Workshop: Pacing—What It Is, How To Use It

Dancing Word Writers Workshop

with Gail Gaymer Martin

October 28, 2005

Hosted by: Anne McDonald

Dancing Word Publisher/Editor

* This workshop has been edited for clarity

Anne McDonald: Shall we get started? Okies, I'll open in prayer, go over protocol and then introduce our guest.

Lord, thank You so much for seeing to the details in our lives...the little things that we often think go unnoticed. Thanks for the clouds of butterflies in my yard this week. They've been encouraging. Thank You also for each person here tonight...and for those who want to be here, but can't. Please bless each one of them and meet their particular needs.. Bless especially Gail as she gives of her time and talent to encourage other writers. Help each of us use our writing gifts to glorify You. Jesus' name, Amen.

Protocol reminder: When the floor is open to questions, please type ? for questions, ! for comments and ga when you are finished posting—“ga” stands for "go ahead" and keeps us from stepping on each others' toes...

Tonight, I'm blessed to be able to introduce a woman that I have long admired. Not only is she a fantastic writer, but she encourages other writers by posting writing tips on her website, and teaching workshops like this one. Please give a warm welcome to Gail Gaymer Martin.

* AZAnnie leads the applause

Gail Martin: Thanks, Annie

Anne McDonald: Gail, thank you for coming tonight...I am now turning the floor over to you.

* AZAnnie hands Gail the microphone. and takes a seat

Gail Martin: It's nice to be here. I haven't done a workshop on line in a long time. It's about time, I guess. Since this is a workshop, I have tons of information - and what I'd like to do is provide lots of stuff and then open to questions.

Before I do that - I want to invite you to visit my web site at www.gailmartin.com. Go to the For Writers tab. You'll find tons of stuff on writing and I hope you find it helpful.

Tonight we'll tackle a difficult part of writing. Pacing. What is it?

Pacing is moving the characters from the opening situation through various growing conflicts to the resolution in a logical, realistic manner that shows character growth.

and, in Christian fiction, provides faith grow. It is the speed at which action moves and the information is provided.

Most people assume pacing means the book is too slow, and that is very possible. But the pacing can also be too fast if is rushes the conflicts and leaves a sagging middle until the resolution.

By not taking enough time to develop the emotional complexity of the novel, you will not connect with the readers and you will not provide them with a memorable, page-turning story.

A women's fiction or mainstream story will be a slower pace than a contemporary romance or suspense thriller. As a rule, the longer the book, the slower the pacing can be—but always fast enough to capture the reader. No matter, the pace must still follow the elements of urgency and ebb and flow of action/reaction

Now that gives a general idea of what pacing is —it's the flow of your story — and keeping the reader captured with your wonderful words. : )

To prepare for good pacing:

1) know the stories general plot

2) know some of the major turning points or conflicts

3) know the primary characters needs and goals as well as the their flaws and failures

Now I know that's difficult for seat of the pants writers - but most of us have a general idea where we're headed.

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