Have you ever read a book where everything happened so fast you could not keep up, or a book that dragged on, and nothing seemed to happen? That is a common pitfall even the best writers can fall into. Pacing is easy to get wrong, but not impossible to master.
In this guide, I will explain how to write better pacing.
What Is Pacing in a Story?
Pacing is referred to as the speed at which the story progresses. This includes how quickly events happen, how long they are, and it could also be how much time a character takes to develop.
A well-paced story varies in tempo. Some scenes will naturally move more slowly to explore the world and characters. A scene can be longer if the author describes it in detail.
For example, Emily sat on a bench in the park. She watched the leaves dance in the air. The wind whistled a familiar tune in her ears and combed her hair.
You can also make the scene fast-paced. For example, Emily sat on a bench and enjoyed the scenery.
The point is you can adjust the speed of a scene by deciding to add or subtract details. As you are writing your novel, some scenes will be longer than others. Furthermore, you can refer back to scenes that have happened off-page if you do not want to spend time writing them.
A Fictional Example to Illustrate Pacing
To understand how to write better pacing, I will show you two different examples of how you can adjust the pacing to slow it down or speed it up.
Example 1: A Slow-Paced Scene with Detailed Description
I stuffed my hands in my jacket pocket. Regret weighed heavily in my chest. I should have gone home when my mom called me. Now I was speed walking through the empty street.
I relied on the warm light shining through people’s curtains for light. The dead streetlight flickered alive every once in a while.
It’s fine. You are okay. I have walked her a million times before, and nothing has happened.
I told myself
In the distance, a car door slammed shut. I flinched. I knew it was just someone going home, but I couldn’t help but feel anxious. A car woke everyone up as the world was sleeping.
It’s fine.
I turned around. The streets were stripped of people. It was like it was holding its breath. In a few turns, I would be home. Home, snuggled under my blanket. A smile cracked on my icy face.
This is a slow-paced example. I take time to write sensory details. “Her hands were stiff, and her face was frozen.” It gives readers a picture of how the protagonist’s body feels. I give a description of the protagonist’s world, and I focus on the small details, such as streetlights. This also gives the audience an idea of what the protagonist is thinking. I subtly hint at her fear of something bad happening.
Example 2: A Fast-Paced Scene with Brief Summary
I walked through the dark street. It was late, and I rushed home.
This one is fast-paced, if you could guess. I told the audience briefly what happened. Of course, fast-paced scenes come in many forms. This one is more like a summary. Informative and brief.
How to Write Better Pacing: Differences Between Good and Poor Pacing
Pacing can be perceived as invisible when it is well done. Readers are not thinking of it; they fully immerse themself in the story. It feels natural, deliberate, and satisfying. Good pacing varies. One scene can be long and full of details. Others are packed with actions. For instance, a fight scene.
In contrast, poor pacing calls attention to itself. If your story drags, the reader can get bored and move on. If it progresses too fast, it will be noticed. You want to maintain momentum. In a slow-paced story, the middle can sag. In fast-paced books, readers can leave confused. All these are matters that steal attention from the plot. From your work.
Signs of good pacing:
- The story feels deliberate.
- Maintains momentum.
- Does not attract attention.
Signs of poor pacing:
- Insignificant scenes.
- Rapid-fire events with no room for reactions.
- Readers are confused about time.
How to Write Better Pacing: 5 Essential Techniques
Mastering pacing requires attention to structure. Here are several techniques to help you control the rhythm of your story:
Vary Sentence and Paragraph Lengths to Influence Pace
Short sentences and paragraphs tend to speed up the pace. It can feel blunt and precise. Longer sentences, especially those rich in description, slow things down. Use variation to match the tone of the scene.
For example, during an emotional scene. Explain in more detail. Take time to explore the character’s inner world. In an action-packed scene. Use shorter sentences and paragraphs to deliver information faster.
Use Scenes and Chapter Breaks to Manage Rhythm
Ending a chapter at a moment of high tension or change encourages readers to continue reading. Likewise, transitioning from a fast-paced scene to a quieter one gives the reader room to breathe. Think of pacing in waves. Action rises, then falls.
Cut Out Unnecessary Scenes to Maintain Momentum
Repetition of ideas, unnecessary dialogue, or overly detailed descriptions can all weigh down your pacing. If the moment is not essential for the plot, consider removing it. It will just stall the narrative.
Balance Dialogue, Action, and Description Effectively
Balance dialogue, action, and description to have a well-paced story. Dialogue can make the story move faster. Characters are exchanging information and ideas. Equally, action is what happens. It is the plot. Description can work to slow it down. Describe the world, or what is going on inside the protagonist’s head.
Control Narrative Time to Speed Up or Slow Down
Use time as a means to advance your plot. Jumping hours, days, or weeks can help control how fast the story progresses. Undoubtedly, focusing on the moment-by-moment breakdown of your scenes can make the viewpoint too narrow. If nothing important is happening, do not put a filler chapter. Just move on.
Common Questions About How to Write Better Pacing
Can a story be fast-paced from beginning to end?
Yes, it can, and it is not inherently bad. It depends on the circumstances and how you are writing it.
What if I like writing detailed scenes? Will that slow down my pacing?
Detailed scenes are valuable and fun to write. Ask yourself if every detail serves the plot. If it does not, it might be smart to remove it.
Does a scene have to be fast-paced to keep readers interested?
No, and no. A scene can be slow-paced and interesting. All it has to be is relevant to the plot.
Key Takeaways on Writing Better Pacing
To sum up, pacing refers to the rate at which we receive information from the story. A fast-paced story will be packed with much information. Likewise, a slow one will reveal less information. There are some key differences between good and poor pacing. Such as how much variation is there? There are also different techniques to control pacing in a story.
The best way to learn how to write better pacing is to write. There is no better teacher than failure. As you keep practicing, you will notice what works and what does not. With that in mind, go write.
