Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing The hidden techniques behind well-paced fiction, with Joshua Essoe
Apr 3, 2025
In this enlightening discussion with Joshua Essoe, a fiction editor and author of "Pacing and Cutting," listeners uncover the art of pacing in storytelling. Joshua reveals how effective pacing grips readers, using film examples like 'Memento' and 'Fight Club.' He shares techniques such as managing flashbacks and the strategic use of white space. Insights into the psychological aspects of story pacing and balancing emotional beats further enhance understanding of narrative engagement, making this a must-listen for aspiring writers!
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Memento's Reverse Chronology
- Memento is a masterclass in storytelling, starting at the end and working backward.
- It creates momentum by making viewers wonder "how" events happened, not "what" will happen.
Withholding Information
- Withholding information is a key pacing technique, acting as a reverse foreshadowing.
- It keeps readers engaged by making them search for clues and anticipate reveals.
Effective Flashbacks
- Use flashbacks strategically to enhance character development, provide narrative information, foreshadow, or clarify plot details.
- Avoid flashbacks if they don't serve at least one of these purposes.
