Writers

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about writing pace.

Much writing advice boils down to the same idea: go fast. But pace, like voice, is individualized.

We unconsciously inherit a pace (usually set by a platform or a publisher), but reconsidering how quickly or slowly we write might unlock our best work.

Writer ✍️ | Creepy stories: unnerv.ing 👁️ | Essays: paragraph.xyz/@driftless ⚡️

Insightful piece. I agree that pace, scope, and setting are under-explored in writing advice.

"What is the right pace that keeps you in that room? [...] You will spend your life in the room, either way."

Important point! I love that you mentioned that Ventura essay, which I thoroughly appreciate.

34 $DEGEN for you.

Writer, senior editor, music nerd, GenX eldergoth, monastery-bootstrapper. https://paragraph.xyz/@danicaswanson https://tinyurl.com/Black-Stone-Wordsmith

My pleasure. Excited to read what you have to say about setting! Since writers will spend our lives in the room either way, setting is critical. It's been a key to unlocking creative flow for me.

Ventura has many other great essays. I've also frequently quoted from "Someone is Stealing Your Life" and "Why Love Sucks."

Thank you for reading, Danica! I always love your thoughtful replies.

The Ventura essay is great! I only recently discovered it, but found it resonated deeply.