One week ago, I was interviewed by Peter Okonkwo for P English Literature and it was a delight. He explored all things writing, but focused on one of my earlier books, Caught in a Web, because I just completed the second draft of my newest book, Black Ye’ii (The Evil One), scheduled for publication through Black Rose Writing January 2025. My newest book is a kind of sequel to Caught in a Web, but while it references action that takes place in this book, Black Ye’ii (The Evil One) is a stand-alone.
You can find the full interview here on YouTube. Here is a link to it
Besides any number of interesting questions and conversation, he asked a question about sentence length. I hadn’t considered it before, and it caught me a bit off guard. Having thought about it since, I’d like to expand on my answer.
When I sit down to write, I don’t necessarily consider sentence length as much as I consider sentence quality. I’ve read some dreadfully long sentences, as I’m sure you have, and I find myself skipping over them like someone stepping over cracks in a sidewalk. I’d rather get to the “good part” and tend to skip over long paragraphs of description and prose.
I seek action. I seek colorful, well-crafted characters, and depth in setting and atmosphere. I want to get so lost when I read, I forget I’m reading. Any reader seeks to be transported into the world created and crafted by a talented author. Don’t forget, any good author is also a well-rounded reader. As an author, I seek out that which I write (for the most part).
About the only time I consider sentence length is when I get to high petroleum action. I shorten the sentences purposely, because I’ve found the shorter the sentence moves the story along faster, and this is especially important in an action scene. I follow this axiom: the longer the sentence, the slower the story passage; the shorter the sentence, the faster the story passage.
Because I write thriller-crime-mystery, my stories simmer slowly until I stomp on the pedal. This takes place, generally, at the climax, but it can take place anywhere along the story, especially if there is more than one storyline. And, in each of my books, there is more than one storyline, so my readers have come to expect moments in my stories where the pedal is mashed on the floor, and moments when the ride is at a more leisurely pace.
As a reader, pick up the book you’re reading and see if I am correct in my assessment of sentence length: the more the action, the shorter the sentence. As a writer, check your draft or manuscript and try to spot areas where you are unintentionally slowing down your story, even though you mean for it to speed up.
One last thing to mention: in an action sequence, try to stay out of a character’s head. The reader wants action and doesn’t want to slow down as a character is considers, even dwells on a moral or ethical dilemma. Save that for after the action, giving you and your reader an opportunity to catch breath.
I’d love to hear what you think, so please drop a comment below. As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …
Caught In a Web:
A gang out for revenge and a 14 yr old boy is the target. A PenCraft Literary Award Winner!
“…one of the year’s best conspiracy thrillers”–Best Thrillers. “…the right blend of tension and intrigue …” Midwest Book Review https://amzn.to/2GrU51T
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