What happens next? is the question we all want to inspire (in breathless tones) from our readers. But in order for something to happen next, something has to happen to begin with.

At first glance, that’s a no-brainer, but it’s actually ridiculously easy to write scene after scene in which one big fat stinking hunk of nothin’ happens. In fact, it’s possible to write an entire novel in which nothing happens—although significantly less possible to get said novel published.

7 Types of Scene in Which Nothing Happens

Let’s take a look at some signs your scene may be more of the nothin’ sort than the happenin’ sort.

1. The Daily Routine Scene

Occasional detailed descriptions of a character’s daily routine can be both interesting and edifying, but too often this is a stalling technique on the part of an author who is still getting to know the character and/or doesn’t yet know what’s supposed to happen next.

2. The Backstory Scene

Backstory is a crucial part of any novel, but it must be wielded skillfully so it shares information only when and as it becomes necessary. For example, a scene explaining your characters’ job history as they arrive at their current workplace is probably not only unnecessary, but also a sign not much is hopping at the current workplace.

3. The Chitchat Scene

Dialogue is one of the most energetic, conflict-heavy, plot-progressing elements of any story, but it only works if it actually progresses the plot. Two characters passing the time of day and exchanging niceties that are boring enough in real life, never mind fiction, should inspire a magnetic pull between the author’s forefinger and the delete button.

4. The Too-Much Description Scene

Description is a good thing—a very, very good thing—since the description of characters and settings are the only medium through which readers can view and interpret the story. But too much of a good thing is still too much. A scene that focuses primarily on description is a scene in which you can almost guarantee not much is happening.

5. The Pointless Monologue Scene

The character’s extended thoughts, told via narrative, must always have a point, must always drive the plot forward. If all your character is doing is musing about the fact that she really should replace her chipped nail polish or that his latest customer is the 113th person in a row to order a chai latte—it’s probably a sign not much is happening in your scene.

6. The Been-There-Done-That Scene

Repetitive scenes are easy traps to fall into, especially since authors often forget what they’ve already written and what they haven’t. But once you’ve established your character’s modus operandi as a safe-cracker, you don’t need to go over it again, in detail, in a subsequent scene.

7. The “Just Killing Time” Scene

“Sequel” scenes, in which characters take a breather from the nonstop action, are a vital part of pacing. But it’s just as vital that these scenes move the plot forward. Don’t let characters sit around rehashing their tough day or staring at the cracks in the ceiling. Make sure their actions and dialogue continue to move the plot forward.

If you can keep something happening in all your scenes, you’re sure to keep readers glued to every single page!

>>Click here to read more posts in the Most Common Writing Mistakes Series.

Wordplayers, tell me your opinions! What’s happening in your current scene? Tell me in the comments!

Click the “Play” button to Listen to Audio Version (or subscribe to the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast in Apple Podcast or Amazon Music).

___

Love Helping Writers Become Authors? You can now become a patron. (Huge thanks to those of you who are already part of my Patreon family!)