Rhythm. Whether writing poetry, fiction or non-fiction, readers soak in your words like their ears pick up sound. When a sound is too long and drown out and never-ending like this sentence is becoming, the reader tunes out. When words whisper, readers lean in.
The long and short of writing a sentence. There may be a time when you want to use a longer sentence to slow the reader down to contemplate a character's emotion. Or make her stop. To gather her own thoughts. But, wait! No, don't! Keep going! Tell us more! Short sentences also speed up your reader. Speed can imply urgency and certain emotions that it evokes.
However, every scene is unique. Sometimes, an average length sentence is just what you need. Be care, however, not to use the same length of sentence throughout a paragraph. Doing so would evoke a very boring read as this one is doing.
Like everything in life, all is good at the right time and in the right dose. Effective writers use sentences to their advantage. Keep them short. Or tell your reader how the character feels. Or take them on a journey up a treacherous mountain, full of obstacles that leave them panting for breath and light. On the top, they'll find it.
When a story is told effectively, the reader goes along with each word as if a note to a song. High notes and low notes. A pause. A twist of phrase. Keep the rhythm and the reader will enjoy your story like a favorite song.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses
Genre: Early Reader, ages 6-9
Author: Michelle Nott
Website: www.authormichellenott.com
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses is about a little boy and his imaginary frog named Hoppie. Whenever Freddy struggles, Hoppie helps out. Specifically, Freddy's having problems at school that he doesn't realize stem from his poor eyesight. Not sure how to tell Mom about his trouble, he explains that Hoppie is the one with headaches, etc. Of course, Mom understands that Hoppie is the tool that Freddy uses to express himself. So, she takes Freddy (and Hoppie) to see the eye doctor. When Freddy leaves with brand new eyeglasses, Hoppie stays to assist the eye doctor with the other young patients.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Before becoming an author, Michelle Nott enjoyed being a French teacher (pre-K to university levels) in the U.S., working for a French company in Paris and an art gallery in NYC. She has also edited and written articles for numerous on-line and print magazines in the American and European markets.
In 2004, Michelle moved to Belgium. When she noticed that her daughters' book collection included more French titles than English ones, she decided to put her creative writing degree to use. Many of these early stories can be found on her blog Good Night, Sleep Tight where she also reflects on raising Third Culture Kids.
In 2015, Michelle and her family returned to the U.S. But with American and French citizenship, they travel to Europe regularly. Their favorite places include the French Alps, the Belgian countryside, and the Cornish coast in the UK. Her family's life and adventures prove great inspirations for her stories.
Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses is Michelle's first book for children. Her future children's books are represented by Essie White at Storm Literary Agency. She is a member of SCBWI, Children's Book Insider and Houston Writer's Guild.
Connect with Michelle Nott on the Net!
@MimiLRN