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A REMINDER Next week I'll be picking the Bookworm of the Month, so please make sure to turn in your assignments on time and work hard on your feedback for a chance at getting chosen! :D
It's a chance to get a lot of awesome feedback from our BUBC members, and having the title of Chosen One.
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As always, feel free to drop your suggestions for Question of the Week (or any other club-related topic) here --->
Now, without further ado, let's announce the pairs!
What do you think of the pacing so far? Is the plot progressing too slowly, too quickly, or just right? Are the chapters themselves well-paced? Provide some examples, if you can.
Plot Pacing
I guess you could say it's like a story's spinal column. Without it, there'd just be a lot of wiggly, uncontrolled nonsense. I know . . . Weird analogy, but stay with me!
For a story to be well-developed, we always need to keep the plot in mind whenever we write, and, if available, follow our outline so we don't deviate too much from major story events.
This week, I'll be sharing some tips to improve your story pacing.
1. Think about what is necessary to include and what isn't. When writing a chapter, think about its purpose. Will the events in the chapter further the plot, or are they necessary for character development? If the answer is no to both, you may need to rethink it.
Filler chapters can be fun (in certain genres), but they can have a negative effect on your pacing, and your reader's interest.
2. Use sentence, paragraph, and chapter length to influence your pacing. For example, in action scenes, it might be best to keep your sentences short and choppy. This can produce a fast-paced effect on your scenes. So the reader can keep up with the action easily.
In a romantic scene, however, you might want to pay special attention to your imagery. Use metaphors, and fancy-schmancy descriptions to slow down the reading pace and make the reader swoon.
3. Don't neglect character development. Moving the plot along is important, but it can be helpful to give your narrator some time for introspection. Giving the reader some insight into what a character is thinking can make the reader more immersed in the story.
You can also use introspection to add suspense to a scene, build-up to a reveal, or sprinkle in some foreshadowing. Use it to your advantage.
4. Don't assume "good pacing" means "fast-paced" Yes, a story shouldn't lag or be filled with filler chapters. That doesn't mean, however, that you should power-through major plot events like a bulldozer.
The build-up to important plot-points is necessary.
So, take the necessary time and chapters to develop characters, their relationships, and the world they're in.
The key is to find balance.
That's all folks! See ya next Monday!
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Remember that after reading and commenting on the 3 chapters of your fellow bookworm, you have to let me know you're finished, in the comment section of THIS chapter.
