So here I am again, adding a new column to my spreadsheet. Honestly, I don’t know how anyone can write a novel without an ever-evolving spreadsheet.
Previously, I blogged about Starting a Novel Scene and Before the Story Begins, and I don’t know why I didn’t notice at the time, but perhaps I should be checking how I end each scene.
I believe variety will help make a novel more interesting to read, so I added a new spreadsheet column called The Ending.
It contains one of four entries
- Action
- Dialogue
- Thought
- Narrative
The first draft is written without thinking about this. I want to write what comes naturally, and I want the story to flow.
But once the first draft is complete, it’s time to use various techniques to ensure the novel is as good as possible. This is when I check whether the scenes end in different ways. If all the scenes end with narrative for example, the novel might be tedious to read. This is a less artistic part of the process, but no less important to the end product.
Anyone else have spreadsheet tips they want to share?
Kristina Stanley 
What works for the character, the scene and the novel?
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Garry, I use the spreadsheet for all of these things. My column on – what is the char wearing, tells me if I’ve repeated the same clothing too much. I just can’t write without a spreadsheet.
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Good idea, Kristina! I’ve started using the spreadsheet technique and this idea of types of chapter endings will be helpful. I have noticed I love to end when it’s night time and start the new chapter when they wake up. I’m sure your list will help me as I revise.
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In my first novel, I started each scene with the POV character standing in a doorway. Who knew I liked doorways so much. The spreadsheets helps get rid of this type of repetition.
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Good point. It makes me think of listening to an album where all the songs fade out. After a few tracks I start to wonder if the artist just doesn’t know how to end a song any other way.
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Jan, I hadn’t thought of relating this to music, but you’re right. Good analogy.
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Great idea!
In fact, I know exactly how I can adapt this to Scrivener, by making each scene’s index card a different color based on which of the four categories the scene ending falls into. I like pretty colors!
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Kirsten, that’s great. I’ve never used Scrivener, but lots of writers seem to like it. Maybe I should try it.
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