Speed, Timing, and Polish
Not being a big sports fan, this is one of the first times that I’ve really gotten into watching the Winter Olympics. It’s not just because it’s in my home country (Go Canada Go!). Working hard to achieve my own writing goals has led me to really appreciate the level of dedication and commitment it takes to make it. A few things I’ve learned from watching that I can apply to my own writing:
Speed. Set a pace and get a rhythm going, but save something for that final push when it really counts.
Timing. One decision about which way to go or when to make a move can effect the entire performance.
Details. All the small elements–dramatic gestures, a simple step sequence–require attention to create a perfect routine.
The connections that writers make between writing and the Olympics are interesting, too. More food for thought about the Olympics and writing by Lisa over at Author2Author, Susan Lyons and Eileen Cook.
– Andrea
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hmm, this is an interesting observation about speed and pacing. For me, pacing is like voice: hard to dissect and consciously write in, but more something I have to absorb and learn organically. Events should “come to a head” and speed up at the end, when descriptions of people and locations are pretty much out of the way. I’m re-reading Watership Down now (such a great novel!!) and one cover blurb says “I raced through the last hundred pages with my heart pounding.” That’s what I want to achieve!
I like the three points that you made. It takes so much endurance to not give up, overcome injuries and then put yourself out there in front of the whole world to be an Olympian. I think in some ways writing has those elements too.
I think pacing really is important and something I’m dealing with right now since I’m at the end of my book and I want the story to accelerate.
Kate- I loved Watership Down! What a fantastic book.
Kate, I love Watership Down too. I never thought of looking at it in terms of the plot before, but it does really build up to a strong conclusion. I’ll have to take a another look!