Pacing Isn’t Just for Novels

We’ve all heard about pacing for novels—and even picture books, for that matter. If there isn’t enough action, the pacing is too slow and readers get bored and lose interest. Too fast and there isn’t enough depth in our characters. Pacing is all about balance—something I’ve had the learn the hard way recently, and not just in my writing. 

---

“Pace yourself.” How many times have you heard that in the past week or month? How many times have you said it to someone else? 

The #1 advice I always give to writers is: “Publishing is a marathon, not a sprint.” But time and time again, I watch new authors try to do everything when their first book comes out. I know, because I am one of them—not just for my first book, but for my second one as well. Do as I say, not as I do. Is that what they say? 

Because I had long-COVID, I didn’t have the energy to do much during my first book launch. I pushed through and did what I could, but every activity left me exhausted. When M IS FOR MASON JAR launched, something in me screamed, “I can do it!” And despite what I told everyone else, I booked out a busy fall schedule. Every weekend was filled with in-person events. 

Yes, I enjoyed every single one, but by the time I was half-way through my schedule, my body crashed. I began experiencing severe headaches. Fatigue settled in. I could barely look at my computer for work and feel dizzy. And I realized what I should have known from the beginning—this schedule was simply too much for me. 

I realized what I should have known from the beginning—this schedule was simply too much for me.

Okay, I’m learning—albeit, the hard way. Let’s face it—publishing your first book (or, ahem, your second or third book) is exciting! Each book is full of possibilities and the opportunities out there are endless—blog tours, bookstore events, podcasts, school visits… Even if you don’t have a book out yet, there are conferences, retreats, critique sessions with editors, webinars… They sparkle. They shine. They all scream, “Come! Pick me!” 

We want to do ALL. THE. THINGS., right? 

But here’s the thing: we simple can’t do it all—even if our bodies are in top shape. And I’ll bet that if you are reading this blog even somewhat regularly, you are struggling with at least one health challenge. 

Publishing and marketing are marathons. Sure, we can start the race with a strong sprint, but we’ll burn out quickly and maybe not even make it to the finish line. Professional runners know the key to winning. It’s all about pacing. 

Very few writers want to talk about pacing—unless it has to do with their novels. We want to hurry up to learn the craft, to get published, to get that advance or royalty check, to earn out, to win that award … [fill in the blank, you get the drift]. But the thing is, none of that happens without a long-term commitment, and that requires a little lesson in pacing. 

The value in taking things slow. 

Slowing down is not just good for our bodies. It’s also good for our minds. We absorb more. We learn better. And we retain information longer. Taking time to research publishers and agents (instead of someone handing you a pre-curated list) helps you learn more about the industry, what works and what doesn’t work, and why. It also forces you to think through your own writing process BEFORE you put something out into the world. 

Plus, rest feeds creativity. It needs space to dream and consider new ideas. And as much as we want to come up with that blockbuster idea, simply put—creativity can’t be rushed. The more you push it, the more it will push back. 

And so will your body. 

Include breaks in your schedule.

I thought include a single weekend break in the middle of a grueling schedule would be enough. Well, it wasn’t. Because I also work a full-time job during the week, I wasn’t getting enough rest between weekend events. So as I start scheduling my spring, I realize that I now have to put a weekend in between each weekend event—to rest, to refuel my creativity, and simply give my body time to reset. 

Breaks must be intentional. Schedule them. Block them off in your calendar. Don’t even allow your self the temptation to slide in “something small.” 

Give yourself permission to let opportunities pass.

I grew up believing that I had to say “yes” to every opportunity because I didn’t know when it would come along again. While that’s true to a point, taking every single opportunity can sometimes cost us something even greater—our health. If we lose that, then what little we gained from grabbing that opportunity by the horns really wasn’t worth it. 

Taking every single opportunity can sometimes cost us something greater—our health.

I’m not saying to let every opportunity pass you by. That would be foolish But each one needs to be carefully weighed, especially for those of us who battle ongoing health problems. Not every shiny thing needs to be followed. Sometimes, it’s best just to note they are there and save them for another time. It’s okay to let them pass. 

So, take a moment to pause and consider your pacing. How would you rate yourself? Be honest. If you are truly moving too slowly, what can add that won’t push you over the limit? If your pacing is too fast, pick those tasks are are truly worth your time and effort. Consider add space to your schedule. Slow down. Pace yourself. 

Allow yourself to breathe — just breathe. 

---

ABOUT THE BOOK: Children are an essential part of any homestead. From canning creamed corn and cucumbers to scattering seeds in the soil, explore a fun modern-day homesteading activity for every letter of the alphabet, just for young homesteaders. With alliterative text, M Is for Mason Jar is a mix of nostalgia and modernism. Whether in the country or the city, the time-honored practices of the homestead will encourage kids to be more self-reliant and to be thankful for the bounty of the earth and the work of their hands. Includes one page of backmatter to help kids get involved in homesteading activities.

PRE-ORDER M IS FOR MASON JAR (releasing August 12th) through your local independent bookstore. Or, support my local bookstore, Highland Books (of an autographed copy, write SIGNED COPY in the comment field on your pre-order).