Introduction to Pacing


The pace of a story is the rate at which the action unfolds. If a story is too slow, readers will get bored; if it’s too fast, readers will become exhausted.


 To control the pace, examine the larger story. Make sure you introduce new conflicts as old ones are resolved, allow for breaks between the action, and speed up as you reach the climax. Use smaller, scene-related tools as well: draw out tension-filled or romantic moments and have quick fight scenes using some of the syntactic tools below.


***Note: have all POV characters reach the climax simultaneously.

How to Slow the Pace

  • Add in worldbuilding or introspection from the viewpoint character.
  • Use long, descriptive sentences and deep vocabulary.
  • Include interludes between moments of conflict (see my post “The Logistics of Scenes” for more details).
  • Add flashbacks. Usually, they completely halt the story, so be careful.



How to Accelerate the Pace

  • Cut description (telling instead of showing can hasten a scene), shorten chapters and sentences (though, sometimes, frantic run-ons work just as well), and use concise words.  
  • Remove scenes that don’t drive the larger story forward.
  • Give your characters a deadline.
  • Switch POV more often (though not until the previous viewpoint character is not doing anything significant).
  • Flashbacks can increase pace if they give readers information they’re dying to know.
  • Add in short, punchy dialogue.
  • Insert cliffhangers.
  • Make your novel take place in a shorter span of time.


If you’re ever unsure about your pacing (or any other story element), ask a reader what they think or consume media where it is successfully accomplished. Sometimes, readers just want things to progress even if it isn’t like that in real life. In this way, pacing can be very intuitive. Follow your gut, see where it leads you, and if it feels wrong, try something new. You can do this. Writing may not be easy, but it’s worth it.

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