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| Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Anger, Greed, Sloth |
| For writers, these are not the Seven Deadly Sins!!! |
| The following lists one or more of hundreds practiced by writers of all skill levels |
Rhythm
While the word, rhythm is used interchangeably with flow, pace,
and tempo, I consider it more of a combination of speed and
timing in a novel.
The rhythm of every novel must change continually.
Fast-paced action scenes must be interleaved with sequels or
breathers for a reader. These include,
1. Narrative scenes—those that provide descriptions,
background information, character reflection, etc, and
2. Transitional scenes—used to alter time or place and provide
a transition to the next scene.
But always remember, a story must flow, one scene to the next,
one chapter to the next, all leading to the intended climax. If a
writer veers off course into an irrelevant tangent that doesn’t add
to the story or keep it moving, he will jolt and potentially halt the
reader’s interaction with the story. This mistake usually results in
the writer losing his reader.
In action novels of all kinds, the rhythm increases its speed step-
by-step, rising to a crescendo but always with interspersed calm
periods. This variation in rhythm is essential to maintain a reader’
s interest.
There is no formula for how to establish and then change the
rhythm of a novel. Each writer and each novel must establish the
rhythm that will ensure a reader’s attention is maintained.
Remember, a steady flow of dialogue or narrative will appear
tedious and boring to a reader while continuous action will wear
out the most vigorous reader. Select a rhythm that feels right to
you as a reader.
Rhythm and Sentence Structure
The structure of sentences and their placement plays a significant
role in a novel’s Rhythm.
Depending on the desires of a writer and the needs of the scene, e.
g. dialogue, interior monologue, narrative, etc., a writer may
choose to use the following in any combination. The object is to
provide a rhythm that is comfortable for the reader—not Faulkner,
but also not choppy.
Long sentences/paragraphs
Short sentences/paragraphs
Single word sentences/paragraphs
Sentence fragments
Independent phrases connected by a conjunction
Independent phrases as standalone sentences
ending with a conjunction prior to the last phrase/item.
While the word, rhythm is used interchangeably with flow, pace,
and tempo, I consider it more of a combination of speed and
timing in a novel.
The rhythm of every novel must change continually.
Fast-paced action scenes must be interleaved with sequels or
breathers for a reader. These include,
1. Narrative scenes—those that provide descriptions,
background information, character reflection, etc, and
2. Transitional scenes—used to alter time or place and provide
a transition to the next scene.
But always remember, a story must flow, one scene to the next,
one chapter to the next, all leading to the intended climax. If a
writer veers off course into an irrelevant tangent that doesn’t add
to the story or keep it moving, he will jolt and potentially halt the
reader’s interaction with the story. This mistake usually results in
the writer losing his reader.
In action novels of all kinds, the rhythm increases its speed step-
by-step, rising to a crescendo but always with interspersed calm
periods. This variation in rhythm is essential to maintain a reader’
s interest.
There is no formula for how to establish and then change the
rhythm of a novel. Each writer and each novel must establish the
rhythm that will ensure a reader’s attention is maintained.
Remember, a steady flow of dialogue or narrative will appear
tedious and boring to a reader while continuous action will wear
out the most vigorous reader. Select a rhythm that feels right to
you as a reader.
Rhythm and Sentence Structure
The structure of sentences and their placement plays a significant
role in a novel’s Rhythm.
Depending on the desires of a writer and the needs of the scene, e.
g. dialogue, interior monologue, narrative, etc., a writer may
choose to use the following in any combination. The object is to
provide a rhythm that is comfortable for the reader—not Faulkner,
but also not choppy.
Long sentences/paragraphs
Short sentences/paragraphs
Single word sentences/paragraphs
Sentence fragments
Independent phrases connected by a conjunction
Independent phrases as standalone sentences
- Dependent phrases connected by a conjunction
Dependent phrases connected by a comma (This is a type of
sentence fragment)
ending with a conjunction prior to the last phrase/item.
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| O nature's noblest gift -- my grey goose-quill! Slave of my thoughts, obedient to my will, Torn from thy parent bird to form a pen, That mighty instrument of little men! Lord Byron (1788-1824) |