Keeping up the pace by Jane Clamp

Etsy

In last month’s blog, I wrote about the effect a particular prayer was having on my writing: Unleash your words in me, O God. At the time, I reported that my daily word count had considerably increased and, of course, I was wondering how long I would be able to keep it up for. The answer is that the prayer has continued to be effective. There have been a couple of days when I haven’t had chance to write at all, but usually I am knocking out around 2000 words a day. A powerful prayer, then…

I’ve also been reading a lot lately, working through the huge bag of books that my son was clearing out before Christmas. It’s expanded my usual repertoire of go-to genres and authors and one I’ve quite got into is Michael Crichton (of Jurassic Park fame). I’m on my third in as many weeks and they are complete page-turners! Last night, I had trouble getting off to sleep because I’d read too late and the plot was too exciting.

So, as well as thoughts about keeping up the pace in my writing, I’ve been thinking a lot about pace within novels. From my perspective as a reader, I know there are some books I can’t put down and others I barely want to pick back up. I know what I like to find in a novel when I’m reading one, but how do I translate that into my attempts at writing? Specifically, I’m asking myself whether I’m writing page-turners or plodders? Am I asking my readers to buckle themselves in and be prepared for a roller-coaster ride, or am I sitting them on a donkey and dragging them along a dusty road?

Inevitably, as the writer, I can expect to become caught up with my characters and their lives, but will anyone share my interest, let alone enthusiasm?

So the purpose of my blog this month is to ask some questions from the varied members of ACW, many of whom are dab hands at the things I struggle with. I’m serious when I say I would very much love to hear your answers.

·         What keeps you reading a book, particularly fiction but not exclusively?

·         What hooks you in and keeps you hooked? Plot? Characters? Intrigue? Writing style? Something else?

·         What tips do you have from your reading and writing regarding pace?

Please do comment! We’re all in this together!



Jane Clamp is the ACW group leader of both Brecks, Fens and Pens and Green Pastures Christian Writers in Norfolk. Her work includes the title Too Soon (SPCK) as well as magazine articles and radio appearances on UCB and Premier. She leads creative writing retreats in Cumbria and Norfolk.
www.janeclamp.com