#74: When Should You Write in Scene vs. Summary? Artwork

Fiction Writing Made Easy

How do I write a book? How do I create compelling characters that readers will love? How do I build a believable world for my story? What does it even mean to write a story that works? Do you have any writing tips? These are just some of the big questions that developmental editor and book coach, Savannah Gilbo, digs into on the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast. Each week, Savannah shares actionable tools, tips, and strategies that will help you write, edit, and publish your book. So, whether you're brand new to writing, or a seasoned author looking to improve your craft, this podcast is for you!

All Episodes

Fiction Writing Made Easy

#74: When Should You Write in Scene vs. Summary?

November 29, 2022 • Savannah Gilbo • Episode 74

In today's episode, I’m covering the difference between writing in scene versus writing in summary. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[01:45] Scenes are concrete moments that unfold in real time. Readers “watch” the characters move across the setting, interact with other characters or the setting, and speak as if everything’s taking place in the real world, in real time.

[02:55] Summaries happen over a condensed period of time (days, months, years, etc.). They convey ideas, concepts, and information rather than create specific experiences that a character (and readers) are “living through” in that moment.

[04:20] An example from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

[07:30] An example from Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (trigger warning: a dead body)

[10:55] Top 3 guidelines for when you should write in scene

[12:20] Top three guidelines for when you should write in summary

[16:15] Do not get hung up on this when writing your first draft! Your main job when writing a first draft is to get to THE END–worry about scene vs. summary later.

[16:45] Key points and episode recap

Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know what your favorite part of the episode was, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

Ep. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured Scene (article)
How to Write Better Scenes (workshop)

👉 Click here to get access to the FREE limited-episode podcast series "Write Your Book In 2025." Learn the 3 things you need to write your book in 2025, how to silence your inner critic so you can write confidently, practical strategies for finding time to write (even when life's busy), and my clear roadmap from idea to finished draft.

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

People on this episode

Savannah Gilbo

Host