Aside from being a writer and professional reader, Ines Johnson is a seasoned educator. For over 15 years, she taught college level courses in screenwriting, story development, and media history. A lifelong learner (read: academic addict), she holds a Master's in Instructional Design, and a Doctorate in Educational Technology. She is constantly taking courses on the latest digital marketing techniques, reading how-to books, and keeping her skills at the cutting edge, so that you don't have to!

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Page Turner Pacing by Ines Johnson

Craft Binge-Worthy Novels Readers Can't Put Down

Every author dreams of crafting that unputdownable novel, a book so gripping that readers are glued to every page. But beyond grabbing a reader from the first page, the true challenge lies in maintaining that momentum for the entire story.

You want to produce more books, faster, and with fewer roadblocks. But writer's block, inconsistent writing habits, and slow progress can derail even the most passionate of authors. So instead of picking up the pen or putting your fingers on the keyboard, you go and sit down on the couch to binge watch the latest reality show or streaming sensation.

What if you could use those TV bingeing behaviors in your novels?

Would you like a method inspired by the very techniques that make television shows binge-worthy?

Page Turner Pacingunlocks the secrets of dynamic storytelling, helping you master the art of pacing with strategies inspired by the most binge-worthy television shows.

This book offers a 21-day plan to take your story idea and transform it into a gripping novel that captivates readers. By deconstructing the pacing techniques of top shows, you'll learn how to structure your narrative, deepen character arcs, and maintain momentum throughout your book. Whether you're a pantser embracing spontaneity or a plotter seeking precision, Page Turner Pacing gives you the tools to elevate your craft.

Inside, you'll discover:

-How to use proven pacing points to drive your story forward.

-Techniques to eliminate sagging middles and rushed endings.

-A step-by-step guide to creating compelling tension and drama.

-Insights to help you build a consistent, productive writing routine.

If you're ready to write novels that readers can't stop talking about, this is your guide to crafting stories that shine in today's competitive market. Let's make your book the one readers can't put down.

 
 

BOOK PREVIEW

In American television dramas, the storytelling structure often unfolds across approximately eight acts, delineated by commercial breaks or transitions to black in streaming formats. Within these acts, a pattern of twelve distinct pacing points emerges, crafting a rhythm that engages and propels the narrative forward. These twelve points are the basis of my Page Turner Pacing system.

1. Set Up: The opening act introduces the hero or the world they inhabit, setting the stage for the journey ahead.

2. Want versus Need: Early on, dialogue or visual cues reveal the protagonist's desires or needs, highlighting their primary motivations.

3. Plan of Action: The protagonist formulates a plan, either through deliberate strategy or as a response to unfolding events, signaling their first step towards achieving their goal.

4. Obstacle: The narrative momentum encounters its first major hurdle as an obstacle arises, challenging the protagonist's path forward.

5. Growth: Facing the obstacle leads to growth; the protagonist either learns from a failure or builds on a seeming success.

6. Setback: What appeared to be progress is revealed to be a setback, complicating the protagonist's journey and deepening the conflict.

7. Regroup: In the aftermath of the setback, the protagonist regroups, reflecting and potentially devising a new strategy.

8. Confrontation: The story introduces another obstacle, testing the protagonist's resolve and adaptability.

9. Silver Lining: A pivotal moment of insight or external aid (the silver lining) illuminates a path to overcoming the latest challenge.

10. Resolution: The narrative arc reaches a climax as the protagonist either achieves their goal or faces the consequences of falling short.

11. Closure: Alongside the main narrative, subplots are neatly tied up, providing additional layers of closure.

12. Open Door: In series with ongoing stories, the finale hints at future narratives, leaving an 'open door' that invites viewers back for more.

This structured approach to storytelling is a hallmark of American television dramas, offering you a familiar yet flexible framework that supports a wide range of thematic exploration and character development. By observing this pattern across various shows, you can see its effectiveness in maintaining viewer engagement and narrative coherence. This method can be a powerful tool for you as you craft your own stories, ensuring each section of your narrative builds towards an engaging and coherent whole.