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Q&A Problem: Scenes that are unavoidable, but boring

In addition to the always wise advice to omit the boring parts... Summarize the boring parts in a short paragraph. Maybe simply refer to them in passing. Complicate the terms of the negotiation u...

posted 11y ago by Dale Hartley Emery‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

Answer
#3: Attribution notice added by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-08T03:11:25Z (almost 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/9390
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision by user avatar Dale Hartley Emery‭ · 2019-12-08T03:11:25Z (almost 5 years ago)
In addition to the always wise advice to omit the boring parts...

- Summarize the boring parts in a short paragraph. Maybe simply refer to them in passing.
- Complicate the terms of the negotiation until the negotiation becomes interesting.
- Add conflicts or problems until the scene becomes interesting. These conflicts need not be related to the subject of the negotiation.
- Add a ticking clock. The ticking clock need not be directly related to the subject of the negotiation.
- Disable the viewpoint character in some way, such as by distraction, injury, fatigue, urgent concerns elsewhere, or some other condition that diminishes the character's abilities.
- Increase the stakes of the negotiation.
- Complicate the relationships among the negotiating parties. Ex spouse. Former boss. Parent or child. The guy who shot the viewpoint character's father and got away with it.
#1: Imported from external source by user avatar System‭ · 2013-11-13T22:36:41Z (almost 11 years ago)
Original score: 9