In a post for Writers Helping Writers, Sue Coletta says writers can up their literary game by adding rhythm to their writing. “Rhythm is one of the most underrated aspects of writing, but readers sense the rhythm in our words, whether they realize it or not,” Coletta writes. “Rhythm attracts readers to certain authors.”
Rhythm can help create mood and support the pacing of your story. “Rhythm forces the reader to either rush through the pages, flipping one after another, or nestle in the comfy chair to quietly enjoy the story. Words dance,” Coletta writes. “Rhythmic writing is defined by punctuation and the stress patterns of words. As a general rule, long sentences are more relaxing, while staccato sentences startle the reader. They draw attention.”
Rhythm helps you build tension and release it, Coletta adds. Do you spend a long time in one setting or scene or jump quickly from place to place? Changing rhythm also shakes your reader and creates curiosity.
How do you create rhythm? One method is varying the length of your sentences, paragraphs, and chapters. “If each sentence follows the same structure and rhythm, the writing becomes boring and predictable,” Coletta says. “Writers who play with rhythm can create tension in many ways, depending on punctuation and word choice.”
