Navigating the Craft of Writing: A Review of Scenes and Sequels by Mike Klaassen
When I stumbled upon Scenes and Sequels: How to Write Page-Turning Fiction, I felt a familiar tug—a mix of excitement and curiosity. As someone who has dabbled in writing but often found my narratives faltering mid-plot, I was drawn in by the promise of uncovering the structural secret that keeps readers glued to their pages. Author Mike Klaassen masterfully addresses a question that’s haunted many writers: why do some novels hook readers past midnight, while others fall flat?
At its core, Scenes and Sequels explores the dynamics of narrative structure—namely, how to skillfully blend action and reaction within your storytelling. Klaassen deciphers the often-misunderstood concepts of scenes and sequels, presenting them as complementary forces that together create compelling narratives. A "scene" propels the action forward, while a "sequel" provides the emotional and logical aftermath, grounding your characters in their experiences. The clarity with which he articulates these concepts struck me as both enlightening and invigorating.
Klaassen’s writing style is refreshingly straightforward, stripping away the jargon that often clouds discussions of storytelling mechanics. He moves seamlessly between theoretical discussions and practical advice, ensuring that even novice writers can grasp complex ideas. For me, key passages such as the comparison of “scenes” as goal-driven moments and “sequels” as reflective responses evoked many “aha!” moments. It was like a roadmap appeared, guiding me through the labyrinth of my stories.
What I appreciated most were Klaassen’s insightful examples, particularly his clever use of the Goldilocks story to illustrate the scene/sequel balance. This practical approach made the theory applicable, and I couldn’t help but scribble down notes as I envisioned enhancing my own narratives. The book also includes handy worksheets and a glossary that are more than just afterthoughts; they are tools to help writers implement what they’ve learned right away.
Of course, no book is without its critiques. As some reviewers noted, the tone can feel a bit dry at times, and the emphasis on structure might be intimidating for discovery writers who thrive on spontaneity. However, I found that even those of us who write by the seat of our pants can benefit from understanding the mechanics behind what keeps a story engaging.
Scenes and Sequels is an essential read for writers at any stage—whether you’re a debut author struggling to find your footing or a seasoned pro looking to sharpen your craft. It’s the kind of book that invites you to return again and again, each read offering fresh insights that can breathe new life into your writing journey.
In conclusion, if you’ve ever felt lost in your storytelling, Mike Klaassen’s well-crafted guide might be just what you need to elevate your fiction. I left the pages invigorated, equipped with tools to create narratives that truly resonate—and isn’t that what every writer aspires to do? Whether you’re looking to captivate an audience, refine your skills, or simply find your way through that dreaded writer’s block, this book is bound to be a welcome companion on your creative journey.
You can find Scenes and Sequels: How to Write Page-Turning Fiction (For Fiction Writers) here >>