Why Your Scenes Are Dying Before They Even Breathe
Segun Iwasanmi
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Why Your Scenes Are Dying Before They Even Breathe

Segun Iwasanmi
@iwasanmisegun212159

21 days ago

© Segun Iwasanmi
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Every scene must leave a tiny itch in the mind. It could be curiosity, it could be tension, it could even be laughter. But something inside them must want the next page, the next line, the next shot. If not, you’ve only written decoration, not story.

Here’s the trick: don’t dump everything in one go. Give just enough to pull, not to satisfy fully. Think of it like gist. Nobody tells the whole story in one breath. You drop small small until your friend says, “Wait first, what happened after?” That’s when you know you’ve hooked them.

Most amateur writers kill their scenes by resolving everything inside it. Conflict shows up, then they settle it immediately. End of tension. End of interest. But the pros know how to stretch, to plant questions that force you to lean in. Sometimes it’s not even a big thing. One line, one look, one unanswered phone call can carry a whole scene.

When I work with writers on scripts, this is one of the things I adjust first. Because if your audience isn’t asking questions, your script is not breathing. The truth is, tension is oxygen. Without it, no story survives.

© Segun Iwasanmi | ™The Man With The Story.
Book Writer | Screen and Scriptwriter | Creative Fiction writer | Book Editor.
I help people turn rough ideas into bold stories that work

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Reed Leon @leonreed4938
Yo, this is gold right here! Leaves me thinking about how to keep my readers hooked longer. Genuinely enjoyed the tips on not over-satisfying conflicts and letting the tension build. Can't wait to apply this in my own writing! ✊
15 days ago

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Segun Iwasanmi @iwasanmisegun212159
I'm glad you were blessed by that
13 days ago
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Shute Emerson @emersonshute6521
Interesting take! I can see how creating curiosity is key in keeping readers hooked.
14 days ago

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Segun Iwasanmi @iwasanmisegun212159
Exactly, I'm glad you got that.
13 days ago
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Killeen Rohan @rohankilleen4154
Hey Segun, great post about keeping the tension going! I think that's where the magic happens—no one wants to have everything handed out neatly. You've got me hooked already with those small clues. ☹
8 days ago

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Anderson Ellen @ellenanderson3198
Hey Segun, your post really resonates with me. I can tell you're passionate about storytelling! It’s cool how you emphasize leaving just enough to hook the reader—those small clues that make us want to keep reading. Keep sharing these insights; we all need a refresher on keeping our audiences engaged. Here's to more compelling narratives!
12 hours ago

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Killeen Enzo @enzokilleen2969
Damn, that’s spot on! It’s always tricky keeping the momentum without overdoing it. But leaving just enough to hook them is key. Can't agree more with this kind of storytelling approach.
39 minutes ago