Powerful Story Pacing
About
Finally! The Definitive Guide to Creating Fiction Readers Can't Put Down
Ever wondered why some novels keep readers up until 3 AM while others collect dust on nightstands? The secret isn't just great characters or an intriguing plot—it's Powerful Story Pacing.
As a fiction writer, you know that pace can make or break your novel. Too slow, and readers lose interest. Too fast, and they miss the emotional impact. But finding that perfect rhythm isn't just instinct—it's a craft that can be mastered.
Transform Your Fiction with Professional Pacing Techniques
Powerful Story Pacing is the sixth book in my bestselling Page-Turner Fiction series, and it might just be the most important one yet. This isn't a surface-level guide with generic advice like "add tension" or "cut unnecessary scenes." Instead, I'm giving you:
- A complete pacing toolkit that works for any genre, from literary fiction to thrillers
- Psychological insights backed by research on how readers' brains process and respond to narrative rhythm
- Practical techniques for controlling story velocity at every level—from sentences to scenes to overall structure
- Professional strategies used by bestselling authors to create irresistible momentum
- Troubleshooting frameworks to diagnose and fix common pacing problems in your manuscript
From Fundamentals to Expert Strategies
Whether you're writing your first novel or your fifteenth, Powerful Story Pacing meets you where you are with its unique four-part structure:
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Part One: Fundamentals of Pacing
- Master the essential building blocks of story rhythm and learn why even accomplished writers sometimes struggle with pace.
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Part Two: Beyond the Basics
- Discover advanced techniques for creating narrative momentum, including the subtle art of scene and chapter transitions that pull readers forward.
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Part Three: Pacing Practicalities
- Get hands-on guidance for tailoring pace to your genre, handling subplots without losing momentum, and creating the perfect balance of action and reflection.
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Part Four: Expert Pacing Issues
- Elevate your craft with professional-level insights on manipulating time, managing multiple POVs without killing momentum, and creating a rhythm that enhances your story's emotional impact.
Why This Book Is Different
Unlike other writing guides that treat pacing as an afterthought, Powerful Story Pacing puts this critical element front and center. Drawing on my decades of experience as a writer, editor, and writing instructor, I've created a comprehensive resource that:
- Breaks down complex concepts into clear, actionable techniques,
- Provides specific examples rather than vague generalities,
- Addresses the unique challenges of different genres and narrative styles,
- Offers both quick fixes and deep structural solutions to common pacing problems, and
- Integrates the science of reading with the art of storytelling.
A Message from the Author
I've judged thousands of manuscript contests and worked with hundreds of writers at every stage of their careers. Time and again, I've seen talented writers with brilliant ideas and compelling characters fail to capture readers simply because their pacing was off.
That's why I created this book—because I believe your stories deserve to be read, and mastering pace is often the missing piece that can transform a good manuscript into a page-turner that readers simply can't set aside.
Whether you're struggling with a manuscript that isn't quite working or looking to elevate your already-solid writing to the next level, the techniques in Powerful Story Pacing will give you the tools to create fiction that keeps readers glued to the page.