How to Write a Compelling Scene

Well-written scenes can imprint themselves upon our souls forever. They make us laugh, cry, or root for the hero. Scene is the element of craft that captures the heart of the reader. Designed for all levels of writers, this session will clarify the difference between narrative summary and scene and present the fundamentals of how to create effective scenes. You will leave with a user-friendly checklist that will help you strengthen your scenes and take charge of your writing.

Susan Pohlman is the founder and director of The Phoenix Writers Network. She is a freelance writer, editor, writing coach, and workshop facilitator based in Phoenix, Arizona. Her essays have been published in a variety of print and online outlets. She is the author of the memoir Halfway to Each Other, the winner of the Relationships category and runner-up in the Memoir category in the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. It was shortlisted for the 2010 Inspy Awards. She is presently working on a second memoir and a MG novel. She has written six short films. The Misadventures of Matilda Mench won best screenplay in the 2010 Baltimore 48 Hour Film Project and the 2010 CINE Golden Eagle Award for best Independent Fiction Short. The Pen won best screenplay in the 2011 Baltimore 48. For more information visit Susan at her website.

This program is supported by the Arizona State Library, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.