Pacing in Your Story: Practical Tips and Techniques

Pacing is a critical element of storytelling, whether you're crafting a novel, short story, screenplay, or even creative nonfiction. The way your story unfolds—the rhythm, tension, and timing—keeps readers engaged, delivers impactful moments, and ensures they stick with you to the end.

Here’s a guide to understanding pacing and how to control it effectively in your writing.

What Is Pacing in Storytelling?

Pacing refers to the speed and rhythm at which a story develops. It’s the flow of action, character development, and plot progression that guides readers through your narrative. Good pacing balances moments of high tension with quieter, reflective scenes, creating a dynamic reading experience.

Key Aspects of Pacing:

• Fast Pacing: Drives the story forward with action, urgency, or dramatic events.
• Slow Pacing: Offers respite, builds atmosphere, or deepens character development.

Pacing isn’t about maintaining a relentless speed; it’s about variation. Even the most contemplative stories include shifts in pacing to keep readers engaged.

Why Pacing Matters

Imagine reading a book where nothing seems to happen or, conversely, where action never lets up. In both cases, the pacing feels off, making it hard to stay engaged.

Good Pacing Ensures:

• Engagement: Keeps readers turning pages.
• Emotional Connection: Allows readers to empathize with characters and absorb key moments.
• Balance: Prevents monotony by varying tension and tempo.

How to Master Pacing in Your Story

Let's walk through this.

1. Assess Your Story’s Structure

Evaluate your overall narrative to identify uneven sections. Look for areas where tension lags or action feels rushed. Consider tools like Freytag’s Pyramid or the Save the Cat Beat Sheet to analyze your story arc:

• Does the narrative rise and fall naturally?
• Are plot points spaced to create momentum?
• Is the middle of your story engaging or “saggy”?

Break down your story into beats and examine the pacing of each segment. Adjust where necessary to create a balanced structure.

2. Balance Fast and Slow Moments

Varied pacing makes your story dynamic and engaging. Combine high-energy scenes with slower, reflective ones to give readers time to process events.

Tips for Balancing Pacing:

• Fast Scenes: Action sequences, intense dialogue, or dramatic plot twists.
• Slow Scenes: Introspective moments, detailed descriptions, or character interactions.

For example, in Clare Mackintosh’s novels, she maps her story on a graph to visualize pacing. High-octane scenes are interspersed with quieter “recovery beats” to maintain a natural rhythm. Think of a rollercoaster—its thrills are exciting because of the transitions between highs and lows.

3. Develop Characters Through Slower Pacing

Character development often requires a more measured pace. Use quieter moments to explore:

• Motivations: What drives your characters?
• Relationships: How do characters interact and grow together?
• Inner Conflict: What internal struggles shape their decisions?

Even in action-packed genres, readers need time to care about your characters. A story like Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel balances political intrigue with deep dives into Cromwell’s inner thoughts, creating a rich, layered narrative.

4. Use Language to Control Tempo

Your choice of words, sentence structure, and paragraph length can dramatically influence pacing.

For Fast Pacing:

• Use short sentences and paragraphs.
• Opt for active voice and direct language.
• Incorporate repetition or choppy rhythms to reflect urgency.

For example, in Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects, short, fragmented sentences mirror the narrator’s chaotic thoughts, creating an intense, fast-paced effect.

For Slow Pacing:

• Use longer, complex sentences.
• Add detailed descriptions and sensory imagery.
• Focus on atmosphere and introspection.

In Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, the dream-like opening slows the pace, immersing readers in the eerie setting of Manderley.

5. Focus on Detail to Slow Time

Zooming in on specific details can create a profound effect, slowing the narrative at crucial moments. For example, in Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, a description of a crowd at an execution slows the scene, allowing readers to absorb the gravity of the moment.

Use sensory details and vivid imagery to ground readers, giving them time to reflect on the emotional weight of a scene.

6. Withhold and Reveal Information

Control the release of key information to create tension and suspense. Use a mix of:

• Reveals: Answer questions the reader is aware of.
• Twists: Introduce surprises the reader didn’t see coming.

For example, Erin Kelly’s novels expertly trickle out just enough information to keep readers hooked while holding back major twists until the perfect moment. Ending chapters on cliffhangers is another way to build anticipation and ensure readers keep turning pages.

7. Introduce a Ticking Clock

A time constraint adds urgency to your story, naturally speeding up the pace. For example:

• In Adrian McKinty’s The Chain, the protagonist must act quickly to save her daughter.
• In Rosamund Lupton’s Three Hours, the events unfold in real time, matching the tight timeline of the plot.

By condensing the timeframe, you create pressure on characters and readers alike, heightening engagement.

8. Read Your Work Aloud

Reading your story out loud lets you hear its rhythm and flow. This exercise helps you identify:

• Sentences that are too long or too short.
• Sections where pacing feels uneven.
• Areas where the narrative drags or rushes.

Listening to the story’s cadence provides valuable insights, allowing you to fine-tune pacing.

Examples of Well-Paced Stories

• Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall: Combines interiority with political drama for a balanced pace.
• Robert Harris’s The Ghost: Alternates plot-driven action with reflective moments, enriching the narrative.
• Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects: Uses short, clipped sentences to accelerate tension.

Final Thoughts on Pacing

Pacing is about creating a journey that feels natural and engaging for your readers. Whether you’re crafting a slow-burning literary novel or a high-octane thriller, the key lies in variation. Balance fast and slow moments, develop your characters, and control the flow of information to keep readers hooked.

Remember, pacing isn’t just about moving quickly—it’s about moving with purpose. By mastering the art of pacing, you’ll create a story that captivates readers and lingers long after they’ve turned the final page.