The Secret to Strong PACING (it's actually really simple)

[@TheStrawberrySnake]

I'm a 15 year old who dreams of being an author and you've really helped me through your videos Abbie. Thank you so much

[@ggpelo8860]

@@WolfWriterL.P tell me when you publish a novel

[@M4dniss]

I hope it works out for you! I'm working on my first story as well

[@Zeengkd]

@@ggpelo8860 me too

[@theacklands]

I'm 14 and also want to be an author! I'm almost done with my first draft of my first book. Us teenage writers have to stick together! 😉

[@Zeengkd]

@@WolfWriterL.P I also hope you read mine. Routing for you 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@markf9138]

I love the way Abbie consistently puts out useful and entertaining content without needing to weigh in on every controversial topic being played out in the world. That is why every video on this channel will remain relevant many years from today. Thank you and keep it up.

[@katgreer6113]

wdym controversial topic? i

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@katgreer6113 The sort of ones JK Rowling becomes a mouthpiece for

[@markf9138]

​@@katgreer6113 Kate and Abbie are super-focussed on the craft, and I'm grateful for that. Would kind of defeat the point I was making if I started to list the politics, discourse or scandals that I find off-putting :).

[@MrEvldreamr]

​@katgreer6113 probably things like trigger warnings, any real world politics, personal attacks on other writers, commentary on AI or other writing sites

[@mausandthimble]

From the slow-paced action fight scene example I liked the line: "Each strike lands with a satisfying thud." I feel like these few words could be added to the fast-paced version, adding some internal emotion (conveying the character's feeling of accomplishment) without really slowing down the pacing. Thank you for your videos, Abbie!

[@Officialm.rathoristic2007]

I don't know how many people are consuming your content or not, but for me, writing is an art and I want my writings and novels to get published one day. I'm young (17) but hope people will remember me for my work. I have many goals and dreams, and being an author of some finest novels is on the list. Thank you for teaching me how to write fiction.

[@blairewilde]

Me too! I'm nearly 16, but I'm already trying to work towards my goals of becoming a successful author. I wish you the best of luck!!!

[@gabrieleriva_bboykappside]

There was this intense scene in a book that was kinda grabbing me and keeping me at gunpoint. The protagonist had to cross a wall to escape some grunts, she was scarred by a big dog bite that was still bleeding and there was this mixture of adrenaline pushing her to do actions she normally wouldn't have done, and moments of clarity where all the pain and fatigue built up, making the pace slower. I feel like the writer masterfully controlled the pacing by alternating moments of confidence to moments of terror as she didn't know if she could do it or not. I felt like I was was there with her, checking if those grunts were even catching up with her. I was like Damn. Good pacing and descriptions can really make you feel this anxious. I obviously rewinded and re-read the scene multiple times and took notes

[@srinivastatachar4951]

Don't mean to be annoying, but the past tense of 'rewind' is 'rewound.' Excellent example, though! What's the book and author? ===========================================================================================================================

[@gabrieleriva_bboykappside]

@@srinivastatachar4951 dw you're not being annoying. I don't live in an English speaking country so I might mess something up, so thx for correcting me The book is a bit of an old one, I got it from my brother since I recently started reading more It's called imperial spy by Mark Robson, I think, it has a different name in my language. The wall climbing scene is at chapter 4 of the book, I think it is the first one. Not really sure, cause it is a saga and I lost touch with it. It is something like 17 years old or so after all The cover features a girl with a jeweled red cloth on her head, brown gloves and a long curved sword pointed downwards. Blue eyes, long striped dress and a dagger in a decorated sheath

[@MrEvldreamr]

​@@gabrieleriva_bboykappsidethanks!!!

[@srinivastatachar4951]

@@gabrieleriva_bboykappside Thank you so much for that description! I'll look it up; sounds like it's worth a read! ======================================

[@FictionalLover2726]

Which book was it

[@andrewvasquez5226]

I actually really like the "wrong" version/slow pacing of the fight scene. While I would agree entirely that they might lend themselves way more to different genres/feelings. When you read the fight scene around 6:05 I really felt it was way more psychological thriller/fantasy than the first one which I'd say could be slotted into many genres. A great video nonetheless!

[@Joeyp1208]

I think it also depends on the goal of the fight scene. I am writing a fantasy novel and there's one particular fight that initially happens really fast-paced like the first 'good' example, and then slows down considerably when the tides turn against the MC's favour and he sees one of his friends die right in front of him. Basically as the panic sets in and his group of friends starts to lose, the battle slows down.

[@johnb2422]

I liked it too.

[@jascrandom9855]

I think it depends on the effect you wanna give. I say you can use both versions to manipulate the "time perception" sort to speak. Like you could use the "wrong" version for a "Saving Private Ryan" moment when the character is disoriented or something, and then switch back to the "right" version when getting back to action.

[@odojang]

Funny you should say that. I had the same reaction with the ''right slow/pace" and "wrong slow pace" examples. I found the fast-paced one much more emotionally punchy than the first example, contrary to what Abbie says. All this too say it's all subjective and it all depends on the actual style you prefer and what you want to achieve, as Abbie says.

[@jascrandom9855]

@@odojang Because it shouldn't be "emotionally punchy" when its an action scene

[@fleef69]

Literally right before I found this I was writing my screenplay and thinking to myself “man, I really wish I could convey the pacing of this scene better”. You and fellow KZbinr Writer Brandon McNulty are always lifesavers for me.

[@QuasiModa]

As far as the fight scene is concerned, however, you can definitely achieve different things with a fast/slow pace. While the fast tempo is better for a surprising fight, I would tend towards the slow tempo for a fight that you have trained for in order to show that the individual punches, kicks and maneuvers have been worked out.

[@johntabler349]

William Shatner used this effectively in one of his post Generations Star Trek novels, Kirk now older and physically limited is fighting a younger fitter opponent and the pacing shows how Kirk is able to use experience and his opponent's eagerness to prevail

[@freshlybrewedtruth5600]

finally broke from my writer's block after several months. This is a great video to watch to get some tips and jumpstart my afternoon writing spree. Thanks Abbie Emmons.

[@Art1tseL1lac]

I didn't even know what pacing was till you posted 😅 but now I learnt it's extremely important! Tysm Abbie!

[@Art1tseL1lac]

@@WolfWriterL.P 😂 fr

[@cooliostarstache5474]

The first example you gave of "slow pacing that doesn't work" had me way more enthralled than the "fast pacing that does work"

[@pzkitty6783]

Same honestly. It's really all context-dependent though. First one is a clean, easy victory, second one feels like a tense face-off, maybe between rivals.

[@brucewinters-cr4it]

Same. The "slow pacing" pulled me into the story. I could envision it and felt more invested in what felt like an actual story. The fast paced scene felt like a summary list of how the fight went. It doesn't feel like either me or the character is experiencing a fight.

[@autorkawerka]

I think it's because there's no "one size fit all". Slow pacing could be good for important fight with emotions, not so easy victory. Fast pacing is better for quicker fight in the middle of action. It all depends on what do you want to show.

[@BooksForever]

Fully agree with the OP.

[@Bownimations01]

To me that one reads as a tense adrenaline filled moment where the MC's thoughts may be happening fast, but for them in this moment of intense focus and high, everything is in slow motion

[@hafsaali276]

Abbie I have made a whole journal about your video lessons. It finished and have started the second one, I have learned a lot about story from you and you always bring something valuable tn the table

[@robbiea14]

Tbh I need to do exactly this. I watch a lot of these videos during slow times at work but can't really take active notes. Need to start rewatching later or something...

[@LordCollin72]

Me too! I keep a Word doc up when I watch these and take notes for later.

[@grondhero]

I've noticed in my current story that I've needed to "pick up the pace" regarding the plot. This video will help me even more. I prefer a combination of both types, because I like doing action scenes, but I don't want it to be a action story page after page, chapter after chapter. Also 16:52 is so me. 😁

[@anamazing2297]

I've always enjoyed varying the pacing in my writing. I have novel beginnings that start fast, and others that start slow. It all depends on the character I'm following, and the context of the scene, of course!

[@KeithJackson-f6l]

I'm someone who's "reinvented the wheel" many times in my life in all sorts of creative expression. I've dipped my feet into writing fiction, presenting the "finished product" to my wife. She told me "this isn't readable". I got on line, found Ms. Emmons, and wish I had started here. I could have saved myself a lot of thrown away ideas. My book may still be unreadable to my wife, but it's still way, way better. Thanks AE.

[@ViceN53X]

I like when the pacing changes according to the scene. You don't want pacing to go slow when it's an action sequence or go too fast when you need to know what's going on first.

[@Sanity-san]

True fr

[@digitaldannie7635]

Abbie the timing of this was CRAZY! I am in a creative writing school and last night my editing not was my dragged pacing. I was just praying for wisdom on how to edit the story and write the next one better, and when I renewed my KZbin feed, this was my top recommendation! Thank you for this insightful video! Literally an answered prayer😭🙏💖

[@flawlessorca75]

I actually wasn’t bored with the slow pace at the beginning…. lol I enjoy details and descriptions

[@nicholas2827]

I try to make my pacing deliberate. My default is to describe a lot. To mitigate this, I put in my scene to introduce one of my MCs(the things that are important to the plot, in his view point of what is important to him. For example: he’s just left a council meeting and is really only going to notice the effects of the things they were just discussing in the streets. For my writing style(which I’m still developing) it makes sense for me to do it.

[@רפאל-ב]

Slow pacing can also work in select parts of a fast paced fight, making it a sort of slow motion focus mode on a specific move or action (especially if it actually feels like slow motion to the protagonist)

[@IsabelWinchester]

You have a talent for posting a video about the problems I'm currently having EVERY TIME. Besides being an author, are you also psychic?

[@emilyrln]

Ooooh I'm loving this video already! Your example of slow pacing gives the character time to agonize over what might happen, letting her fears and uncertainties bubble up for the reader to experience alongside her, getting us invested in the outcome of the search. That's the kind of narration I often write, but I'll do it for something like a character making tea to relax at the end of the day 😂 I need to pick these moments carefully and only linger on them if the reader needs to spend time in the character's head or the action is very important (an apprentice surgeon taking their time to make sure they don't skip a single step in working on their patient, proving to their master that they've learned their lessons and are capable of operating independently). Thank you!!!

[@erikalm6007]

There's one case when an action scene can have low tempo, even go in slow motion... the slow motion "car crash". The plot point or even climactic moment where everything is in the balance can definitely be drawn out and detailed with all levels of story telling (emotions, thoughts, descriptions, etc.) In this case, suspense will carry the scene instead of tempo. (Because, hopefully this dreadful event happens to story people we care about...)

[@Sharkuterie327]

This is timely. I’ve been revisiting pacing the last few days after running into issues with some scenes. Thank you!

[@jamescarvey2133]

Thank you so much for this inspiring video...Keeps us thinking. Did I pace the scenes in my script correctly? Genuine appreciative 🙏🙏🙏

[@artistoffanart1365]

I can’t believe how useful your advices are. Thank you so much❤️🙏

[@StephDLegend]

I always struggle with the fighting scenes. Though I like to write action and fantasy with all of the battles in mind. The struggle is what makes me stop the development while trying to find the perfect way to get the words out. This video has helped with figuring out pacing.. now to apply it and try it with past tense.

[@JustClaude13]

I'm not bored by the boxing match. It feels like what a boxing match looks like. Deliberate, calculating, as they maneuver for advantage, looking for openings. The fast example was more of a street fight or a youthful scrap. No real thought; just action and reaction. One is Frazier-Ali, the other is Wes and Rudy. A different pace for a different kind of fight.

[@chelseywelwood22]

This was exactly the video I needed tonight. Thank you ❤️

[@georginakosi5411]

What I used once/like to use is if the characters are arguing, I try to write quickly, to give the feel of not thinking before speaking/cutting each other off.

[@samsaknight023]

This was so helpful. Thank you so much. Such a simple crazy good concept that really changes how I look at scenes!

[@ellennewth6305]

Excellent vlog, Abbie! Your examples and commentary are spot on!

[@johntabler349]

Very helpful, this is something I have been thinking about lately I have been working on an action mystery thriller and I have been trying to build tension and raise the stakes going action reactions investigation choices and consequences but in a middle chapter I wanted to give the characters and the readers a chance to breathe and absorb the first half of the story (the first encounters with the antagonistic forces do not go well for the heroes) the video helps remind me that how the characters handle defeat isn't a distraction from the story it is the story

[@AkumuIsSleepy]

I'm 17 and working on my second book now, self publishing on Amazon. I really don't think I could've done this if not for your amazing videos so thank you!!

[@SteveWood-fr1tk]

I think the fast pacing lighthouse version could work, but it gives a completely different impression. The slow pacing of the book version makes me feel the searcher really does care and even not knowing anything about the story I feel the need for the one searched for to turn up back at the light house, or at least not to be dead. The fast paced version makes you think the searcher does not care and did not want to go look, you feel annoyed at her lack of concern. Both would work, but the second would be a completely story. When you write a scene you have narrative, plot, character and emotional goals; your video has helped me begin to work through how pacing can deliver those things. Thank you.

[@viktoriaschweizer8724]

Thank you so much Abby for these helpful tips!

[@Milkbread1217]

i've been struggling with pacing for so long! thank you so much for this video

[@NGG-mu9fq]

I usually use the fast pace that works. phew, glad I'm getting better. thank you for your videos!

[@linusl8252]

Abby: "Are you struggling-" Me: Yes. Yes I am. Wait what was the question?

[@newlenmedia]

I couldn't say I had a favorite style, fast slow or montage. Whatever works best is what I really enjoy. That said, I started writing by writing poetry and song lyrics. So I can certainly appreciate a more lyrical style of writing and never find it to be slow or boring, particularly if it is done well.

[@neofulcrum5013]

I do wonder if I’m going at a good pace. At first when writing I realized that I was doing more world building than a character focus. I hope I’m not bogging down my readers when this is complete

[@anaconceicao31]

Abbie, I love your videos! Could you make a video about mistakes or pitfalls that new writers make when creating villains? Like, exploring the do's and don'ts on writing villains / antagonists? You could also give us story examples of well-written and poorly-written villains.

[@67LMcC]

Brilliant - thanks for the pointers and samples. Would also love to see you discuss pacing overall - how to pace the entire book/plot. I worry that I tend to pace the whole book too fast, but I get hung up on word count and seem to cut out a lot of the "junk" (which isn't really junk) to keep from being overly wordy.

[@TMscifiwrtr]

Thanks Abbie! I actually used a music score to pace a fight scene I did in a previous story...😊

[@Violettooniverse]

I don't know what is in your videos, I watched so many author advice videos, but only yours makes it easy to understand, and for someone with anxiety your videos are the best option. I get confused alot on book genres. I don't think of it as a major problem, but I find myself misplacing my ideas into the wrong genres. Could you please explain the genres in the writing industry ❤

[@Violettooniverse]

I have literally been waiting all day for this video. You make my Wednesday worthwhile ❤😢

[@Vg12334]

Hiii! I really want to thank you for your content! I remember when I was struggling to write a short story at twelve now at fourteen I have writen two novels and three novellas. Thank you for your help!🎉

[@just_another_cat1]

Thanks, Abbie, just what I was looking for. The tips were so helpful

[@JusteenCurtis]

This video was really helpful, thanks so much! This really helps to take the pressure off of worrying about trying to figure out pacing

[@LivTheElf]

I just read 100 Days of Sunlight recently and I loved it!! It totally deserves a movie, tbh.

[@VideoGameRoom32]

This is so true. It pacing depends on the book and scene. My first books were fast pace. Now my recent books are more slow burn. I have fighting scenes or car chase scenes and they are fast pace. This video is helpful.

[@Ank3rman]

This is good advice for writing individual scenes, I was hoping for a video on the overall novel's pacing though 😅

[@lovelypicturepro]

Both of my favorite KZbinrs name's start with A and end with Ie, what a coincidence! Anyways, you're videos are super helpful, thanks you so much!

[@douglasmclean3723]

excellent video and this is what obvioulsy make a writer this is the second hurdle the first was dialogue which through me, where as this takes a very sharp focused mind, well done

[@milomazli]

Oh gosh... yes please!! Action, internal stuff and description giving atory background.... gosh... more on this please!!

[@alayamcgill7166]

Wow PERFECT timing!! I literally just wrote a fight scene this morning!

[@LiteratureLindsi]

Nice intro to pacing, the examples really help make the concept more clear!

[@soso881]

Wow I was trying to find this for so long thank you abbie ❣️

[@billharm6006]

On the topic of pacing... I first became aware of its influence on story when I saw the movie, "They Shoot Horses Don't They?" (that was about 1973, and it wasn't terribly popular) It is about a romance... of sorts... centered around a depression-era dance contest. I hated it, but for the same reason that I appreciated its craftsmanship. It made me feel like I was a contestant: Depressed. I can only aspire to such impact... but hopefully in a less distressing manner.

[@erinhastings6679]

Love this video!! Great advice about pacing your story up. For me it really depends on the story I’m writing.

[@Ghostrob2023]

Good morning, Abbie! I enjoyed watching this video but was curious if there was going to be a video today or are you taking this week off to work on your project? Have a wonderful day and happy writing.

[@sparshhardik]

Beautifully explained. Thanks.

[@joshfarrow9707]

I have done a lot of martial arts and i personally think description of the fight is neededm its an art and the littlest mistake make all the difference. So if your writing a truly fledged out fight with Wing chun style its really important to add the detailed descriptions of each movement to know whats going on.

[@yasaiasazuke]

Everything went so fast. As I was delivered the kick, he fell face first. But then I will never forget this moment. As I was raising my hands in victory, I felt a sharp pain in my knee as I turned around, I got hit, and I bounced back. The masked figure pushed me, and as I stumbled to the fence, everything went into slow motion as I got pushed off from the roof. As I was falling down my face first , I used my hand to take the shock, and my hand's bones were crushed into the asphalt. My dreams of making it to the finals were crushed like my hand. Every bit of pain seemed like an eternity ... Remember passing out and waking up ...

[@annagerbrandt4745]

There's a lot of as's there and the first bit is a little slow, but the rest of it with the descriptions is great!

[@mwesirilani7456]

Thank you soo much abbie I was really wishing for this

[@SimpleDesertRose]

I'm more of a skower6in depth reader/writer. Almost a Tolkienesk tyoe. I live the flowing kyrical almost poetic style. I really like to take the time to get to know the character. But there are also times that call for a more fast pace movement, such as action scenes or when you're just trying to fit as much goings-on in a day without dragging it on and on and on to the point if boredom. I recently read a book recommended to me by a friend that I just felt the pacing was way to fast and their was as much character development for the protagonist but all the side characters had amazing personality. I felt like it was a book written for someone with ADHD and not someone like me who wants to feel what the character feels aside from lust and anger. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned and like reading the classics better than the modern fiction.

[@SprinkledCactus]

Thank you so much, Abbie! What would we do without you?

[@Kdhrheee54]

I am a huge fan of Sobers Rodrigues books. You musy read them. They are unique in their own way.

[@amaliafrunza7284]

The perfect video for me now- even if, most of the time, I know how to balance them. Edit: 4:47- But this one is pretty OK for me- if the scenes that are before and after it have too much tension in them, it can help the reader "charge" for the rest of the action.

[@Thegrayhairedwriter]

Great video, I generally prefer to do fast paced scenes if it's an action book or fight scene

[@nehakhilesh]

Hi, I'm 13 and have a published story. Currently writing my debut novel. You've helped me sooo much! I watch your videos every day before writing. Is it ok if I mention ur name in the acknowledgements part of my book? Love from India

[@RPO808]

11:39 your visual aid was glitching out! Not sure if it was on purpose. Anyway, thank you again for such wonderful content. You are awesome!

[@jackmcgrath9570]

I literally started day dreaming part way through the slow paced example and I've never been so convinced lmao

[@Al-rn5qy]

Another first-rate video from the writing boss herself!💪

[@jarinchandler]

Peter V. Brett is the master of pacing. "The Demon Cycle" is one of the finest examples I can think of

[@wunderphilia]

I almost screamed because I was literally searching for vids on this subject TWO DAYS AGO!!

[@acasualuser1617]

3:20 Abbie may I ask which book of yours does this come from?

[@L1llian_author-sama]

I'm a new writer, (probably underage) and i dream to be an author, you really helped me with your videos Abbie. Thank you so much

[@AnnaBush-nn8yv]

Thank you for the scene examples! I just wrote a fight scene and am going to edit it a bit now🫶🏻

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@AnnaBush-nn8yv i have a fight scene where my MC fights a giant spider- like monster in a dark cavern, that is able to breath fire

[@SecondFloor2311]

Same here! I thought “okayyy let’s read back through this scene I just wrote” xD

[@Something_Creative32]

As a teen indie author, with these videos, I'll make sure that my sequel is amazing!

[@The-Lost-Mermaid]

I think letting one's instinct decide the pacing would be best.

[@CharlotteXMoon]

I didn't know this was a thing so itll be very useful when writing my comics thank you Abboe❤

[@darrensurff8554]

Abbie is a master pacer in her videos 😮😮😮

[@paneljump]

QUESTION: does the reading speed of an individual reader change their sensitivity to pacing problems? I'm wondering if a fight scene paced slightly too slow might not bother a really fast reader as much as an average-speed one? If so, knowing whether one's beta readers are fast or slow readers might be really useful.

[@2Curlews]

Hi Abbie and Kate :). I was wondering if you ever considered writing your book under a pen name. Is there any pros or cons to writing under a pen name? I love your channel; it has helped me step into the next level with my writing.

[@milomazli]

Love this Abbie... thank youuu

[@gretabellagamba462]

Hi Abbie, thanks for the amazing advice! Can I ask you: in which draft of your book did you nail the passages you read? I mean, should the pacing be good already in the first draft, or is it feasible to adjust it during a second, third, fourth draft? Thanks a lot! Great outfit, btw.

[@a_fellow_dollophead]

Thanks abbie! this is really helpful

[@BrianWanke]

You somehow always have perfect timing, posting videos solely about struggles I’ve been dealing with recently. Are you a mind reader, perhaps?

[@micao.l.7203]

Girl I swear I was thinking about this last night and was like I wonder if Abbie has a video about this

[@grillinnchillin4009]

Maybe Im just weird, but I liked the slower action scene too. In some ways, I was able to visualize the scene better, whereas the quick one feels like some blurry amalgam of 'fighting-stuffs'. If the slow pacing goes on too long though, that'd get a bit irritating. I'd want it to shift to fast pace as the fight goes on.

[@non-green]

Yep , but it kinda depends upon the setting, for example your character is first time hitting the opponent using his magic, by himself, here fast pacing would work because the character is trying to understand his own actions, and his own powers ,fast pacing won't do justice to this scene .

[@jwoodswce]

In the fight example, the slow pacing might also work if the POV is talented, thus able to slow down the action for himself. For him, time is compressed with the last moment, this moment, and the next several moments happening all at the same time within his mind. Meanwhile, his opponent might still be stuck processing what just happened while being unready for the current moment and blind to the next moments. Between two competent fighters it would be visually slow with a build up of potential energy that explodes in sudden extended intensity before being slowed again by a more effective defense.

[@1LoliFox15]

This is so good! Thank you for this, Abbie! Definitely what I needed right now!

[@materamabilis3]

GIRL you are awesome. Thank you so much for all your videos-- they are so helpful as an aspiring author. :,)

[@emilyrln]

I have a "fight scene" that's paced slowly because the point is that my character is hopelessly outmatched and wondering how long his opponent is going to drag this out, how much it's going to hurt before it's over. It's not really a fight; it's a beating that my character is forced to participate in against his will. His opponent won't let him give up, so he has to just keep punching and dodging and moving around the environment while his stamina drains away and the pain builds up. The point is the endless, hopeless, agonizing experience of a total lack of control over his situation.

[@emilyrln]

9:46 well, that explains why Lucius couldn't help her drag the pilot's body back to the lighthouse if needed 😂

[@crayonagite2024]

For the Slow pacing that doesn't work, on the fight scene, i don"t know why, but i feel it would be relevant in the case of a psychopatic, or a sadistic character, who loves to involve himself in fights for the sake of inflicting pain. Or maybe even in this case, there is a better way to pace it ? Sorry for the typos, I'm fluent in french only.

[@trycentmilimo9349]

Thank you very much.

[@YourFriendlyFryingPan]

5:37 yes.. Yes I was. Ngl I zoned out😂😂

[@kitea13]

Hey Abbie, I’m not sure if you made a video about this yet or will even answer this question because it seems a bit stupid-but is it okay to write a story with little to no dialogue? I’ve seen multiple answers but in my context, I’m writing for a plot where dialogue is scarce. The MC distances herself from people in general, and I found the start to my story more narrative. Will a start like that keep my reader immersed for when dialogue does eventually come through? I fear that it might be too boring, and that they’ll skip lines or just drop it no matter how good the writing is.