Struggling Authors

"Your writing lacks pace."
What does that mean?
I suspect it means that the reviewer is a 'page turner junky'. Pace suits certain types of novel, but not all.
I am reading JB Priestley (Angel Pavement) and the only way to read it is gently, and to savour every idea; every paragraph.
I want my readers to slow down and think about what they are reading, enjoy each page, not be eager to get to the next. When making improvements to my work, based on a number of reviews, I told my reviewing colleagues that my book goes at the pace it does BECAUSE I WANT IT TO!
Has the reading of literature become part of the instant gratification society?

I'm sorry but Atonement lacked pace so much that I only lasted 8 chapters before I felt the need to retire to a darkened room - with a, dare I say it, blockbuster.

That's just my personal opinion.

Other people may disagree obviously but I wanted to know what all the fuss was about.

Please can nobody reply telling me that the book gets interesting at chapter 9

DS

You go at your own pace Graham - if it works for Ian Mckewan then it'll work for you. (BTW - I found your work much more interesting

I haven't read Atonement but the film was great. I can see how the story could be slow. The real drama comes right at the end (probably chapter 9!)
Perhaps a case of the film being better than the book? (Quick, duck Graham - incoming missiles)
I go to Wilbur Smith or Bernard Cornwell when I want page turning entertainment.
I think it's all about the mood of the reader.

Thanks for the compliment DS. You charmer, you :D

Graham

I couldn't get into 'Atonement' either. I get that the characters are posh so the language reflects their clipped tones, but frankly it's too much hard work to read. Loved the film thought (buy it for £9 in Tesco! No, I don't work there, in fact I hate Tesco...)

I'm relieved to hear other people saying this about atonement because I thought it was just me! Half way through i was so bored I almost gave up and when I did get to the end - what a disappointment! It went nowhere as far as I could tell. I haven't seen the film yet, but i hope it's better than the book.

Film is definitely worth watching. There's an amazing shot at the end which is worth watching the film for alone!