{"id":8079,"date":"2025-03-03T11:08:52","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T11:08:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/?p=8079"},"modified":"2025-03-03T11:08:56","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T11:08:56","slug":"how-do-you-write-a-dream-sequence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-do-you-write-a-dream-sequence\/","title":{"rendered":"How do you write a dream sequence?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-ca76de3e8134705848d19b54e267fcd2\" style=\"color:#212638;background-color:#dbeeff\"><blockquote><p><em>\u201cHow do I write a dream sequence that actually feels dreamy and not just confusing or random? I want it to make sense in the story but still have that weird, surreal vibe dreams have.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Dream sequences are a unique storytelling device that lets you delve into the mysterious and often disorienting. They can shed light on characters\u2019 deepest fears, desires, and motivations, or even foreshadow future events. However, writing a dream sequence well requires a delicate balance between vivid imagery and narrative purpose. So let\u2019s dive in to how you can toe that line!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The purpose of a dream sequence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before writing a dream sequence, ask yourself: <em>Why is this dream important?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A strong dream sequence serves a narrative purpose. It either reveals something critical about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/a-foolproof-character-cheat-sheet-with-downloadable-template\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the character<\/a> or moves the plot forward. For example, it might:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Highlight a character\u2019s inner conflict, such as self-doubt or guilt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer insight into a character\u2019s fears, desires, or memories.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foreshadow future events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore the story\u2019s themes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Present an epiphany or realisation that changes the narrative direction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When you define the purpose of the dream, you give it meaning and ensure it doesn\u2019t feel like a random, disconnected scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vivid imagery and sensory details<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dreams are often hyper-real or surreal. To truly immerse readers, fill your sequences with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-to-bring-your-writing-to-life-with-sensory-language\/\">vivid imagery<\/a>. Describe not just what the character sees, but also what they hear, smell, and feel. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The air might feel oppressively heavy, as if the character is moving through water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Colours could be unnaturally bright or pulsing, creating a sense of unease or wonder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sounds may echo strangely, or voices may change tones mid-sentence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Sensory details are your best friend when crafting dreams. They help you draw readers into the scene, making the dream feel almost tangible without being constrained to what is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The power of symbolism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dreams are often symbolic, reflecting a character\u2019s subconscious thoughts and emotions. A dream sequence offers a fantastic opportunity to use metaphors and symbols to deepen your narrative. For instance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A crumbling staircase may represent a character\u2019s feelings of insecurity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A recurring image, like a locked door, could hint at a secret the character is repressing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Objects or people in the dream might represent aspects of the character\u2019s personality or unresolved relationships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By embedding symbols, you can subtly communicate deeper layers of meaning to your readers while building suspense without having to state things outright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Heightened emotion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In dreams, emotions are often exaggerated. A minor embarrassment can swell into overwhelming shame, and a fleeting joy might feel like euphoria. Use this to your advantage to explore your character\u2019s emotional state. For instance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A character struggling with grief might dream of a loved one, only for them to disappear when approached.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A character racked with guilt could find themselves pursued by shadowy figures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By amplifying emotions, you can reveal truths about your characters that might be difficult for them to confront while awake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"625d59\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;--dominant-color: #625d59;\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pexels-bertellifotografia-573258-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"red-headed girl sleeping on top of a dog\" class=\"wp-image-8081 not-transparent lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pexels-bertellifotografia-573258-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pexels-bertellifotografia-573258-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pexels-bertellifotografia-573258-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pexels-bertellifotografia-573258-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pexels-bertellifotografia-573258-1080x720.webp 1080w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pexels-bertellifotografia-573258-31x21.webp 31w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pexels-bertellifotografia-573258-36x24.webp 36w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pexels-bertellifotografia-573258-48x32.webp 48w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pexels-bertellifotografia-573258.webp 1279w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Striking a balance between disorientation and logic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dreams are naturally disorienting because they don\u2019t follow the logical flow of reality. You can introduce elements like sudden scene changes, nonsensical dialogue, or impossible physics to create a truly dreamlike experience. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A character might start at a family dinner, only to inexplicably swimming in an ocean of stars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A trusted friend might appear with the face of a stranger.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the inherent chaos of dreams, your sequence should still have some degree of narrative coherence. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a logical thread that allows the dream to fulfil its narrative purpose, even if the details are illogical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Establishing atmosphere<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The tone and atmosphere of your dream sequence should align with its purpose. Focus on creating a specific emotional response:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For a nightmare, use eerie, oppressive details, like a pulsating fog or distorted, echoing voices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For a whimsical dream, evoke wonder with surreal and magical details, such as floating landscapes and shimmering light.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Choose your atmosphere carefully to enhance the emotional impact of the scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of dream sequences to explore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many types of dream sequences, and each serves a unique purpose. Here are some of the most common:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Foreshadowing dreams<\/strong>: These hint at future events, creating suspense or intrigue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nightmares<\/strong>: These reveal a character\u2019s fears or anxieties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fantasy dreams<\/strong>: These involve magical or surreal elements, and are often used to explore themes, symbols, or metaphors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recurring dreams<\/strong>: These underscore unresolved issues or patterns in a character\u2019s life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lucid dreams<\/strong>: These allow the dreamer to be aware they\u2019re dreaming and possibly influence the dream\u2019s outcome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Realisation dreams<\/strong>: These provide moments of clarity or epiphany for the character.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Internal conflict dreams<\/strong>: These visually showcase a character\u2019s inner turmoil, providing a unique way to \u201cshow, not tell.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Linked dreams<\/strong>: These connect two or more characters through shared dreamscapes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep it brief and meaningful<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dream sequences should enhance your story, not derail it. While they offer a chance to be wildly creative, keep them concise and focused. Avoid overloading readers with too much detail or overly prolonged scenes. Your audience should leave the dream sequence full or curiosity, not overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seamlessly transition in and out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Transitions are crucial for dream sequences. Start with subtle hints, like a sound, a sensation, or a surreal visual that cues readers into the shift from reality to dream. Similarly, exit the dream gracefully, creating a smooth return to the waking world. This ensures that readers are not jarred out of the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Writing tips for a dreamlike feel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use <strong>narrative distance<\/strong> to create a floaty, disconnected feeling that mirrors the sensation of dreaming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experiment with <strong>stream-of-consciousness<\/strong> writing for portions of the dream to mimic the fluid and unpredictable nature of thoughts in sleep.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay attention to <strong>pacing<\/strong>. Dreams often feel both slow and rapid\u2014a contradiction you can reflect by alternating between drawn-out descriptions and sudden, abrupt moments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Dream sequences are a space where your imagination can truly run free while still serving the story\u2019s deeper purpose. When done well, they are memorable and meaningful, and leave a lasting impact. It\u2019s a technique well worth exploring.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cHow do I write a dream sequence that actually feels dreamy and not just confusing or random? I want it to make sense in the story but still have that weird, surreal vibe dreams have.\u201d Dream sequences are a unique storytelling device that lets you delve into the mysterious and often disorienting. They can shed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":8080,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1280","footnotes":""},"categories":[108],"tags":[28],"class_list":["post-8079","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ask-novlr","tag-writing-tips","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How do you write a dream sequence? | The Novlr Reading Room<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to write captivating dream sequences that take you through a character&#039;s subconscious with vivid imagery, symbolism, and purpose.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-do-you-write-a-dream-sequence\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How do you write a dream sequence? | The Novlr Reading Room\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to write captivating dream sequences that take you through a character&#039;s subconscious with vivid imagery, symbolism, and purpose.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-do-you-write-a-dream-sequence\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Novlr Reading Room\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/novlr\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-03-03T11:08:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-03-03T11:08:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Frame-105.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1260\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Pamela Koehne-Drube\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@novlrtweets\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@novlrtweets\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Pamela Koehne-Drube\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-a-dream-sequence\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-a-dream-sequence\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Pamela Koehne-Drube\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/726ed0ac79316fa69373ac67027dd121\"},\"headline\":\"How do you write a dream sequence?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-03T11:08:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-03-03T11:08:56+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-a-dream-sequence\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1035,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-a-dream-sequence\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Frame-105.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"writing tips\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Ask Novlr\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-a-dream-sequence\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-a-dream-sequence\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-a-dream-sequence\\\/\",\"name\":\"How do you write a dream sequence? 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