CarrollBlog

An indication that I am about halfway finished writing a new book is when I unconsciously stop reading any fiction other than thrillers. The best thriller writers, and luckily there are a number of them, know how to pace a story like no one else. It is a difficult art not easily learned. I have found though that by steeping myself in their work via reading one good thriller after another, that I usually re-learn certain elements of pacing from these pros that can be applied to what I am trying to do in my own work. In a way, it is like the person who once learned how to tango but then stopped dancing for a long time. When he decides to try it again, he returns by first hanging around master dancers and closely watching their every move out on the floor. Just seeing these greats do their stuff is not only inspirational, but invaluable lessons can be learned if you give them your full attention.