Of Time, Plot and Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity…

When we think about time, we automatically link it with motion. The most constant things in human history have been the motions of the objects in the universe. So we first figured out how to measure time by figuring how long it took for the various astronomical motions in our solar system. If you move through space you are also moving through time.
Time is the 4th dimension in our universe.
–Dr. Charles Liu, Research Associate,
Department of Astrophysics,
American Museum of Natural History

Albert Einstein’s gift to the 20th century  through his postulation of the Special Theory of Relativity was recognizing the existence of a 4th dimension in our universe.
This 4th dimension is our experience of time.

Human consciousness of time plays an important role in the crafting of story.
Time directly relates to plot regarding fiction.
And as plot is the backbone of story it can be said that time forms the frame and an essential dimension of story.From the first word of a story or novel a clock begins marking time. This clock tracks the movement of the front story. Awareness of this aspect of the story enables the author to craft a narrative that suspends time for the reader.

Each story or novel sits in its own world. And this world has its on set of laws and physics that govern both characters and setting.

In establishing and making clear the nature of the universe of the novel or story a writer makes ready to guide the reader towards the middle of the story.

A major part of preparing for entrance into the meat of a story is the introduction of a second ticking clock, what some call a time bomb that ups the ante, raises the stakes and delivers a sense of urgency that heightens the tension and compels the reader to continue turning pages.

With the right ticking bomb a reader loses all sense of time and space, enters this 4th dimension of life, and the vibrancy of the story never looking back.

A story that takes, in real time, a day to read feels like but an hour has passed when completed. This kind of reading experience moves smoothly and swiftly with little acknowledgment of the passage of time.

When Einstein formulated his Special Theory of Relativity he showed mathematically that the faster you move through space the slower you move through time.

Conversely it can be said that slower you move through space, the quicker time passes.

Time spent sitting and reading a engrossing novel, a story in which we lose all track of time and space allows this 4th dimension of time to fly by. But oh how fuller we are for having sat and read.