Saturday, April 14, 2007

Another Saturday

Writing is amazing. I had a workshop class today and we discussed how writers can "slow down" a story. It was very interesting. Certain words work to slow the pace down in literature. Conversely, other words can speed sections up. It depends on what an author wants to do. If I want you to take your time in a section, and really soak it up, my writing style can do that. If I've mastered my craft, I can do it successfully, with ease. For example, longer sentences slow a passage down, and shorter ones speed it up. Together they make a passage more effective. In addition, "ing" words and "ly" at the end also helps to slow stories down. I'll try to put together a quick example:

"He ran slowly at first. Galloping, trotting with clumsy strides. Then quickly, he began running with purpose, imaging himself hoisting a grand trophy high above his head, glowing and proud. Now, he was wholly expecting to take the lead. And he did. He was winning. Passing the other runners as if propelled by the wind itself. He was breathing heavily, but the sight of the ribbon, horizontal and enthralling, fueled the driving force within him and he dug deeper into his soul until he knew he could not be beaten. Crossing the finish line first, he had proved his point. He grinned slyly, knowing all along, that by persevering, he would surely be the victor. He won. He would never lose a race again. No. Not after today. How could he? He knew what it took to be a champion. And from this day forward, when the competitive nature of mankind called, and the stage was set, spikes agleam and brows wetted by anxious perspiration, he would be ready."