devise series of critical situations over course of the plot As each is resolved, another is waiting Situations held in reserve until dramatic interval reached, then resolved Options: Vital event occurring just before book opens is one situation Reader knows this event will be revealed but revelation must be held off as long as possible Past event is only referred to. Not even victim remembers the details. Revelation and Action: Then, the critical moment arrives when character faces a serious moral or personal crisis. If character does not do something, all is lost. Now the long delayed secret is revealed in detailed flashback. Drama! Check out more Transitions. Good luck and keep writing! Let me know how these tips work for you. Send me a note via the Contact Me page. Or, you can post a note on my Yahoo message board: Subscribe to bonniehamre Powered by groups.yahoo.com Web Design by Bel Oso Productions All contents Copyright © 1995 - 2007. All rights reserved.