In Hidden, Ray (played by the always yummy Alexander Skarsgård of True Blood fame), Claire and their seven-year-old daughter, Zoe are living in a fallout shelter. They’ve been there almost a year, hiding from the mysterious breathers.
I loved this movie (there’s a wonderful plot twist that I didn’t see coming). When I recommend it to others, however, I always frame my recommendation with “The first half is slow but, if you stick with it, the second half more than makes up for it.”
As a writer, this is something you DON’T want readers to say about your story. Not many readers are that patient. They won’t read halfway through the story to get to the ‘good parts’. They’ll give up after three chapters or less.
This doesn’t mean a story has to have full out, super fast pacing throughout. Usually, in even the fastest paced story, there’s action, then a little bit of a break where the reader can reflect and catch her breath, then more action. A relentless go-go-go pacing is tiring for readers. The break is often where the lovey dovey, awww… moments happen in the romantic relationship.
A story can also have a slow pacing throughout. We don’t always have to write the fast paced story. Some great epic reads have slow leisurely pacing. There’s a healthy readership for these types of stories.
However, the pacing at the beginning, middle and end of the story should, ideally, be constant.
Why?
Because some readers like a slow pace and some readers like a fast pace. I like both but I read these very different types of stories when I’m in very different moods. If we write a story with one half of the story slow and one half of the story fast, we’re disappointing all of these readers. Often pacing is the issue with the dreaded “This felt like two different books” review.
Note: As with any writing advice, this is a guideline, not a rule. If your story is best told at two very different speeds and you have the skill to make this work, then tell it that way.
Pacing is something, as writers, we want our editors or beta readers or critique partners to catch. My editor, ELF, often tells me when one of my stories needs more action in a places. She always tells me when the go-go-go pace is too hectic, when readers need to catch their breaths.
Pacing is yet another tool in a writer’s toolbox. Use it to thrill your readers.
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Crash And Burn
Crash was manufactured to be one of the best warriors in the universe. The cyborg has spent many human lifespans fighting the enemy. But, unlike his battle-loving brethren, he doesn’t enjoy killing. When he escapes the Humanoid Alliance, he vows to never end another life.
Then he meets Safyre, an infuriating human female, and he considers breaking his vow.
Safyre will do anything to save her friend, the being she loves like a sister. She’ll ravish a huge hunky cyborg, kiss his best friend, and invoke scorching hot desires the male never realized he could feel. Dark soulful eyes, a quick wit, and a tempestuous passion won’t divert her from her mission.
Love, and a planet-destroying weapon, however, might stop her permanently.
Order Now:
On Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Crash-Burn-Cyborg-Sizzle-Book-ebook/dp/B019EBKIF2
On Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crash-Burn-Cyborg-Sizzle-Book-ebook-x/dp/B019EBKIF2/
On ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-crashandburn-1950244-147.html
On B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crash-and-burn-cynthia-sax/1123141101
On Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/crash-and-burn-13
