Why Inconsistent Pacing Is Killing Your Story

Showing while telling is only one technique to keep your story engaging.

Writers, let me share a secret with you.

The technique I want to share with you is a technique that can make or break your story…

…yet it's often overlooked.

I'm talking about pacing.

What is pacing, though?

Simply put:

The subtle art of controlling the speed at which your narrative unfolds.

There’s a dark path when your story is not well-paced…

You see, when the pacing is off, readers become…

🔸disengaged

🔸 plot progression becomes murky, and…

🔸 tension evaporates.

Pacing can rightfully be termed the unsung hero of storytelling.

So…

How do we do this pacing thing? 👀

It starts with understanding the delicate balance between speed and flow.

It's about knowing when to accelerate and when to brake.

It's about:

🔸 Varying sentence structure and length

to create a rhythm that propels the reader forward, examples:

- Short sentence: "She ran." ( Creates a sense of urgency)

- Medium sentence: "As she ran, the trees blurred together." (Adds a bit more context)

- Long sentence: "With every step, the trees seemed to close in around her, their branches tangling together like skeletal fingers." (Paints a vivid picture)

🔸 Balancing action, dialogue, and description to maintain a steady narrative pulse, examples:

- Action: "She sprinted across the field, her feet pounding the grass."

- Dialogue: "'I'll never let you go!' he shouted, his voice echoing through the valley."

- Description: "The golden sunlight cast a warm glow over the rolling hills, illuminating the wildflowers that swayed gently in the breeze."

🔸 Using transitions and connections to guide the reader through your story like a masterful conductor, examples:

- Transition word: "Meanwhile, back at the castle..." (Connects two scenes)

- Connection phrase: "As she walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling that..." (Links a character's action to their thoughts)

- Summative transition: "After a long day, she finally returned home, exhausted." (Wraps up a scene and sets up the next one)

Here's the thing…

…pacing isn't just about writing…

…it's about revising with intention.

🔸 It's about analyzing your work

🔸 identifying the slow spots, and

🔸 surgically removing the obstacles that hinder your story's flow.

So, now that you know the secret, will you use it to captivate your readers?

The power is yours.