Episode 31: Fixing Flat Scenes: How to Revive Stagnant Chapters and Strengthen Character Reactions

Struggling with how to fix flat scenes or improve character-driven scenes in your novel? This podcast for fantasy writers offers expert writing tips for fiction authors, including how to craft writing realistic character reactions and anchor every chapter with a strong scene core event. We cover essential tools for self-editing characters, enhancing story structure and character roles, and mastering how to balance dialogue and action. Whether you’re deep into fantasy novel editing or looking for book editing for indie authors, this episode helps you write scenes that truly resonate.

In this podcast for fantasy authors, we explore how to self-edit stagnant scenes and breathe life into every chapter. Join developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and author Addy Dulac filling in for Agnes Wolfe with Authors’ Alcove as they unpack what scene stagnation looks like, why it’s a problem, and how to fix it through better structure and variety. Addy DuLac is a published author of interracial historical romance, known for One Season with the Duke and the Troublemakers Trilogy, a series blending humor, heart, and heat.

From writing character-driven scenes to managing scene transitions and avoiding dialogue-heavy lulls, this episode offers scene-level editing tools to help writers refine their storytelling. Whether you're polishing a first draft or prepping for publication, these tips will help ensure your scenes keep readers engaged.

You’ll learn:
-How to recognize when a scene has gone flat
-The difference between slow pacing and stagnation
-Tips to strengthen scenes through setting, agency, and tension
-How to choose the right fix for your stagnant scene
-When to slim down dialogue or break up exposition
-How scene type variety and POV rotation keep stories fresh

Recommended Resources
-Need a Developmental Editor? hartboundediting.com