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Learn to pace your scene
openings for specifi c effects.
Take a look at these two scene openings:
Opening #1
We drove back to the cabin. I found the key under
the mat, as promised, and unlocked the door.
A musty smell hit me as I opened the door and
motioned Sarah to go in. Fortunately, the electric-
ity was on and I found the light switch.
I asked Sarah to sit on the couch, and she did.
“Now,” I said, “what is this thing that couldn’t wait?”
“I’m pregnant,” she said.
Opening #2
“I’m pregnant,” Sarah said.
“You’re what?”
She was sitting on the couch in the cabin, which,
fortunately, I’d been able to get into. It was cold and
musty, but I didn’t notice any of it. Not now.
Number two gives us the action fi rst, then the setting
information.
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