I’m in the middle of my WIP right now, and it’s slow-going. Part of that is internal stuff that’s messing with my productivity–another book is launching in a week; copyedits are due on another story; day job has been stressful–but part of it is I’m worried that my characters are standing (or sitting) around, navel gazing, instead of actually **doing** stuff.
I know, I know. First write the story. Then fix it. Yep. On it.
There’s a fine line between building tension and stalling the narrative. It’s tough to nail. I’m hopeful that in my revision, all will go well. Some authors really get how to pace their books. I’m rereading Jim Butcher’s DRESDEN FILES, and once again I’m stunned by the liquid ease of his action scenes. And there’s lots of them. Sure, Harry gets introspective at times, and there are segments of the series when there’s a lot of internal strife he’s dealing with (his subconscience is a bit of a jerk, in Harry’s own words, and then there’s the Shadow form of a fallen angel that he has to work with). But the pace doesn’t slow — or when it does, it’s because we need a breather after all the BANG! ZOOM! SHAZAM! from the previous chapters.
Which authors would you say do a masterful job of pacing?
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I love SEP, Lori Foster, Dianne Castell, Carly Philips and Nora Roberts for books that flow effortlessly. I have never read one of their books (and I’ve read them all) that I felt rushed or dragged down.
Good luck with your unruly characters. I hope the copyedits run smooth and the words began to flow effortlessly.
by Patty L.
on July 23rd, 2008 at 11:16 am
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You yourself aren’t too shabby, m’dear 
Nora Roberts (Blue Smoke is just excellent), Suzanne Brockmann (Gone Too Far is like an action movie in writing), LaVyrle Spencer (Morning Glory–very little bang, but there’s something happening in every page).
There are, obviously, many more, but you get my drift, I’m sure. Different kinds of action, but still amazing pacing.
by azteclady
on July 23rd, 2008 at 11:32 am
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I’m with Patty L on a many of the same - SEP, Lori Foster, Eloisa James, Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn… there’s always something going on, and the book isn’t rushed or cramming in too much at the end. Oh - and Christina Dodd too. In fact, I’m reading one of her books right now.
Of course, there are a number of other authors that wrote excellent books. I don’t necessarily require *action* - but there has to be something going on.
by limecello
on July 23rd, 2008 at 5:44 pm
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The other commenters have already mentioned some of the authors I think have great pacing, but one that hasn’t been mentioned is James Rollins. I read one of his books for the first time last year and was immediately sucked into the story. He does a wonderful job with mixing character introspection with the actual action of the book, and there is definitely a lot in every book he’s written.
by Karin
on July 24th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
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Lots of great authors already mentioned, especially SEP, NR and SB. I have to add Sandra Brown, Barry Eisler and Robert Crais to that lot.
Lots of action and character development.
by Angie-la
on July 25th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
