Yes, I would agree with you, Kristen, pace is the most difficult thing to nail, partly because it is so subjective; partly because, when editing, one can miss the 'why' of a particular section.
Hi, Kristen. When you're off the clock and reading something you're not editing, are you still editing in your head? That is, can you dial down your editing brain so it doesn't get in the way of enjoying non-work-related books?
When I am reading for fun, I turn off my editing brain. And I always say that if editing ever makes my personal reading not fun, I will quit. Reading is my only and favorite hobby. I need to protect it!
Your insightful article on the importance of pace in editing is so good. Your experience shines through, and I appreciate your emphasis on creating an engaging reading experience. Thanks so much for sharing.
As an ADHD reader and fantasy author, pacing is everything to me, too! I think there needs to be a sticker on books that says “ADD Friendly” if it has an 8 Act structure so I can tell what will have a hope of holding me! You can’t tell by the back copy.
I used to read the way you describe (up til the second baby, age 24), but then undiagnosed symptoms went crazy, and I found myself unable to read nearly anything! It was horrifying—but at one point I thought, ‘Well, what COULD I read?’.
I had studied writing and completed three first draft novels, so I gave it a whirl and wrote an opening scene that really held me. Then life exploded and the story wasn’t expanded for over a decade, but when I finally turned it into a novel, I discovered the magic of the 8 Act or ‘Hollywood’ structure. It has the appropriate ‘sequels’ to the exciting ‘scenes’, but the reading feels like “It’s my favourite part! And then it’s my favourite part! And then it’s my Favourite Part!”
I learned the 8 Act structure in The Book Incubator program with Mary Adkins and Rufi Thorpe, and went into the writing knowing I had to use it for my own sanity. I didn’t outline the normal way but I knew some of the 8 acts and the big climax. It was an exciting way to write, discovering as I went, but not too ‘pantser’ since I was following a structure. It was like “ok, I got this far, but this act calls for a major derailment before we achieve the next thing—what could that be?”. I’m just so glad now to know what works for me, as both a reader and a writer!
I am thrilled you figured out what works for you as a writer and reader. That is such a big part of the craft. I feel like so many people discount themselves in the process which makes the writing less fun for them and in the end also less fun for readers. If you ever want to write a guest post for my Substack on writing for the ADHD brain, I would love it! It is so important to talk about reading and writing for all readers! Please feel free to reach out through my site.
Thank you for bringing this up, exploring different types and not being discouraged when one or two ot three are not compelling. Keep searching and asking good questions so you can recognize them when you find them.
Great to hear these editing insights, thanks! When you're reading "for fun" are you able to turn off your editor's brain and enjoy the story like a "non-professional" reader?
This is so insightful. Yet, I am now afraid of writing my first novel. It is extremely haunting. What if I write a novel, and then an edit says that it is not worth publishing. 😬
Reading how people here are some ting that even when off th eclectic you are eating in your head.
Ha, the same happens for me with verbal communication and word choice. My advisory.coaching brain never turns off. I am sensing and feeling how the word choice is either bringing harmony or causing discord.
Would you say that the kind of magical editing you are talking about, professional editing, is different than the author's editing/revising process? Aside from your ink-stained magical abilities, I mean.
Also, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and we both know why.
100%. It is impossible to edit your own work. You always need a pair of fresh eyes, whether professional or a friend’s. But an editor like me is also bringing a commercial sensibility that is really really hard for normal readers to develop.
I just completely fall in. I will, of course, pause over mistakes like that, but I try not to worry about anything else. Otherwise, I would never read anything for fun!
Hi Kristen, that was so helpful. Pace as #1 makes sense and something you can feel as a reader and a writer. And pace at the forefront works on story, novel, essay, and article. Thanks!
Question: Why does every "good" book have to keep a reader on the edge of their seat? I understand that pacing is vital and that a book needs to be written in such a way that transitions and segues are designed to keep the reader wanting more, to turn pages, etc.
But I actually enjoy slower paced books from time to time. Fast-paced stories can get my head to spiral and my body to feel a sense of urgency and panic, which - honestly - I feel most of the time WITHOUT reading a book, anyway. I love a good story, but some of the best are ones that unfold quietly, through a writer's introspection.
I admit I am more this type of writer. I dig deeply into the meaning of my life and my experiences. Hopefully those types of stories still sell. I only ask, because I am on the cusp of developing my agent query, after having completed my book proposal draft yesterday.
This is a really good question. I cut my teeth on thrillers - even though I now edit anything - so I always think about keeping a reader on the edge of their seats. But my advice on pace doesn’t only apply to thrillers or commercial fiction. Even if you’re not keeping a reader on the edge of their seats, you want to keep them IN their seats. Even if they’re not reading, they’re thinking…ideally long after they put your book down. So quiet and thoughtful…not boring!
Yes! Actually everything is subjective, another reason why editing and writing are so hard.
This was very helpful. I love what you said about reading a lot and how it made you a better editor. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading!
You're welcome!
Yes, I would agree with you, Kristen, pace is the most difficult thing to nail, partly because it is so subjective; partly because, when editing, one can miss the 'why' of a particular section.
Hi, Kristen. When you're off the clock and reading something you're not editing, are you still editing in your head? That is, can you dial down your editing brain so it doesn't get in the way of enjoying non-work-related books?
When I am reading for fun, I turn off my editing brain. And I always say that if editing ever makes my personal reading not fun, I will quit. Reading is my only and favorite hobby. I need to protect it!
Makes sense!
There really is so much to be said about ‘knowing’. Honing intuition is so valuable. Thank you for sharing.
Your insightful article on the importance of pace in editing is so good. Your experience shines through, and I appreciate your emphasis on creating an engaging reading experience. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for reading!
As an ADHD reader and fantasy author, pacing is everything to me, too! I think there needs to be a sticker on books that says “ADD Friendly” if it has an 8 Act structure so I can tell what will have a hope of holding me! You can’t tell by the back copy.
I used to read the way you describe (up til the second baby, age 24), but then undiagnosed symptoms went crazy, and I found myself unable to read nearly anything! It was horrifying—but at one point I thought, ‘Well, what COULD I read?’.
I had studied writing and completed three first draft novels, so I gave it a whirl and wrote an opening scene that really held me. Then life exploded and the story wasn’t expanded for over a decade, but when I finally turned it into a novel, I discovered the magic of the 8 Act or ‘Hollywood’ structure. It has the appropriate ‘sequels’ to the exciting ‘scenes’, but the reading feels like “It’s my favourite part! And then it’s my favourite part! And then it’s my Favourite Part!”
I learned the 8 Act structure in The Book Incubator program with Mary Adkins and Rufi Thorpe, and went into the writing knowing I had to use it for my own sanity. I didn’t outline the normal way but I knew some of the 8 acts and the big climax. It was an exciting way to write, discovering as I went, but not too ‘pantser’ since I was following a structure. It was like “ok, I got this far, but this act calls for a major derailment before we achieve the next thing—what could that be?”. I’m just so glad now to know what works for me, as both a reader and a writer!
I am thrilled you figured out what works for you as a writer and reader. That is such a big part of the craft. I feel like so many people discount themselves in the process which makes the writing less fun for them and in the end also less fun for readers. If you ever want to write a guest post for my Substack on writing for the ADHD brain, I would love it! It is so important to talk about reading and writing for all readers! Please feel free to reach out through my site.
Thank you, Kristen! I will!
Oh! Just to clarify—reach out through your editor site, or the substack one? Thanks!
Through my editor website would be great! Excited to hear from you
Thank you for bringing this up, exploring different types and not being discouraged when one or two ot three are not compelling. Keep searching and asking good questions so you can recognize them when you find them.
But but... The title is "How I Edit" and the ending is "I can't tell you how I edit." I still want you know... How do you edit? 😃
That’s why I said it’s magic!
Fair enough. And this is why I will always need an editor. I am most definitely not a magician but I admire your skill!
Thank you!
Great to hear these editing insights, thanks! When you're reading "for fun" are you able to turn off your editor's brain and enjoy the story like a "non-professional" reader?
I totally turn off my editing brain. If I couldn’t, I’d have to quit. Reading is my favorite way to relax!
This is so insightful. Yet, I am now afraid of writing my first novel. It is extremely haunting. What if I write a novel, and then an edit says that it is not worth publishing. 😬
Reading how people here are some ting that even when off th eclectic you are eating in your head.
Ha, the same happens for me with verbal communication and word choice. My advisory.coaching brain never turns off. I am sensing and feeling how the word choice is either bringing harmony or causing discord.
Would you say that the kind of magical editing you are talking about, professional editing, is different than the author's editing/revising process? Aside from your ink-stained magical abilities, I mean.
Also, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and we both know why.
100%. It is impossible to edit your own work. You always need a pair of fresh eyes, whether professional or a friend’s. But an editor like me is also bringing a commercial sensibility that is really really hard for normal readers to develop.
I am impressed you can switch off. I often find myself editing a book I am reading. The odd comma or swapping a sentence around for clarity.
I just completely fall in. I will, of course, pause over mistakes like that, but I try not to worry about anything else. Otherwise, I would never read anything for fun!
Hi Kristen, that was so helpful. Pace as #1 makes sense and something you can feel as a reader and a writer. And pace at the forefront works on story, novel, essay, and article. Thanks!
So glad you enjoyed! And yes! You can apply the pace rule to all types of writing!
Hi Kristen!
Question: Why does every "good" book have to keep a reader on the edge of their seat? I understand that pacing is vital and that a book needs to be written in such a way that transitions and segues are designed to keep the reader wanting more, to turn pages, etc.
But I actually enjoy slower paced books from time to time. Fast-paced stories can get my head to spiral and my body to feel a sense of urgency and panic, which - honestly - I feel most of the time WITHOUT reading a book, anyway. I love a good story, but some of the best are ones that unfold quietly, through a writer's introspection.
I admit I am more this type of writer. I dig deeply into the meaning of my life and my experiences. Hopefully those types of stories still sell. I only ask, because I am on the cusp of developing my agent query, after having completed my book proposal draft yesterday.
This is a really good question. I cut my teeth on thrillers - even though I now edit anything - so I always think about keeping a reader on the edge of their seats. But my advice on pace doesn’t only apply to thrillers or commercial fiction. Even if you’re not keeping a reader on the edge of their seats, you want to keep them IN their seats. Even if they’re not reading, they’re thinking…ideally long after they put your book down. So quiet and thoughtful…not boring!
Totally agree, Kristen!
So helpful! Thanks for sharing.