This Sigur Ros video basically encapsulates the emotional arc that I try for in all of my novels:

We start of quietly and lyrically, move into a long, slow bit of ominous buildup, and end with a fist-pumping, heart-pounding finale that closes with a massive explosion.

Yeah, that’s basically how my novels work. At least, that’s what I’m going for.

Also, note that the song above is 15 minutes long. That’s the pop music equivalent of a 250,000 word fantasy brick. While my novels aren’t quite that prolix, this is the genre that I’m shooting for.