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‘Pacing’ is often taken to mean a story that proceeds at a fast rate. However, I would contend it doesn't just mean the speed but also includes the rhythm of your story, and I believe it’s important to take both into consideration. A story which is ‘fast-paced’ throughout may keep your readers reading, but there’s also a danger in making it too fast. I recall reading a fast-paced thriller, and literally had to stop reading at the end of one chapter. I was mentally exhausted because everything moved so quickly!
This is where ‘rhythm’ comes into play i.e. slowing down
from time to time to allow your readers time to absorb the previous fast-paced
scene and maybe to learn more of the character(s) reactions, thoughts, and emotions.
Looking first at the fast-paced or ‘action’ scenes: these move the story along, and
shouldn’t contain distractions such as lengthy descriptions. Instead, use a few
brief details to act as relevant ‘props’ for the scene, and keep the characters’
thoughts or feelings to a minimum. Rapid-fire dialogue will make a scene much
stronger than long-winded conversations. Think of it as a fast ping pong game,
rather than a gentle game of bowls. Also, if the outcome of an action scene is left hanging, the reader will turn the
page to find out what happens next. End the scene with a revelation, a threat,
or a challenge to grab the reader’s interest.
Fast-paced
scenes also involve appropriate word choices, and usually short sentence and paragraph
length. Cut out unnecessary words; eliminate extraneous information e.g. a
character driving to a rival’s house (unless something significant happens
during the drive); avoid small talk and get your characters straight to the
main point of the scene.
After a
fast-paced scene, you then have the opportunity to allow readers time to catch their
breath and absorb what has just happened. This is when you can go into more detail about thoughts and emotions,
which will bring the pace down. You can use longer sentences and include more description, but again this must be relevant and should move the story forward in some way, and not simply be a 'filler'.
The best
stories are those which contain sequences that move at different speeds. Too
much fast pace can exhaust the reader; too much slow pace can bore them. The
trick is to keep the reader engaged by alternating the pace of your story.
Oh dear just realised my characters may do a lot of driving as well as drinking coffee. :)
ReplyDeleteA good and informative post, thanks. I would also add that different genres require different pace? For example a thriller would perhaps have more fast pace than a gentle romance, although both would still need the rhythm you advocate.
Agree that different genres require different paces, but I think both need a variation of pace.
DeletePacing is more than speed though. It's the parsing of information throughout so that there is just the right amount, so that readers don't get bogged down in details and so that the story flows.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly the point I've tried to make i.e that pace doesn't just mean speed but also means rhythm, with both fast and slower paced sequences.
DeleteExcellent post, Paula. Pacing is so important. I think sometimes when we're writing we forget the rhythm in our haste to get the story down. This is where second drafts come in.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret, and yes, I agree. It's only when I read through the whole of my first draft that I can see where something needs slowing down or speeding up - or even deleting completely!
DeleteI agree that there needs to be an ebb and flow with pace: certain scenes require a rapid pace while others can be more slow going. This also filters through with the author's voice.
ReplyDeleteGood point about the author's voice, Deb. I've read too many stories recently which amble along pleasantly, but with no 'voice' variation.
DeleteSorry I'm late. Internet went out all day again.
ReplyDeleteI critiqued a story once for someone who had all fast-paced scenes. No breathers. It was too much.
Scene - sequel is often recommended.
Great post!
Every story needs breathers! As you say, too much fast paced story is too much. The reader needs time to take it all in.
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