Scene transitions must distinguish place, time, and perspective character, especially if any of the three has changed. If there is a change in mood or tone in the new scene, it should be established immediately away. The reader should not have to wonder whether the scene has changed or not; it should be clear from the start. There are two types of scene changes: horizontal and vertical. In a horizontal scene change, the characters and setting in the new scene are on the same level as those in the previous scene. With a single exception, all horizontal scene changes involve someone walking out a door or window into the next scene. The one exception is when someone leaps or falls over a distance (such as from a high place to ground level). Even then, it's best to include some detail about where they come down. If you've ever watched a movie or TV show, you know what I'm talking about when I say that scenes often "jump" from one location to another without warning or explanation. These scenes are usually horizontal scene changes because the characters simply walk out one door and into the next room. There are several ways to write a scene change. You can either describe exactly what happens during the transition or leave it up to the reader's imagination. I find that the most effective way to write a scene change is by using both description and implication.