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Jessica Brody, Writing Mastery, and Jordan Rosenfeld

“OMG this course gave me so much clarity and confidence in my writing.” – Brittney H. (Udemy student)

“I wish I had taken her course sooner. Now, I feel more confident. I can't wait to start punching at the keyboard for my first draft.” – Marcelo B. (Udemy student)

Have you ever felt the frustration of pouring your heart into your writing, only to find the words on the page pale in comparison to the vivid story in your mind?

It's like envisioning a breathtaking technicolor sunset, but ending up with a basic black-and-white sketch. Something essential gets lost in translation.

Read more

“OMG this course gave me so much clarity and confidence in my writing.” – Brittney H. (Udemy student)

“I wish I had taken her course sooner. Now, I feel more confident. I can't wait to start punching at the keyboard for my first draft.” – Marcelo B. (Udemy student)

Have you ever felt the frustration of pouring your heart into your writing, only to find the words on the page pale in comparison to the vivid story in your mind?

It's like envisioning a breathtaking technicolor sunset, but ending up with a basic black-and-white sketch. Something essential gets lost in translation.

If this resonates with you, you're not alone. It's a common struggle for writers at all levels.

Here's why: Most writing advice focuses on either the big picture (like plot and character arcs) or the minute details (like word choice and sentence structure). But they miss the crucial middle ground where the real magic of storytelling happens:

The scene.

This realization inspired us to collaborate with scene-writing expert Jordan Rosenfeld, author of bestselling craft books like Make a Scene and Writing Deep Scenes, to create this game-changing course.

Whether you're crafting novels, short stories, memoirs, or narrative non-fiction, this course will elevate your scene-writing skills to new heights.

What makes this course unique? 

  • Step-by-step strategies for writing powerful, dynamic scenes

  • Practical templates you can use again and again

  • Insightful tips drawn from years of writing experience

  • Illuminating examples from popular novels

Here's your step-by-step roadmap to mastering scene writing:

  1. Start with our "Starter Scene" writing prompt to assess your current skills

  2. Discover the essential components of great scenes with our Basic Scene Design Checklist

  3. Enhance your scenes using the three most impactful tools: Emotion, Pacing, and Subtext

  4. Practice combining all your new skills to write an enhanced scene from scratch

  5. Learn the art of seamlessly transitioning between scenes to create a cohesive, unforgettable story

As you progress, you'll revise your Starter Scene using your newly acquired skills, so you can see your progress unfold on the page. By the end, you'll have transformed it into a polished, engaging scene that shines.

As the course progresses, you’ll be revising your Starter Scene using all your newly acquired skills. By the end, you’ll have revised it into a well-structured, engaging scene that shines.

Plus, you’ll have a before-and-after snapshot to clearly see your evolution from writer to Scene Crafting Master.

Don't let another writing session end in frustration. Unlock the power of scene writing and watch your stories come to life.

Enroll now and start your journey to becoming a Scene Crafting Master today.

What Students are Saying: “So much great info and fabulous tips for making my scenes the best they can be. I'm thrilled to have these new tools in my writing tool box to make the novel I'm working on even better. ” – Julie R."I love the fact I have come away with a checklist that neatens up my planning templates and helps focus my mind. This will save me time and energy moving forward." -Zoe J."This course is wonderful. After completing the course, I feel so confident in my writing abilities now." -Manda S."[This course] caused me to rewrite my opening several times until I now believe I "Got It Right". I read it and go "Wow, I actually wrote this."  -Fred H."This is one of the best courses I have ever taken. Clear explanation and instruction. Of course it is not easy to write a really good scene but it feels a lot easier after this course." -Inga"This is truly an excellent course. There is so much to be learned and the writing prompts and exercises are key to mastering the skills Jordan works so hard to impart. There were many revelations in this course for me." - Peter A.

Why Learn from Us?

Jordan Rosenfeld is the author of the forthcoming novel Fallout (Running Wild Press), Women in Red, Forged in Grace, and six books on the craft of writing, most recently How to Write a Page-Turner, the bestselling Make a Scene, Writing the Intimate Character, A Writer’s Guide to Persistence, Writing Deep Scenes and Write Free. Her freelance articles and essays have been published in hundreds of publications, including The Atlantic, The New York Times, Scientific American, Writer’s Digest Magazine, The Washington Post, and many more. She is also a freelance manuscript editor and ghostwriter, and she's packed this course with all her knowledge of scene writing to help make your stories a success.Jessica Brody is a bestselling author, top-rated Udemy instructor with over 60,000 students, and founder of Writing Mastery. She is the author of more than 20 novels plus Save the Cat. Writes a Novel, the #1 bestselling plotting guide for novelists.Writing Mastery only partners with the most qualified writing instructors to bring you high-quality courses you can trust.

In fact, we guarantee it with a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee.

We are confident you’ll love this course. But if, for any reason, you don’t, we’ll give you a full refund.

Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your fiction writing.

Enroll now and start crafting scenes that will captivate your readers and bring your stories to life.

7 stars.

"Just, WOW. FULL of tips, tricks, resources, references, and actionable steps" - Tracy"Superb. Clear and engaging - Dan"Thorough, accurate, and well-presented I would recommend Jessica Brody’s courses to any writer eager to rise." - Mark"Very informative and well worth the time and cost." - Noel"Clear, concise, & well-narrated with an abundance of enthusiasm." - Christopher"This course is worth far more than the price of admission. " - Talmage"If you write (or plan to write), get this course" - Scott"I have learned so much information that has helped me in the writing process." - Christy"Good pacing, great tools, wonderful ideas... loving this course. " - Regina"Love the videos. Very easy to understand and lots of great tips. " - Lisa

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Identify and apply the six key components of great scenes
  • Hook readers from the first line with expert scene launch techniques
  • Create irresistible momentum through the heart of your scenes
  • Build and release tension like a pro
  • End scenes in ways that leave readers craving more
  • Infuse your scenes with authentic emotion using "character cues"
  • Master the art of pacing to keep readers engaged
  • Add depth to your scenes with subtext
  • Confidently craft compelling stories, scene by scene

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome and What to Expect
How This Course Works
Download the Scene Crafter's Workbook
Read more
Exercise: Write Your Starter Scene
Basic Scene Design
What is a Scene?
Full Scene Example #1
Introduction to Basic Scene Design
The Launch
The Middle
The Dramatic Moment
The Ending
Exercise: Analyze Example #2
Extra Exercise: Analyze More Scenes
Exercise: Revise Your Starter Scene
Enhancing Your Scenes with Emotion
Introduction to Emotions & Character Cues
Physical Action Cues
Sensory Cues
Image Cues
Dialogue Cues
Thought Cues
Other Character Cues
Exercise: Emotion Practice Round
Enhancing Your Scenes with Pacing
Introduction to Pacing
Pacing Killers that Bore the Reader
Pacing Killers that Rush the Reader
Exercise: Pacing Practice Round #1 - Speed Things Up
Exercise: Pacing Practice Round #2 - Slow Things Down
Enhancing Your Scenes with Subtext
Introduction to Subtext
Subtext Through Imagery
Subtext Through Character Behavior
Subtext Through Dialogue
Subtext Through Setting
Subtext Through Withholding
Exercise: Subtext Practice Round
Putting it All Together
Exercise: Enhance Your Starter Scene
Exercise: Write a New Enhanced Scene
Connecting Scenes Together
How Scenes Connect
Exercise: Continue the Story!
Wrapping Up
Final Words of Advice
BONUS LECTURE

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Scene by Scene: The Secret to Writing Unforgettable Fiction with these activities:
Review Basic Story Structure
Reinforce your understanding of basic story structure to provide a solid foundation for crafting effective scenes.
Browse courses on Story Structure
Show steps
  • Review the elements of a story arc: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
  • Study examples of well-structured stories in various genres.
  • Outline the story structure of a favorite novel or movie.
Read 'Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft' by Janet Burroway
Gain a broader understanding of fiction writing techniques to complement your scene-writing skills.
View Writing Fiction on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the sections on scene construction, character development, and plot.
  • Complete the exercises related to scene writing.
  • Reflect on how the concepts discussed in the book relate to the course material.
Read 'Scene & Structure' by Jack M. Bickham
Deepen your understanding of scene construction and its relationship to overall narrative structure.
Show steps
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and techniques.
  • Apply the principles discussed in the book to analyze scenes from your own writing or from published works.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Analyze Scenes from Favorite Novels
Solidify your understanding of scene elements by dissecting successful scenes from published novels.
Show steps
  • Choose 3-5 scenes from novels you admire.
  • Identify the launch, middle, dramatic moment, and ending of each scene.
  • Analyze how emotion, pacing, and subtext are used in each scene.
  • Write a short report summarizing your findings for each scene.
Create a Scene Checklist
Reinforce your understanding of the key elements of a successful scene by creating your own checklist.
Show steps
  • Review the course materials and identify the most important elements of a scene.
  • Create a checklist with specific questions to ask yourself when writing or revising a scene.
  • Use the checklist to evaluate scenes from your own writing or from published works.
Write Scene Openings
Improve your ability to hook readers by practicing writing compelling scene openings.
Show steps
  • Choose a variety of prompts or scenarios.
  • Write 5-10 different opening paragraphs for each prompt.
  • Focus on creating intrigue and establishing the scene's setting and tone.
Rewrite a Short Story Scene by Scene
Apply the course's principles to a larger project by rewriting an existing short story, focusing on improving each scene.
Show steps
  • Select a short story you've written previously.
  • Analyze each scene in the story, identifying areas for improvement.
  • Rewrite each scene, focusing on emotion, pacing, and subtext.
  • Ensure smooth transitions between scenes.
  • Review the rewritten story and make final edits.

Career center

Learners who complete Scene by Scene: The Secret to Writing Unforgettable Fiction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Fiction Writer
A fiction writer crafts engaging narratives. This course on scene writing helps fiction writers master a core element of storytelling. By understanding scene design, incorporating emotion, pacing, and subtext, a fiction writer can create unforgettable scenes. The exercises in this course, such as revising a starter scene and writing enhanced scenes, offer practical ways to hone scene-writing skills and develop a compelling narrative voice. These are crucial traits for a fiction writer. The course's focus on identifying and applying the key components of great scenes can help a fiction writer elevate their craft.
Playwright
Playwrights write scripts for stage productions. This course is helpful for a playwright to enhance their scene writing. The ability to craft powerful and dynamic scenes is essential. This specific course emphasizes step-by-step strategies for writing in this manner, as well as practical templates. The focus on understanding the essential components of great scenes, such as pacing and subtext, equips a playwright with the ability to create compelling narratives. The course's exercises help one master transitions between scenes to create a cohesive story.
Screenwriter
Screenwriters develop scripts for films and television. The ability to craft powerful and dynamic scenes is essential for any screenwriter. This course emphasizes step-by-step strategies for writing in this way, as well as practical templates. The focus on understanding the essential components of great scenes, such as pacing and subtext, equips a screenwriter with the ability to create compelling and visually engaging narratives. The included exercises help a screenwriter master transitions between scenes to create a cohesive story. For a screenwriter, the course may be invaluable.
Novelist
A novelist writes long-form stories. This course helps a novelist write unforgettable fiction, by focusing on scene writing. The course helps novelists master essential components of great scenes and seamlessly transition between them. The instruction around creating irresistible momentum, building tension, and ending scenes that leave readers wanting more is particularly relevant to the work of a novelist. The course helps a novelist build pacing, authentic emotion, and subtext into their work. Writing Mastery partners with qualified writing instructors to bring high-quality courses you can trust.
Video Game Writer
Video game writers develop the narrative, dialogue, and characters within video games. This course will help a video game writer craft compelling, interactive stories through scene writing. The course provides the skills to master the essential components of great scenes and seamlessly transition between them. The instruction around incorporating emotion, pacing, and subtext is particularly relevant to the work of a video game writer, as it allows them to create immersive and engaging worlds. The course's focus on identifying key scene components can help a video game writer elevate their script.
Short Story Writer
A short story writer crafts concise, impactful narratives. This course will help a short story writer generate emotional connection with an audience. Given the shorter format, every scene must make a significant impact. The course emphasizes strategies for writing powerful, dynamic scenes, along with practical templates that can be used again and again. The techniques discussed in this course enable a short story writer to develop a piece that is emotional, tightly paced, and full of meaning. The course's illuminating examples from popular novels may inspire a short story writer.
Creative Writing Teacher
Creative Writing Teachers educate others about the art and craft of writing. This course on scene writing helps creative writing teachers expand their knowledge. By understanding scene design, incorporating emotion, pacing, and subtext, a creative writing teacher can convey this to students. The exercises in this course, such as revising a starter scene and writing enhanced scenes, offer ways to hone scene-writing skills and develop a compelling narrative voice. These are crucial teaching traits. Students have described the course as having clear explanation and instruction.
Podcast Script Writer
Podcast script writers develop the narratives and dialogue for audio programs. This course helps a podcast script writer generate emotional connection with an audience. Each scene must make a significant impact. The course emphasizes strategies for writing powerful, dynamic scenes, along with practical templates. The techniques discussed in this course enable a writer to develop a piece that is emotional, tightly paced, and full of meaning. The course's examples may inspire a podcast script writer.
Memoirist
A memoirist writes about their own personal experiences. This course may help a memoirist craft compelling scenes from their past. The course's focus on emotion empowers a memoirist to bring their memories to life on the page. The course's practical templates and step-by-step strategies for writing powerful, dynamic scenes may be helpful for a memoirist. The instruction around seamlessly transitioning between scenes can help them create a cohesive and unforgettable story. The course emphasizes the importance of identifying and applying the key components of great scenes.
Narrative Nonfiction Writer
A narrative nonfiction writer tells true stories using fiction-writing techniques, with a strong narrative structure. This course may help a narrative nonfiction writer use scene writing to enhance the impact of a piece. The techniques taught in this course enable a narrative nonfiction writer to create immersive scenes packed with emotion, pacing, and subtext. The course's focus on identifying and applying the key components of great scenes can help a narrative nonfiction writer elevate their craft. The course's practical templates can be used again and again.
Content Writer
A content writer creates written material for websites. While the focus of the course is on fiction, the skills learned may prove transferable to nonfiction. The techniques taught in this course can help a content writer use scene writing to enhance the impact of a piece. When the goal is to engage a reader, techniques like identifying and applying the key components of great scenes may be useful. Practical templates can be used again and again. This course helps a content writer bring emotion, pacing, and subtext into their work.
Book Editor
Book editors work with authors to prepare their manuscripts for publication. This course on scene writing helps book editors expand their knowledge. By understanding scene design, incorporating emotion, pacing, and subtext, a book editor can convey this to authors. The exercises in this course, such as revising a starter scene and writing enhanced scenes, offer ways to hone scene-writing skills and develop a compelling narrative lens. This will enhance the book editor's expertise. The course emphasizes the most important components of great scenes.
Copywriter
Copywriters produce marketing and promotional materials. While the focus of the course is on fiction, the skills learned may prove transferable to nonfiction. The techniques taught in this course can help a copywriter use scene writing and storytelling to enhance the impact of a piece. When the goal is to engage and persuade a reader, techniques like identifying and applying the key components of great scenes may be useful. Practical templates can be used again and again. This course helps a copywriter bring emotion, pacing, and subtext into their work.
Developmental Editor
A developmental editor works with writers to improve the structure and content of their manuscripts. This course on scene writing helps developmental editors identify areas for improvement in a writer's work. By understanding scene design, emotion, pacing, and subtext, a developmental editor can provide valuable feedback. The exercises in this course, such as revising a starter scene and writing enhanced scenes, offer a different lens and useful tips. This will enhance the developmental editor's expertise. The course is a helpful tool for a developmental editor.
Literary Agent
Literary agents represent writers and sell their work to publishers. An understanding of strong scene writing may help a literary agent identify promising manuscripts. This course may hone a literary agent's eye for well-crafted scenes. With this background, a literary agent may be better able to assess a manuscript's potential and provide constructive feedback to their clients. The course emphasizes strategies for writing powerful, dynamic scenes, along with highlighting the key components of great scenes. The course is a tool to empower a literary agent.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Scene by Scene: The Secret to Writing Unforgettable Fiction.
Provides a deep dive into the mechanics of scene construction and how scenes contribute to the overall structure of a novel. It offers practical advice on crafting compelling scenes with clear objectives, conflict, and resolution. 'Scene & Structure' valuable resource for understanding how to build a strong narrative foundation. It is often used as a textbook in creative writing programs.
This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of fiction writing, including scene construction, character development, plot, and dialogue. It provides a broad overview of narrative techniques and offers practical exercises to improve your writing skills. While not solely focused on scenes, it provides a strong foundation for understanding how scenes fit into the larger narrative. is commonly used as a textbook in university-level creative writing courses.

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