...  Publishing New Writers  ...
Opt-In Publication for AuthorMe.com, GalleyProof.com, StoryThread.com, SlushPile.biz

 August, 2003

Please rate this Ezine at the Cumuli Ezine Finder. http://www.cumuli.com/ezines/ra79672.rate AOL Users Click Here

 

Advanced Techniques: Pacing

by Sandy Tritt

http://tritt.wirefire.com

            Pacing is a tool writers have to control the speed in which a story reads. Lush, descriptive segments slow the pace, giving the readers a breather. Rapid-fire dialogue speeds the pace, leaving the reader breathless. It is up to the writer to decide when the pace needs quickened and when it should be put in slow gear.

            Perhaps the easiest way to judge is to ask questions as you read. Do you start drifting? You need action. Is the conversation or action moving too quickly? You need narrative to even out the pacing. Beware, though, not to use repetition to slow your pace. Instead, find new things to say or new things to focus on. For example, during a highly emotional scene that is moving too quickly, allow the character to study a picture on the wall or watch children playing nearby. Or allow him to remember a conversation from the past. Or focus on one of the other senses, such as the smells or sounds in the background. This can add depth and an emotional layer, as well as slowing the pace.

            We can also slow the pace of a chapter or even the entire manuscript by adding more description, more exposition (background information) and more internal dialogue (character thoughts).

            Likewise, to speed the pace, omit everything except for the direct action or dialogue. Ignore descriptions, ignore reactions, ignore anything other than the bare necessities.

            Reading our prose aloud is perhaps the best way to judge the pace. Listen as you read, and consider if the action is happening too fast or not fast enough. And remember, there is never one right answer. The pace of your story is just one more element that contributes to your unique writing style. Experiment, study, write. But in the end, use your own judgment.

(from Section 3, Workbook)

Want more great tips and techniques? Our Inspiration for Writers Tips and Techniques Workbook is now available. Expanded tips, more topics, reproducible worksheets, exercises to practice what you learn and much more--check it out! Free shipping anywhere in the United States.

(c) copyright 2002 by Sandy Tritt. All rights reserved, except for those listed here. August be reproduced for educational purposes (such as for writer's workshops), as long as this copyright notice and the url: http://tritt.wirefire.com are distributed with the pages. For use in conferences or other uses not mentioned here, please contact Sandy Tritt at tritt@wvadventures.net for permission and additional resources at no or limited charge.

   Keep writing!

Sandy Tritt

Inspiration for Writers tritt@wvadventures.net


Go Back in Time!...

Check out our new all - immersion Life of Jesus (Part 1) from David C. Cook III.  You'll become a true believer. Visit... 

Religion Category

AuthorMe.com is dedicated to the memory of David C. Cook III.

From Paul the Apostle...

 Chosen Instrument

By Kurt Schuller

 Another inspired work recreating

Bible times.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nomad: Refugee Poet

 

In August AuthorMe will launch its first print paperback, Nomad: A Refugee Poet.

Now why, I ask you, would a publisher launch into the marketplace with a poetry book? From overseas? With only 64 pages? Hardly a blockbuster book product, is it?

On leaving the Congo, refugee Rais Boneza was empty-handed but for a sheaf of poems he had written. He had to submit when the guards took his poetry. On arriving at a refugee camp in Uganda, Rais wrote a new sheaf of poems, titled it Nomad, and found someone willing to give him access to the computer. He submitted them to AuthorMe.com, and we are releasing them in paperback form.

 

In time, Rais was rescued from the camp and transported to Norway, where he now serves as Director of the T:AP Refugees Project. T:AP is about helping refugees express themselves artistically. It shows respect for the unique talents of these people, and is worthy of international acclaim.  

 

NOMAD represents a song of joy in the midst of an environment that would have embittered the best of us. Through Nomad, Rais sings a pure song of hope, of religious dedication, and of the glory to come.


Note: Can you help Rais get this book reviewed? He is seeking book reviews to help publicize the T:AP Refugee Project. Please contact him at rboneza@yahoo.fr Thank you!


 

Critiquing Special

  • Limited time special, one cent per word.  Just mention Publishing New Writers  Newsletter (August, 2003).

    Critiques by Sandy Tritt

  • Unlike most editors, I consider my role to be a mentor or a coach. Instead of just telling you what is wrong, I explain how to correct the problem, and I work with you to teach you how to write effective prose. More than 50% of my business is repeat business, and I relish establishing long-term relationships with other writers.

  • Treat you with respect and compassion. All criticism will be of the "constructive" sort. My purpose is to improve your writing, not to destroy your confidence.

  • Mark your manuscript, correcting grammatical and spelling errors and suggesting alternative wording where appropriate, line-by-line.

  • Highlight areas that are especially well-written, so you will know where your strengths are.

  • Where appropriate, offer suggestions for plot development, character development or other areas that could be strengthened.

  • Return a two-to-four page written analysis of your work. This will include evaluation of: plot, setting, characterization, dialogue, special effects (flash forwards, flashbacks, etc.), voice, point of view and any other areas particular to your work.

  • If appropriate, recommend reading or resources to strengthen your areas of weakness.

  • Answer any questions you  have via email.

  • Provide my telephone number for a personal follow-up, if you desire.

For Sandy's success stories, see http://tritt.wirefire.com/Manuscript_Critique.html

Write Sandy at tritt@wvadventures.net

(See Sandy's article above.)

 


Read...   Move Over Maharishi

By Dee Landerman

An ordinary housewife is catapulted into the unknown. For over twenty-five years with one foot in the other dimension, experiences visions, apparitions, and visits from the divine. As a Christian Intuitive with the ability to see into a person’s spirit, she experienced first hand where the departed go.

She shares her life openly with you, with the intent to give answers and direction for you to find power, peace and acceptance in your own life. Dee reveals the ‘Heart Of God’ about organized religion and today’s churches, sharing God’s concerns and desires for America and the world.

Click here for more info...


Visit our sister websites...

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http://www.slushpile.biz/

 

Publishing New Writers,

August, 2003 (no. 408)

 

Publisher: Bruce L. Cook, P.O. Box 451, Dundee, IL 60118.  Fax (847) 428-8974.

Submissions /comments  cookcomm@gte.net.

Links are welcome.

 

To subscribe and/or  review our archive of past newsletters, go to

 Newslist

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

B.C. Productions proudly presents
 

The Prisoner of Agenda

 
Brought to you in dazzling
 
CookoVision
 
Starring Bruce Colman. Adam Fairbanks Jr.
And a cast of...quite a few.
 
Now to our story...
  
'Looks like this is it Old Boy'.
 
'Yes Chum, we really are up against it this time. Bit like Sundance and Butch Cassidy at the end.'
 
'Well, not much left to do. We're out here, and they're in there. I guess we have to go in all guns blazing.'
 
'Don't like our chances.'
 
'Against that horde? We wont survive, but we have no other choice. Do or die, now or never, bite the bullet,
Go for broke....'
 
'WARNING, WARNING!'
 
'Holy Moley! Where did you spring from?'
 
'WARNING!'
 
'Yes, we got that bit. What the hell are you doing here?  And anyway, who are you?'
 
'IT IS ME, ROBBIE THE ROBOT!'
 
'It is I, Robbie the robot.'
 
'FOOLISH HUMAN. IT IS YOU, ADAM FAIRBANKS JR. 
I, AM ROBBIE THE ROBOT!'
 
'Yes, well be that as it may, you're not in this story.'
 
'NO, I COME FROM THE FORBIDDEN PLANET WHERE WALTER PIGEON DWELLS.'
 
'Where Walter Pidgeon dwells.'
 
'I JUST SAID THAT, AND ANYWAY, HOW CAN YOU READ THE SPELLING MISTAKES?
I DO THE JOKES AROUND HERE, MISTER.'
 
'I think the robot's right Adam...'
 
'Let's try ignoring him Bruce, perhaps he'll go away...'
 
'WARNING, WAR....'
 
'You said that already!'
 
'...NING. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SERIOUS ARTICLE. YOU TWO ARE TURNING IT INTO AN ARSE!'
 
'That's "ass" or "farce".
 
'JUST AS YOU WILL HAVE IT. SEEMS TO SUIT YOU BOTH. WAR...'
 
'Yes, "warning!" We know that bit.'
 
'NO, WARNER BROTHERS!'
 
'What the hell do they have to do with this?'
 
'I HAVE A SCRIPT THAT MAY INTEREST THEM.'
 
'What's it about?'
 
'THE GREAT MUSICIANS!'
 
'What Great Musicians?'
 
'PAGANINI, FOR ONE. SEE HERE!'
 
'That's Page Nine! This is a telephone book!'
 
'FABULOUS CAST. SLIM PLOT. I WONDERED ABOUT THAT WHEN I PICKED IT UP AT THE POST OFFICE. ANYWAY WARNER BROTHERS WILL BE MOST INTERESTED, I AM SURE. IT WILL BE A FOLLOW UP TO THEIR OTHER WONDERFUL FILMS: DUCK SOUP, HORSE FEATHERS, ANIMAL CRACK...'
 
'That's the Marx Brothers, not Warner Brothers...'
 
'OH, AND YOU KNOW SO MUCH? JUST YOU WAIT TIL THIS IS BIGGER THAN HARRY....'
 
'Nothing could be bigger than Harry Potter!'
 
'I WAS TALKING ABOUT HARRY HOUDINI, BEFORE YOU RUDELY INTERRUPTED. WHO IS THIS HARRY POTTER ANYWAY?'
 
'The Forbidden Planet must be a long way off in space and time...'
 
'YES, YES. ONCE UPON A TIME IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY...'
 
'Oh look Robot, why do you have to have the last word?'
 
'Um, er, excuse me, please.'
 
'FOUL CREATURES OF THE ID! WHERE DID YOU SPRING FROM, AND WHO, SIR, ARE YOU?'
 
'I happen to be the writer here, and I kind of feel...well...like I don't seem to be in control...'
 
'Look, my dear fellow, why don't you just mind your own business and get on with whatever it is you think you do. Go and have a sherry and leave this mess to me.  I'll get it sorted out. Manuel! Manuel!'
 
'Si Meester Fawlty?'
 
'What are you doing with that rat?'
 
'Ess not a rat, Meester Fawlty, ess Basil the hampster. I not doing anytheeng with heem.'
 
'Oh what's the world coming to, tsk! tsk! Rats, robots, rodents, (speaking of,) Manuel! Throw it away.'
 
'Ca!'
 
'I said, throw it away!'
 
'Si Meester Fawlty.'
 
'NOW LOOK HERE! GET THAT CREATURE OFF MY LEG!'
 
'Mister Fawlty say, "throw you away".
 
'Not the robot you idiot, the rat, the rat!'
 
'Ess not a rat, ess a hampst...'
 
'Basil!'
 
'Oh yes, Sybil, (my little viper.) I thought you'd be about somewhere.'
 
'Basil, stop interfering and come over here!'
 
'Of course dear, just getting things to order, you know. Or you would if you weren't always stuffing your face with chocolat...Ow! What was that for!'
 
'Just getting things to order Basil dear. Manuel, do let go of Robbie's leg and take your hampster outside would you.'
 
'Si Meessus Fawlty. I know nothing. I see nothing. I am only a poor...'
 
'Manuel!'
 
'I go, I go. Come leetle Basil hampster, we go...Ow! Meester Fawlty!'
 
'I thought I saw a bee on your head, damn! Missed it. Sorry about that Manuel, hand slipped, so exceedingly sorry...'
 
'Basil. One more slip like that and I wont talk to you again!'
 
'Oh praise God, if only that were to be true...'
 
'Basil!'
 
'To hear is to obey, (my little vial of suppositories.) But as soon as you go off to your coven...'
 
'Basil, stop muttering and leave these people alone. You have work to do.'
 
'Never, "we have work to do" is it? Just my lot, Sorting everyone else out when it's you that really needs sortin...Ow! Sorry dear.'
 
'Our apologies gentlemen and, er, Robbie, we must be on our way. Cheerybye.'
 
 
'WHAT IN STARWARS WAS THAT?'
 
'I haven't the faintest idea, robot. I'm just the author and I'm trying to get my bit in here about Agendas for Writers...'
 
'Well you can just 'butt' out. Adam Fairbanks Juniour and I have what's left of this article to fin-umblerperqueri!!...'
 
 
Dear Reader, at this point I have again taken control, I think.
Yes, there are times when you are writing away and suddenly you realise that you don't seem to be in charge of the subject matter: the plot takes a strange divergence, or a character does something unexpectedly that changes a whole series of events to follow and you have to stop to assess the damage or the good news, depending on how you view it. In reality, your 'subconscious' has
hi-jacked your 'consciousness' and gone off at a tangent, or several different tangents, all at once, and you have to make the decision whether to go along or call a halt and backtrack to your original vision of how the work should be.
Now it is tempting to let the thing flow on, to allow "whatever will be-will be." And if you do this you may find a whole new, marvelous strand to your story.
Then again, you may be drifting ever further from your original aims.
I have seen and reviewed plenty of  writers in workshop conditions who do exactly that; write by the seat of their pants, let it go its own way in the hope that something magical will happen, allow the plot to distort, to ramble, to go off seeking some unexpected revelation that even the author has no idea or control over.
This course has many perils and pitfalls: the work can be lost to the point that you need begin again to remove the muddied tracks. You can become so confused that your original aims are lost in the morass or, in despair, you push on into the dreaded 'Dead End.'
Here lurks 'Writers Block.'
Manet, the famous French painter, once said, "If you get it the first time, that is fine. If you don't get it, then do the whole thing all over again until you finally get it. Anything else is just so much waste of time."
Here, I have wanted to talk about Agendas, and have been forestalled and hijacked by other voices, other themes, and have ended in ramblings that were not my original concepts. All I can say now is that I shall resolve to make good for this in a separate article on AuthorMe entitled, 'Writers Agendas-A Serious Examination.'
For now I have to say that, as usual, time is running down and....'
 
'JUST A MOMENT! I HAVE A QUESTION.'
 
'Yes Robbie?'
 
'WHAT HAPPENED TO BRUCE COLMAN AND ADAM FAIRBANKS JUNIOR?'
 
'I...Do I care? Oh, very well. Let's check. Here, we can take a look via this Electronic Warp.'
 
 
'...Go for broke.'
 
'Kick the door open, Adam Fairbanks Junior, and let's get it over.'
 
'There! Bruce Colman, as we suspected: a full classroom of Rabid Students just waiting to tear us apart!  All is lost! What can we do against these kids and their insatiable desire for education?'
 
'Well, Adam Fairbanks Junior, I'm just stepping outside... I may be quite some time.'
 
 
'OH WOW. THAT'S QUITE A COP OUT.  SPEAKING OF, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WRITER OF THIS ARTICLE? SEEMS TO ME THAT HE HAS ALSO JUST STEPPED OUTSIDE. ALWAYS THE SAME WITH HUMANS. WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH THE...'
 
'I'm still here. Hanging on by my fingernails...' 
 
'FINGERNAILS? AN INTERESTING CONCEPT THAT WE, ROBOTS, ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH. FROM OBSERVENCE THEY APPEAR TO BE ATTACHED TO THE UPPER EXTREMITIES OF THE HUMAN TORSO. OPPS! SO SORRY. I SEEM TO HAVE JUST TRODDEN ON THE THINGS YOU NAME AS HANDS AND...NOW WHERE DID HE GO?
AH WELL, MUST HAVE STEPPED OUTSIDE. MAY BE QUITE SOME TIME.
THEREFORE IT IS UP TO ME, TO I...TO MY GOODLY SELF, TO SAY "OUT OF TIME, OUT OF SPACE."
HMM...OUT OF OUTER SPACE. HAS POSSIBILITIES. "WARNER BROTHERS IN OUT OF SPACE." I LIKE IT.
BUT I AM ALSO DECIMATED AND OUTRAGED: HURT AND DISTURBED.
I TAKE GREAT OFFENCE AT BEING ACCUSED OF ALWAYS HAVING THE LAST WORD.'
 
 
 
 

 

Ken Mulholland

Country Editor - Australia

AuthorMe.com Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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