tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413602988874470006.post2563630721189108877..comments2023-07-31T07:46:48.021-07:00Comments on Cabinet of Curiosities: Because Pacing Isn't Just for RunnersLAURAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14543901710565418004noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413602988874470006.post-35934310827414664352011-07-25T20:02:28.948-07:002011-07-25T20:02:28.948-07:00Great questions that I wish I had answers for. I&#...Great questions that I wish I had answers for. I'm still working this out in my mind, too, since I think my pacing is usually way too fast. <br /><br />Some bestsellers drrrraaaag for me and I'm used to writing picture books which don't take too many lengthy pauses. <br /><br />I really don't think I trust myself to engage the reader without throwing in a car chase or something.Ginger Churchillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00119374273441048289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413602988874470006.post-85711087483574836802011-07-25T13:16:19.904-07:002011-07-25T13:16:19.904-07:00That definitely makes sense, and I love the analog...That definitely makes sense, and I love the analogy of aging wine! Also the highs and lows of a roller coaster. If the entire novel goes so fast you never catch your breath, there's no opportunity to gasp. Right?Suzanne Warrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15141459404743769260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413602988874470006.post-18528250932537073752011-07-24T23:01:05.879-07:002011-07-24T23:01:05.879-07:00You know, while I'll agree about needing to pr...You know, while I'll agree about needing to provide breaks of humor (or just a moment for reflections on what has happened/side effects of said history, whatever), in a lot of ways it isn't just about having a breather. It is about the anticipation that the reader needs to develop before the actual action hits full force...so that the full power of the next step in the story has the opportunity to actually give impact rather than just offer it. Kinda like how a wine ages...if you don't stop to test the bouquet, you'll never properly appreciate what hits your tongue. <br /><br />One other thought on this: remember the quote "opposition in all things"? If you don't have the great, the bad won't be so terribly...nor will the great. The both need to happen in gradually growing strength so that when your roller coaster ride hits the peak and you get sent down the whirling tunnel of death, you'll be able to anticipate a little bit better the degree of change...and feel (not just know) the difference between the high and low. If that makes sense?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05631160445994447446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413602988874470006.post-34441660542783293722011-07-23T11:37:16.592-07:002011-07-23T11:37:16.592-07:00Sorry I didn't comment before--I've been h...Sorry I didn't comment before--I've been having trouble with my account. But, great points about using humor, etc. to break up the pace a bit!Suzanne Warrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15141459404743769260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413602988874470006.post-59236815785446173372011-07-20T09:22:46.115-07:002011-07-20T09:22:46.115-07:00I hadn't really thought about the humor in HP ...I hadn't really thought about the humor in HP books that way, but I totally agree. <br /><br />You've made me want to read The Underneath again. I loved that book's language and tone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413602988874470006.post-21534246317292391702011-07-19T19:09:58.977-07:002011-07-19T19:09:58.977-07:00I agree with you that pacing depends somewhat on v...I agree with you that pacing depends somewhat on voice and audience, but I think sometimes it's a matter of the story itself. For instance, Kathi Appelt's <i>The Underneath</i> has a leisurely pace that reflects its almost mythic tone, and yet, because you know something bad at least ought to happen, there's a lot of tension that keeps the pages turning. <br /><br />One of the things I thought JK Rowling did so brilliantly in the first few HP books was to ramp up the tension, but rather than jump to the next event, she broke it with some humor, which gave her readers a brief respite.<br /><br />On the other hand, <i>Looking for Lubchenko</i> is one of those move, move, move action-adventure-thrillers (in YA mode) that needs a fast pace. Although it, too, takes breaks.<br /><br />I guess, for me, even if the action is fast-paced, I enjoy the occasional break, carefully placed, as a sort of oasis of calm in the storm.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com