In Defense of Slow-Burn Stories

Some books don’t rush, and that’s intentional. Here’s why I love slow-burn storytelling and why the build-up matters.

We live in a world that wants everything now.

Microwaved.
Fast-forwarded.
Skip-intro.

And then you meet a book that says:

“Sit. Breathe. We’re going somewhere … but we’re taking the scenic route.”

Slow-burn fiction is that stubborn friend.

I Love writing this way, the story doesn’t sprint, the world feels real, characters actually get to think and tension moves in quietly and refuses to leave.

Instead of jumping out and yelling “BOO!”, it stands in the doorway and lets you notice it on your own.

Which, honestly, is sometimes worse.
(You’re welcome.)

Readers catch more that way.

Southern gothic folklore especially loves this kind of pacing IMO. When the storm finally breaks, you’ve been feeling it for pages and that payoff hits different.

Plus, there’s something refreshing about a story that trusts you enough not to explain everything at once or maybe leave things open to interpretation. Some of my books can end the way you want them to, its your journey through the pages, why not have the ending you need.

Yours,

April May