Pacing - The Key to Engaging Readers

Pacing is probably one of the least talked about aspects of writing, yet is critical to creating a 'must-read' novel. There's got to be a rise and fall to your story. At times there should be a sense of urgency and foreboding. At other times, a few quieter moments for reflection or revelations. The last thing you want is for your story to 'drag,' but nor do you want the opposite and have your story feel 'chaotic' or 'rushed.' Many writers fall into a common pattern of 'dragging' out the first two acts, then rushing through the climax. Never good #underanycircumstances :-) I know I was writing a book and I was having trouble landing it. When I finally finished I said "Thank gawd they are dead!" Luckily my writing buddy said... "Um, I don't think that's how your readers are going to feel." He was right. Just because as I writer I was ready for my Heroes to die, I needed to make their deaths more poignant and meaningful. We will discuss how to check your own story against the Hero's Journey to make sure you are in the pacing "pocket." So tune in Saturday at 2pm PST and listen to some advice on how to make sure your novel is properly paced or better yet, call in and let's talk about yours specifically!