November showed me I can always do a bit more. With the challenge of writing 50,000 words in one month, I found I needed to use every free moment to write. Once I filled every moment with writing, I was easily hitting my word count each day. I believe you can do it too.
"Backstory is like seasoning—a little goes a long way, but too much ruins the dish. The 90/10 rule suggests readers only need to glimpse 10% of your character's history. The key is revealing past details when they become emotionally or narratively necessary, not when you think they're interesting."
Think your story needs to be either plot-driven OR character-driven? That's the biggest myth in writing. The truth is simpler: great stories use both. When Jason risks everything for a stranger during a high-speed chase, you learn his character through action. When Mr. Darcy quietly saves Lydia, plot reveals his true nature.
Pacing doesn't just change how your story flows—it transforms how readers experience it. Like a rollercoaster designer, you'll create thrilling drops, meaningful climbs, and perfect moments of anticipation. Master the five pacing modes from breakneck to contemplative, and you'll keep readers glued to your pages from beginning to end.
Your readers want to see what happens after the climax. The falling action and resolution give the reader the 'so what' of the story. They also justify why the reader spent however many hours and abandoned real world responsibilities to read your book.
Kenneth W. Myers 