What is Pacing?
The speed and rhythm at which a story unfolds.
Mastering Your Story's Tempo: The Importance of Pacing
The pacing of a story is a delicate balance between slowing down and speeding up the reader's experience. Too fast, and the story loses necessary descriptive elements. Too slow, and the story can seem stagnant or boring.
Good pacing should mirror a musical composition- it should build slowly to a crescendo before reaching a satisfying conclusion. Practicing the pacing of your story is like exercising a muscle, and with dedication and practice, your story will unfold with the perfect tempo.
Explore examples from notable authors who masterfully control the tempo of their prose to create highly engaging stories.
Flynn's thriller ramps up the tension and pace as the story progresses, leaving the reader feeling breathless by the time the final twists are revealed.
Fitzgerald expertly weaves together moments of high intensity and quiet contemplation, creating a memorable and emotionally satisfying story.