In a post on Writers Helping Writers, Christina Delay offers advice on adding intense scenes in your story. “Whether it’s a gripping fight, a romantic encounter that leaves hearts racing, or an emotional moment that hits readers hard, these scenes pull readers in and keep them hooked,” she says. Some techniques include:
- Fight Scenes. Fight scenes create high stakes, but some writers focus too much on the physical elements. “To keep things gripping, focus on what’s at stake and how the characters internally react to the fight,” Delay writes. “Don’t overcomplicate things with unnecessary details—keep the action clear and immediate.”
- Romantic Scenes. Romantic scenes also benefit from a focus on emotional connection, rather than a physical play by play. “A well-written romantic scene doesn’t need to scream its intensity—it should evoke the tension and vulnerability in the moment,” Delay says. “You can show the tension and vulnerability through small gestures and understated emotions.”
- High-Emotion Scenes. Emotional moments work better when you build up to them with smaller actions, bits of dialogue, and silences. “Jumping straight into high emotions can feel jarring, so it’s important to let the tension simmer,” Delay writes.
- Decision Scenes. Difficult situations create high stakes and internal struggle, putting pressure on your character when they have to make a tough decision. “To capture this well, use short, sharp sentences and show the character’s thought process without over-explaining their feelings,” Delay adds.
“Trust your readers to understand the emotions without spelling everything out,” Delay writes. “Remember, not every moment has to be high-energy. Sometimes, quiet moments of reflection or tension make the intense parts stand out even more.”
