Every once in a while I come across another writer’s tip that resonates with me.  I know I’m not the only one out there who is building a list of blogging and other on-line resources for writing, marketing and promotion, so whenever I find a good tip, I’ll post a link. This one is about using camera shots for scene development.

I found this link to C.S. Lakin through LinkedIn.  C.S. Lakin talks about using a camera shot idea for scene development.  It’s intuitive.

Pan Out

Most of us are consumers of video. We understand what it means to pan out. If you’re taking a video of a group of friends, for example, you may have to pan out to get everyone in the shot. When you’re writing a scene, panning out might mean describing more of the surrounding detail. Better still, describe how your characters interact with the expanded view.

Roving Camera

When the camera is roving, think of it resting on your shoulder taking in the view as you walk around. Inside a house, you might walk from the living room to the kitchen. What sights, sounds and scents might you experience on the walk? If your characters are moving from inside to outside, are they blinded by the sun? Does the temperature or humidity change?

Where to Set Up

Where will you set up your camera (scene setting)? If your characters are coming into town, do you follow behind them with the camera? Your protagonist might overhear snippets of conversation from the rear. Is the camera on the shoulder of your protagonist? Your protagonist could spot a sniper from that vantage point. Perhaps it’s more effective to have the camera already in the town watching the characters as they arrive. You could describe the tension in the town as they approach, or the indifference if that suits.

Using camera shots for scene development is a great way to think about how to most effectively set your scene.

The Pacific West Coast is the setting for The Gift Legacy books. You can read about the books here.