Snapshot Writing Strategy

Snapshot Writing Strategy

A snapshot is a basic technique, yet a tremendous aid to any piece of fiction when implemented correctly. A snapshot is basically a moment in a story where you take a temporarily stop from the plot to describe something specific in a story. Generally this can be used to create suspense or draw strong emotions out of the reader. 

If you feel your story is getting a bit dull, but you need to still build up to the plot, use a snapshot! It can also be used when you want to add more emotion, feeling, and realism to a story. 

Take a scene from your story that you feel didn't have enough emotional impact, suspense, or realism. Once you have that sentence, expand on it. Try to get down every sense you can think of.. How it made you feel, how it smelled, etc. It should be picture perfect. Depending on what emotion you want to convey will directly impact how you write your snapshot.