Scenes & Chapter Prose
Scenes Functionality (Replacement for Beats)
Overview
The Scenes functionality in Sudowrite has been introduced as a more intuitive, structured, and AI-friendly approach to drafting and revising stories, replacing the previous Beats system. This section outlines the new Scenes feature, its purpose, and how users can best leverage it in their writing workflow.
Why the Transition from Beats to Scenes?
Beats were initially introduced as a way to break down an outline into smaller, more manageable chunks that AI could process effectively. However, after extensive research and testing, Scenes have been found to be a more natural way to structure story content, providing several key benefits:
- More intuitive for writers – Most writers already think in terms of scenes rather than beats, making the transition smoother.
- Better AI-generated content – AI models perform better when given structured scene descriptions rather than loose beats.
- Improved organization – Scenes help create a more coherent flow between narrative segments.
How Scenes Work
Creating a Scene
- Open a new or existing chapter.
- Click on the Draft tool (formerly Chapter Generator).
- Under the new "Scenes" section, either manually write a scene description or click Generate Scenes.
- The AI will generate scenes with structured elements, including characters, location, and key events.
Formatting Scenes
- Each scene is numbered for easy reference.
- Extra Instructions can be added for finer control over AI-generated output.
Editing and Refining Scenes
- Modify manually – Writers can edit scene descriptions before generating drafts.
- Apply fixes – Sudowrite provides inline feedback if a scene is too broad, unclear, or missing key elements.
- Re-generate specific scenes – Users can choose to regenerate individual scenes without affecting others.
AI-Generated Drafting
Once scenes are set, clicking Generate Draft will:
- Use scene details as guidance for AI prose generation.
- Estimate word count and credit usage before processing.
- Allow for iterative refinement via comments and AI feedback loops.
Advanced Features
Chapter Glue
- Writers can link chapters together, ensuring continuity across documents.
- A "Continues where last chapter left off" option enables seamless storytelling.
Persisting Instructions
- Users can save Extra Instructions across multiple documents.
- Templates for different writing styles, tones, or POVs can be applied.
Timeline & Availability
- The Scenes update is currently in development and expected to roll out within the next 3-4 weeks.
- Beta testers will receive early access to provide feedback before full release.
Conclusion
The introduction of Scenes represents a significant step forward in making Sudowrite even more powerful and user-friendly. Writers can expect higher-quality AI drafts, more control over structuring their narratives, and a streamlined writing workflow.
For further questions or feedback, reach out via Discord or Sudowrite’s support channels.