When I draft a scene, especially one where characters are arguing, it often needs several rewrites. That’s because I, like a lot of writers, tend to rush, use too much exposition or dramatize the wrong things.
Writing Tip for Today: In memoir writing, writers are advised to “crack it open,” meaning to get at the deeper emotions and layer scenes with more complexity. This, memoirists know, is where the real “truth” is located, a place of honesty that resonates with readers. Although fiction is considered a “pack of lies,” a novel must have the same level of “truth” in the area of emotions and reactions. Consider these things:

• Don’t Rush Me. If you’ve rushed a scene, it mostly will need spots to slow down. For instance, when people argue, they usually don’t start with the strangling. No, most folks start with a jab here, a poke there. Things build until it erupts, often just before one character stomps off. In real life that would be my husband who always tries to get away when I’m yelling at him. But I digress. Take a look at the build-up of your argument scene. How is it weighted? Is there a logical steady build-up? Or are you dramatizing too much of one thing and not enough of another? Rewrite so that the focus is on the growing tension.
• Too Much Telling. If you reread a drafted scene and it sounds “telly,” it probably is. I think writers berate themselves too much for this kind of thing. Of course you’re telling–you’re telling yourself how the story goes. The point is that you don’t leave it that way. Rewrite using the scenic techniques of dialogue, action and sequel.
• Sorry, Wrong Number. Many times new writers will dramatize everything, thinking scene is always best. If you act out the boring stuff your reader will be bored. Avoid dramatizing minor occurrences which don’t influence the main story, chit-chat between characters that doesn’t quickly evolve into tension, introductions and anything else that doesn’t move the story.