SEMINAR | Scene vs. Summary: When to Show, When to Tell, and How
April 25 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT
What to include, what to show, and what to summarize? This class teaches you exactly when to show, when to tell, and how to make every moment count.
For Fiction and Memoir
Struggling to know when to slow your story down—or when to speed it up? Unsure what belongs and what to leave out? We’ll dive into your two core storytelling tools—scene and summary—and explore how they work together to make your writing rich, compelling, and memorable.
You’ll learn how to use scene intentionally to shape pacing and flow, and discover the four types of summary, with best practices for placement and timing. By the end of the workshop, you’ll know how to deploy these techniques in concert, crafting sequences that keep readers hooked from start to finish.
This seminar gives you clear, practical strategies for deciding exactly when to show, when to tell, and how to make every moment count. Whether you’re polishing a memoir, starting a novel, or shaping any narrative, you’ll leave with actionable strategies to create stories built from scenes and summaries that truly rivet readers.
In this insightful three-hour live seminar, you will:
- MASTER pacing to control the speed and rhythm of your story
- WEAVE scenes and summaries seamlessly for maximum impact
- IDENTIFY AND USE the four types of summary effectively
- BREAK DOWN the parts of a scene to understand what makes it work
- DEEPEN your story and increase emotional resonance with pacing
- CONSTRUCT strong, compelling scenes that draw readers in
This course is ideal for…
- writers who want to turn various scenes into a story that clicks
- memoirists struggling to condense life into compelling moments
- novelists who know their plot but need sharper scene structure
- storytellers who want readers to fall deeply into the story
- anyone tired of “too much info” and craving clarity and impact
- new writers looking to master the art of what to leave in—and what to cut
- experienced writers who want their stories to land emotionally
Closed captioning is available. ✔
Think you might miss class? No worries, replays will be available 3 business days after the event. ✔
ABOUT YOUR Instructor
One of CRAFT TALKS’ most popular presenters for her insightful and inspiring webinars, HEATHER SELLERS is the author of 11 books, including four books on craft, a memoir, a children’s book, a collection of short stories, and four volumes of poetry. She teaches in the MFA program at the University of South Florida, and her work has appeared in The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, The Sun, and The Best American Essays.
Student Testimonials
“This was one of the most substantive classes I’ve taken. The craft insights were deep, but everything was presented in a clear, usable structure that made revision feel possible instead of overwhelming.” – Anon
“I loved how rigorous the content was without ever feeling dry. The pacing, humor, and energy kept me completely engaged—and I left with concrete tools I used immediately.” – Grace L, New York
“What stood out most was how intentional the teaching was.” –Kate S, NJ
“I expected inspiration, but I didn’t expect this level of craft depth. The class was smart, funny, and incredibly well organized.” – Constance, Holland, MI
“You can feel how much thought has gone into the structure of the presentation. Nothing felt random—everything connected, and Heather is so personable and smart and fun.” – BethAnn, Tampa, FL
THE FINE PRINT
We understand that life can get in the way of your plans. We want you to be able to get the most out of your course, and our refund policy is designed to balance your need for flexibility with our deadlines and obligations to our teachers.
Before the class, you may request a full refund.
Please keep in mind that no refunds or credits will be issued after class begins.
Questions? Please email Info@writingcraft.com
