Pacing trouble

Lissibith · Oct 9, 2016

Anyone here have any trouble with their pacing being too quick?

I recently scanned over an old book I wrote. While I like the scenes I have, and think those scenes individually are paced well enough, the whole book feels pretty rushed - I'm not sure how exactly to describe it, except that there doesn't seem to be a lot of room to breathe. Things keep happening.

Anyone who maybe encountered this, how did you go about fixing the problem? I don't want to add scenes just for the sake of adding scenes, and I don't necessarily want to slow down what I have too much, but I don't want the whole thing to feel like it's prepping for a train wreck. >.<

chompers · Oct 9, 2016

It could be a result of a number of factors, so without seeing it, I can only throw out possibilities.

Are the scenes filled with action in each? If so, you need some scenes that aren't so action packed.
Do you need transitions between scenes?
Do you need to make the sentences longer?
Do you need to flesh things out more?

Layla Nahar · Oct 9, 2016

I used to have that problem a lot. For me it was because my underlying story was weak/not sufficiently clear in my head.

InsomniaShark · Oct 9, 2016

Could the pacing seem too fast because you "scanned" the book instead of actually reading it? =/ Maybe you need a second opinion from a beta?

Does the book take place within a day or a few days, or is it a longer period over weeks or months? If it was over a day(s), I'd expect the pacing to feel faster. If it's taking place over weeks or months, maybe you just need to add a few sentences describing what happened in between scenes?

I've read some great books where THINGS seemed to happen non-stop, and the situation kept getting more dire. Just kept me from being able to put the books down.

BethS · Oct 10, 2016

Lissibith said:
Anyone here have any trouble with their pacing being too quick?

I recently scanned over an old book I wrote. While I like the scenes I have, and think those scenes individually are paced well enough, the whole book feels pretty rushed - I'm not sure how exactly to describe it, except that there doesn't seem to be a lot of room to breathe. Things keep happening.

Anyone who maybe encountered this, how did you go about fixing the problem? I don't want to add scenes just for the sake of adding scenes, and I don't necessarily want to slow down what I have too much, but I don't want the whole thing to feel like it's prepping for a train wreck. >.<

It sounds like your characters are very busy taking action, but they're not taking time to regroup, rethink, and/or recharge. Those types of scenes perform a crucial role in any story.

WriteMinded · Oct 10, 2016

Listen to BethS.

cbenoi1 · Oct 10, 2016

BethS said:
It sounds like your characters are very busy taking action, but they're not taking time to regroup, rethink, and/or recharge. Those types of scenes perform a crucial role in any story.

This.

More information on one theory of pacing in chapter 8 of "Scenes & Structures" by Jack M. Bickham. ( link )

-cb

Lissibith · Oct 10, 2016

Thanks all, for the advice! (And the reading rec!

)

I'll check that book out and take the next read more slowly with all these thoughts in mind. Much appreciated!

Pacing trouble

Lissibith

On target

chompers

Layla Nahar

Seashell Seller

InsomniaShark

BethS

WriteMinded

Derailed

cbenoi1

Lissibith

On target