Mastering Your Scenes: Your Blueprint for Success

by J.A. Cox

So you want to write an engaging scene, do you?This book was written with one main to help give authors a creative boost in their scene writing and toss writers' block into the oblivion of the abyss. In order to accomplish this, each chapter is written in a workbook-like format so that the steps provided can easily be implemented after they are explained. For each element of scene writing that is presented, J.A. Cox explains the How, Why, and When of its use along with his own description so that the information is easy to assimilate. He provides copious examples from his own writing of these elements in action as well as from shows and movies.Here are the elements that you will be learning new-fangled way of writing is about to be forced on you, but advice offered to help you realize things you are likely not seeing as you struggle to come up with ideas. As you make your way through these pages and consider these elements, you will end up in a state where it is difficult to shut down the tsunami of ideas that will come your way.Finally, there is a completed outline format that can be used over and over for every scene you write to keep that creative pump primed. Therefore, you will no longer have to fuss over figuring out what prompts or hooks to use to start a chapter as your answer will come to you as you outline your scenes from the various questions provided for you to ask with each element.This book will revolutionize the way you look at your scenes in the future...

79 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2020

About the author

J. A. Cox is a husband, father, disabled veteran and award winning author. He is passionate about Jesus Christ and has a desire to allow God to use his writing to bring glory to his name and reach others for him. His other passions lie in: 1) Empowering people by teaching about things that he is knowledgeable in in a simple and fun as well as interesting manner. 2)Inspiring others that they may realize how the true potential to overcome their perceived dilemma lies right between their ears and how they allow it to manipulate what their eyes behold. 3) Helping people to realize that being healthy truly begins with realizing how important it is for them to be intimately acquainted with their own body in order for others to help them resolve its maladies that beset it. Along with those, he enjoys entertaining with fiction based on the concept that fact is stranger than fiction and then stretching it just a tad to create some memorable page turning moments that you will likely recall for some time to come.

Reviews

[Christa Wojciechowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real eye-opener. As a writer, I never thought about all the details in a scene in this way before. With the elements J.A. Cox has outlined, I am now more aware of what to include in scenes to make them more immersive and impactful.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Mastering Your Scenes, J.A. Cox delves into the nuanced world of scene-building, offering a valuable resource for writers of various styles. Cox commences by delineating different archetypes of writers, providing context for his exploration of scene construction. He methodically deconstructs the elements of a scene, clarifying their purpose and contribution to the larger narrative. His focus on sketching as a technique is particularly enlightening; he posits that it enables writers to immerse themselves in a fully realized world, facilitating diverse perspectives and deeper connections with the audience. Cox's approach to scene crafting integrates a thoughtful blend of tone and literary devices, encouraging experimentation and creativity.

Cox's booklet stands out for its depth and sincerity. Eschewing sensationalism, he offers a compendium of 'prodigy information,' rich in practical applications and real-world examples. These insights benefit both emerging and experienced writers, presenting comprehensive tools for creating engaging scenes. The book's structure is well-organized and easy to navigate, which is crucial for instructional material. Cox's writing style itself is engaging and instructive. He actively invites readers into a discourse rather than having them remain passive observers. His use of metaphor in describing writer types and practical examples in explaining concepts underscores his skillful and descriptive narrative approach. He maintains a relaxed yet authoritative tone, positioning himself as a trusted mentor.

For aspiring writers looking to refine their craft, Mastering Your Scenes is a must-have. It assists in identifying one's unique voice and serves as a tool for overcoming creative blocks. The book's real-world applicability extends beyond writing, enhancing storytelling skills in everyday situations.

[Michelle, The Book Critic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mastering Your Scenes" by J.A. Cox is a refreshing take on the art of scene-building for writers. Cox dives deep into the intricacies of crafting compelling scenes, offering a blend of practical advice and creative insights. What sets this book apart is Cox's approachability as a guide. He doesn't just lay out techniques; he invites writers into a dialogue about their craft. Through relatable examples and engaging prose, Cox demystifies scene construction, making it accessible to writers of all levels. One of the book's strengths is its focus on the creative process. Cox encourages experimentation and exploration, emphasizing that scene-building is as much about discovery as it is about structure. This perspective is invaluable for writers seeking to infuse their work with authenticity and depth. Moreover, Cox's emphasis on sketching as a tool for world-building adds a unique dimension to the book. By encouraging writers to visualize their scenes, he helps them create immersive narratives that resonate with readers on a deeper level. "Mastering Your Scenes" is not just a how-to guide; it's a companion for writers on their creative journey. Whether you're struggling with writer's block or looking to refine your storytelling skills, Cox's insights will inspire and empower you to craft scenes that captivate and resonate.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick, well-organized, easy to read and understand guide. The first thing that stood out to me is that this works with a variety of writing styles, including mine. One thing I've found over the years as I try to improve my writing, is a lot of guides just don't fit with my style. However, I can take the steps and process outlined in this book, and use it. Cox has an easy-to-read and follow style, and this doesn't feel like generic advice that's just been tossed together. Each section is broken down into smaller ones that explain the pieces of the outline, their importance, and sometimes include a real example of it in practice. The final chapter brings everything together, and shows you an outline at different stages of refinement. As someone who leans towards a very rough outline then running with it, I really appreciated seeing it at various stages. This will easily be helpful for writers at all stages of perfecting their craft, and a wide range of styles. Including those like me, who lean towards pantsing over plotting.

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book about writing scenes! I wrote a lot of scenes for television shows as a younger person and I was so happy to pick up this book. Archetypes of writers is a great start to this book that the author wrote. And these types are sooo true! I am a mix of all these myself with more of a lean to The Mad Scientist.
The author really knows his stuff as he is writing about scenes, this also carries into novel and short story writing too. He really delves into the details of every scene writing. He is very knowledgeable on the writing scenes in the books and as a reader and a writer I appreciate his tips and tricks. I highly recommend this read to all writers, especially those who are writing scenes and television scenes and scripts.

[Bill Senter · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ✍️📖"

This book completely transformed how I approach writing scenes. J.A. Cox breaks everything down into simple, repeatable steps that make the process so much less intimidating. The workbook prompts are gold—I used them immediately and my draft started flowing again. If you’re stuck in writer’s block or struggling to make your chapters shine, this is the tool you need!

[Evelyn Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠! 📚✨

This book is a must-have for any fiction writer! J.A. Cox breaks down scene writing into a clear, repeatable process that transformed how I approach my novel. The workbook-style prompts are practical and inspiring, helping me craft scenes that feel alive and purposeful. Highly recommend for new and experienced writers alike!

[Mark Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙈𝙮 𝙎𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙋𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚! 🖋️🔥

Mastering Your Scenes gave me the tools to make every scene count. The blueprint for scene structure is genius, and the examples from popular media made it easy to understand. I’m writing with more confidence and clarity now. This book is a lifesaver for anyone struggling with pacing or structure!

[Ebony Hinman · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞! 🌟📖

As a pantser, I was skeptical about a structured approach, but Cox’s method is flexible and inspiring. The scene prompts sparked so many ideas, and the character-building tips added depth to my story. This workbook is now my go-to resource for writing dynamic, engaging scenes.

[Ellis Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙑𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙙 𝙎𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨, 𝙈𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚! 🖼️✍️

This book taught me how to paint immersive settings and emotions without overwhelming the reader. The reusable templates are a game-changer, and the practical advice helped me overcome writer’s block. If you want scenes that pop off the page, this is the guide for you!

[Rachel Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬! 🛠️📚

J.A. Cox delivers a step-by-step system that makes scene writing feel approachable and fun. The examples from bestselling books and movies were super helpful, and the exercises pushed me to think deeper about my story. My chapters are stronger than ever thanks to this book!

[Joseph J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞-𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐭! 🧰📝

Mastering Your Scenes is packed with actionable advice and creative techniques. The chapter on writing dynamic characters completely changed how I approach dialogue and action. The reusable templates make it easy to stay consistent. A fantastic resource for any novelist!

[Emmy Söderström · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬! 📚💡

J.A. Cox has written a masterpiece for fiction writers. The step-by-step blueprint and real-world examples made it easy to apply the techniques to my own work. My scenes are now more engaging and purposeful. This book is a game-changer for anyone serious about writing!

[Jane Murry · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫! 🌟✍️

J.A. Cox’s Mastering Your Scenes is a revelation! The step-by-step blueprint turned my scattered ideas into gripping scenes that keep readers hooked. The workbook prompts are like creative rocket fuel, and the media examples make every lesson click. A must for every novelist’s shelf!

[Patrick Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞! 🔥📚

This book is pure magic for writers! Cox’s proven scene structure method transformed my novel from meh to mesmerizing. The character-building tips and vivid setting techniques are gold, and the reusable templates keep my writing sharp. My readers can’t stop turning pages!

[Rhonda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬! 🧙‍♂️📖

Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, this workbook is a game-changer. The scene prompts ignite inspiration, and Cox’s advice on tension and pacing is spot-on. My scenes now feel cinematic, with every detail popping. This is the guide every fiction writer needs!

[John M · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀! 🎬✨

Mastering Your Scenes is like a masterclass in storytelling. Cox’s practical approach to scene structure and dynamic characters helped me craft chapters that feel alive. The exercises are fun, and the examples from top-tier fiction are inspiring. My novel’s never been better!

[Arthur L · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁! 📝💥

This book is a storytelling superpower! Cox’s clear, actionable advice on scene goals and immersive settings made my writing bolder and more engaging. The workbook format is addictive, and the prompts sparked ideas I never would’ve imagined. A total game-changer!

[Rose Staudt · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞-𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫! 🚀🖋️

Struggling with flat scenes? This book is your answer! Cox’s blueprint for scene structure and character-driven action is brilliant. The hands-on exercises and real-world examples helped me write chapters that grip readers from start to finish. Absolutely phenomenal!

[Herman D · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫! ✨📖

Mastering Your Scenes is a treasure chest of writing wisdom. Cox’s techniques for vivid descriptions and purposeful scenes are easy to apply, and the workbook prompts kept my creativity flowing. My novel feels polished and professional now—thank you, J.A. Cox!

[Nancy Noone · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰! 🎭📝

This book is a writer’s dream! Cox’s method for crafting dynamic, goal-driven scenes is foolproof, and the examples from movies and books bring every lesson to life. The reusable templates make writing feel effortless. My scenes have never been this compelling!

[Allan Rapoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲—𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤! 🔑✨"

I’ve read dozens of writing craft books, but Mastering Your Scenes stands out because it’s so practical. Instead of vague advice, Cox gives you a blueprint with reusable templates and concrete examples. My dialogue, pacing, and descriptions are already stronger. A must-have for any fiction writer!

[Beverly Sisk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐤 📚🖊️"

What I loved most about this book is how supportive the tone is—it feels like J.A. Cox is right there, guiding you step by step. The workbook style makes it hands-on, and I now have several scenes in my WIP that feel professional and polished. Highly recommended for both beginners and experienced authors.

[Peter Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 🎯🔥"

I used to write scenes that rambled without purpose. After applying the structure from this book, my chapters suddenly felt tighter, sharper, and much more engaging. The exercises forced me to think about why each scene exists, and the results were immediate. This book is a true roadmap to success.

[Jason Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤? 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞! 🚀🧠"

The prompts in this workbook are a lifesaver. Whenever I get stuck, I flip through the exercises and within minutes I’m writing again. It doesn’t just inspire—it teaches you how to think like a storyteller. I can honestly say this book gave me my confidence back as a writer.

[Amber Rambo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐲 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 🧩📖"

I’ve read books on character, on dialogue, on world-building, but none that focused so deeply on scenes. And really, scenes are the foundation of every story! This guide filled in the gaps in my craft and gave me tools I’ll use forever. Worth every penny.

[Gerald Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥, 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 💡🔥"

No fluff—just actionable steps. I loved how each chapter ends with workbook prompts, making it easy to apply what you’ve learned immediately. The blueprint for scene structure alone is worth the price of the book. If you want your story to flow, this is essential.

[Katie Speer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 🎓✨"

This book doesn’t just explain theory—it shows you how to do it. By analyzing bestselling novels and even movies, J.A. Cox gives real-world examples you can model. The templates helped me fix several weak chapters in my draft. Honestly, it feels like taking a private writing workshop.

[Kerry B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 💪📘"

I used to dread editing my scenes, but now I feel empowered. The advice on description, setting, and grounding each scene was eye-opening. I especially loved the emphasis on making every scene purposeful. This book is now a permanent part of my writing desk arsenal.

[Robin T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐟 📚✨"

This is not just another writing guide—it’s the guide. J.A. Cox has distilled the craft of scene writing into something approachable and effective. The templates alone have saved me hours of rewriting. If you’re serious about writing novels, this book is a must-own.