Action verses Plot: Crafting Compelling Narratives

Ever felt like your story's stuck in a rut, despite all the action-packed scenes? You're not alone. Creating drama doesn't automatically mean your plot's moving forward.

​Scott Eyman, a film critic, once said, "Action has become confused with movement." He nailed it. It's like mistaking a car chase for actual plot development. Ouch.

Sometimes, you've gotta be ruthless. If a scene doesn't serve your plot, it's time to bid it adieu. Faulkner said it best: sometimes, you gotta "kill your babies." Brutal, but true.

And it's not just about dialogue or exposition. Even the most action-packed scenes can fall flat if they're not pushing the story forward. In books, just like in movies, pointless scenes leave us scratching our heads.

But here's the kicker: filmmakers have it easy. They can fix a scene with a few edits. In a novel, a lull can cost you readers. That's why every word must propel the plot forward.
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Bottom line? Cut the fluff, focus on the plot. It's tough love, but your story will thank you for it.