Delete Your Dining Scenes

Hot take: Dining scenes are overdone.

No pun intended.

In all seriousness, it’s time we examine the utility of dining scenes. You know the type: a bunch of characters have been assembled so you can Share the Important Information to everyone all in one go. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these moments are everywhere, and oftentimes, they’re a hallmark of lazy writing. Dining scenes are like putting your characters on an elevator to get from floor one to floor fifty: they’re in close proximity, which provides tension; leaving early causes a problem; and there are likely spectators, people whose presence complicates conversation.

The thing is, these types of scenes are a crutch. They’re an easy way to get a group of characters together in a setting that’s dramatic to leave. How many scenes have you read where someone angrily storms away from a dining table? Or take another example, the family dinner where The Announcement is made (“we’re moving,” “I’m pregnant,” “we’re getting married”). And let’s not forget the proposal dinner. Dining scenes signal to the reader what’s about to happen, which makes that reveal so much less meaningful.

I always encourage fellow writers to make their work unique, whether it’s setting, characters, phrasing, etc. But like beginning a scene with a character waking up, there’s nothing unique about a dinner. Everybody has to eat. So ask yourself, is there another setting I can use that is specific to my story? Maybe your characters are musicians and you can stick them into a practice room. Maybe they’re feuding royals and they end up on a hunting trip together. Maybe they’re space explorers and they get stuck cleaning the escape pod. Whatever it is, pick something that will set your setting apart and make it meaningful. Just please, get away from the dinner table.

OA's New Feature: 'Dear OAbby' Advice Column

Operation Awesome wants to answer your questions about writing, finding an agent, the publication process, and more! Consider this new feature an advice column, with your questions and our answers (when we don't know the answers, we'll collaborate with other writers and publishing professionals to get those answers!).

Send an email to operationawesome6@gmail.com with 'Dear OAbby' Question in the subject line. Feel free to go as much into detail about your situation as you want; we may edit for space and clarity. Nothing is off-limits here - ask specifics, generalities, what-ifs, or theoreticals. We will keep the author's name, and any other identifying information, confidential.

Looking forward to answering your questions!

Not Farewell ... Just See You Later by PK Hrezo

First off, I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone at Operation Awesome for inviting me to contribute these last few months. I've enjoyed every minute with the authors, bloggers, and followers here.

BUT ...

Due to an overwhelming calendar of obligations, I must step away. It's not farewell, it's just see you later.

I'll stop in when I can for guest posting. I still have so many things to share!

In the meantime, feel free to contact me anytime with questions or just to say hello. You can find me on my website at www.down-the-rabbithole.com

And in case you didn't know, I offer developmental editing services at very reasonable rates. Stop by the Story Scientist page to learn more.

I'd also like to invite you to an online auction starting next Monday the 27th. You've got to see some of the items up for bidding. Things like agent critiques and consultations, writer software from Save the Cat, Scrivener, and more! Plot consultations from superstars like The Plot Whisperer and Mary Kole. Not to mention all the author signed paperbacks from bestselling authors.

And it's all to raise money for a great cause! Check out our auction page to learn more about the amazing young survivor we're supporting.

On that note, I'd like to leave you with some of my favorite writing advice. Over the years of trial and error, I've come to many of my own conclusions, and here's a nugget I came to realize on my own:

Not every story you write will turn into something great, but every effort you make in trying is the key to turning you into a great writer. Put your heart and soul into all of your work, then learn to let it go and move on to the next project. This will build and strengthen your writer's muscle, and take your creativity to the next level.

Until next time ... tootles!