Watching Tatum write this book has been fascinating, because she’s not just telling a story she’s learning how to build one.
Her chapters move between multiple viewpoints and settings, and she understands that tension can grow in parallel, even when characters are apart.
Her pacing has matured. Scenes don’t linger too long, but they also don’t rush past important details. She’s learned when to slow down for atmosphere and when to snap forward with action!
She’s developing a strong sense of tone. I LOVE her sensory detail to create unease rather than relying on explanation. She lets the reader feel what’s happening instead of telling them how to feel…SO COOL!
Her dialogue sounds increasingly natural, especially in moments of stress, and she’s taking risks. Some of her chapters are SCARY and dark, but she has them come alive with her descriptions. She’s currently finishing the final chapter (12) which places her firmly in the final resolution of the story. (maybe to a book 2?) This isn’t a project she’s trying out anymore; it’s one she’s actively bringing to a conclusion.
I’M SO PROUD OF HER:
She’s learned how to stay with a long project; NOT abandon, and how to trust her voice even when the story gets complicated.
She can actually do hard things all the way to the end. Stay tuned!