When it comes to writing, pacing is one of those deceptively tricky elements. You might think it’s just about keeping the story moving, but it’s so much more than that. It’s the rhythm of your narrative, the tempo of your characters’ journeys, and the heartbeat of your plot. And yet, pacing is something even seasoned writers struggle with—myself included.
Let me tell you a little secret: I’ve rewritten entire chapters because the pacing felt off. Sometimes, I’ve had scenes that drag too long, losing the reader’s interest, while other times I’ve rushed through crucial moments, leaving the story feeling incomplete. Pacing is one of those things that requires constant attention, yet it often slips through the cracks until you reread your draft and think, Wait, something feels wrong.
So today, let’s dive deep into this one key writing tip: how to master pacing in your story. Whether you’re crafting an epic fantasy, a cozy romance, or a nail-biting thriller, these insights will help you keep your readers hooked from start to finish.
Understand the Types of Pacing
Before we talk about fixing pacing issues, let’s define them. Pacing can broadly be divided into two categories:
- Fast Pacing: Often seen in action scenes, plot twists, or moments of high tension. Fast pacing keeps the adrenaline pumping, but too much can exhaust the reader.
- Slow Pacing: Used for introspection, character development, or world-building. Slow pacing allows readers to breathe and connect with the story, but overdoing it can make the narrative feel sluggish.
Finding the balance between these two is the secret sauce to great storytelling. For instance, in my romcom novel Coffee Spills & Office Thrills, I struggled with the pacing of Emily and Logan’s relationship. I wanted their tension to simmer, but early drafts either dragged their rivalry out for too long or rushed their emotional turning points. It took multiple revisions to find the sweet spot.
Signs Your Pacing Needs Work
If you’re unsure whether your pacing is off, watch out for these red flags:
- Scenes that feel too long or too short: If you find yourself skimming your own writing or realizing a pivotal moment is over in two paragraphs, it’s a pacing issue.
- Inconsistent momentum: Does your story start strong, only to fizzle out in the middle? Or maybe it’s the opposite—a slow build with an abrupt ending?
- Reader feedback: Beta readers are invaluable for pointing out where they got bored or confused. Trust me, when my betas said, “This scene feels like filler,” I knew I had work to do.
How to Fix Pacing Issues
1. Outline Your Story’s Emotional Beats
Every story has emotional high points and low points. Mapping these out can help you see where the pacing might be uneven. For example, in Coffee Spills & Office Thrills, I outlined key moments—from the initial coffee spill to the climactic argument—to ensure there was a natural ebb and flow to the narrative.
2. Use Sentence Structure to Your Advantage
Did you know the length of your sentences can influence how readers perceive pacing? Short, snappy sentences create urgency, while longer, descriptive ones slow things down. If a scene feels off, experiment with sentence structure to match the mood you’re aiming for.
3. Layer Subplots Wisely
Subplots are fantastic for maintaining pacing, especially during slower parts of the main plot. However, they can also derail the story if they’re too distracting. In my drafts, I’ve often had to trim subplots that bogged down the pacing. Ask yourself: Does this subplot enhance the main story, or is it filler?
4. Create a Balance Between Action and Reflection
Alternating between action-packed scenes and quieter, introspective moments keeps readers engaged. In one of my novels, I noticed that back-to-back confrontations made the story feel chaotic. Adding a reflective chapter between these moments gave readers a chance to process and anticipate.
5. Trust Your Instincts
Sometimes, fixing pacing is about trusting your gut. If you feel a scene isn’t working, there’s a good chance your readers will feel the same. Don’t be afraid to cut, rearrange, or rewrite until it feels right.
Practical Exercises to Improve Pacing
If you’re looking to sharpen your pacing skills, here are some exercises to try:
- Write a Scene in Two Ways: Take a scene from your story and rewrite it twice: once with fast pacing and once with slow pacing. Compare the two versions and see which elements work best.
- Use a Timer: Give yourself a set amount of time to write a scene. This forces you to focus on the essentials, helping you avoid unnecessary fluff.
- Analyze Your Favorite Books: Pick a book you love and study how the author handles pacing. Pay attention to sentence length, scene transitions, and the balance between dialogue and description.
- Ask for Feedback: Share your work with a trusted critique partner or beta reader. Ask them specifically about pacing: Did any part feel too slow or rushed?
Final Thoughts
Mastering pacing is a journey, not a destination. Even as an author, I’m constantly learning and improving. And that’s okay! The beauty of writing is that there’s always room to grow.
If you’re struggling with pacing, know that you’re not alone. It’s a challenge many writers face, but with practice and patience, you’ll get there. Remember, every revision is an opportunity to bring your story closer to the masterpiece it’s meant to be.
So, what are your biggest challenges with pacing? Let’s discuss in the comments—because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we’re all in this together!