Zero To Sixty

Last week, I wrote about the timing problem I found in my manuscript. I’ve spent the week revising and fixing that issue, but while doing that, I found something else. Actually, my critique partner did.

I had her read the first six or ten chapters because I knew I needed to add a few scenes; I just didn’t know exactly what needed to be added. I was hoping she could tell me what needed to be fleshed out.

You know when you read something you’ve written and you like it but you’re also like, “hmm, I’m not sure about this”? Well, I knew there was a problem, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. That’s why having a critique partner is so great.

She saw what the problem was immediately—I’d rushed the hero and heroine getting together. Zero to sixty is great for a car; less so for a hero and heroine who are developing a relationship.

So, as I’ve been reviewing my manuscript for the timing issue, I’ve also slowed down their meeting, liking and falling in love. Not to where it drags, but I’ve added a bit more tension, more wanting, more conflict. I hope readers like it and don’t find it slows down the pacing—I’ll be checking again with my critique partner for that problem.

But I think I’m on the right track.