Pacing in a Story

We’ve all been there—wrapped up in a book that’s so thrilling, you can’t stop turning the pages.

Then, out of nowhere, the pace slows down and suddenly, you’re skimming paragraphs, trying to get to the next exciting part.

But pacing isn’t just about when things get exciting. It’s about finding that sweet spot between action and reflection, tension and release.

The right pacing can make your story feel like a non-stop rollercoaster, while the wrong pacing might have readers checking out early.

So, how do you control the pacing of your story to keep your readers engaged from start to finish?

Let’s dive into some basic strategies to help you master pacing and keep your readers hooked.

 

Know When to Speed Up (and When to Slow Down)

Think of pacing as the heartbeat of your story.

There are moments when the action needs to race ahead, and other times when the story should slow down so readers can catch their breath.

A fast pace works well for action scenes, cliffhangers, or moments of high tension, while slower pacing is essential for introspection, character development, and emotional depth.

For example, if your character is running from a supernatural creature, the pacing should speed up to match the urgency.

But if that character then has a quiet moment of reflection or a deep conversation with another character, slow things down to give the reader time to absorb the emotional weight.

Finding the balance between these speeds is key to keeping readers engaged.

Don’t rush through emotional moments, and don’t drag out action scenes.

Keep your story moving, but also let your readers breathe when needed.

 

Use Shorter Scenes for Faster Pacing

A great way to speed up the pacing is by breaking your story into shorter, punchier scenes.

Think of it like cutting a movie into quick shots—each scene should drive the plot forward and end on a note that makes the reader want to keep reading.

This doesn’t mean every scene should be a cliffhanger, but having a variety of scene lengths can help your pacing.

Action-heavy scenes or scenes that reveal major plot twists can be shorter, while slower, more contemplative scenes might stretch a bit longer.

The key is to mix things up.

Too many long scenes, and your story might feel bogged down.

Too many short scenes, and it can feel frantic and shallow.

Find a balance that works for your story.

 

Create Tension and Release

One of the most powerful ways to control pacing is by building tension and then releasing it.

This can be done by alternating between action-packed scenes and quieter moments.

Think of it like a dance—the action builds, and then the tension is released in a reflective or emotional moment.

This ebb and flow keeps the reader hooked, because they never quite know when the next “big moment” will hit.

In a paranormal or supernatural story, this is especially important.

The suspense of not knowing what’s coming next keeps readers invested in your world. But if everything is always tense, it can become overwhelming.

So give your readers a breather after those intense moments, and let the tension build again.

 

Want to Master Pacing? Grab Your Free Pacing Tracker Worksheet!

Struggling to find the right pace for your story?

I’ve created a Pacing Tracker Worksheet to help you map out the flow of your scenes and ensure that your pacing keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

Sign up for my newsletter to get this free resource and start refining your pacing today!

 

Take Your Pacing to the Next Level

If you want to dive deeper into the art of pacing, The Step-By-Step Beginner’s Guide to Writing a YA Fiction Novel – The Symphony of Pacing is packed with in-depth strategies to help you control the rhythm of your story, from building tension to crafting perfect action scenes.

This guide can save you time by providing step-by-step hints and tips on pacing, making it easier for you to craft stories that leave readers hanging on every word.

With the right pacing, you can keep your readers turning the pages without them even realizing how much time has passed.

The best part?

You don’t need to be a seasoned pro to get it right.

Start experimenting with these basic pacing techniques, and soon you’ll have your readers hooked from the first page to the last.

 

Conclusion

Mastering pacing isn’t just about speeding up and slowing down—it’s about knowing when to hold your breath and when to let it out.

Whether you’re writing a supernatural thriller, a paranormal romance, or any other genre, controlling pacing will elevate your story and keep your readers engaged.

So, if you’re ready to take your pacing to the next level, grab The Step-By-Step Beginner’s Guide to Writing a YA Fiction Novel – The Symphony of Pacing and let’s make your story a page-turner.

 

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