Write Things: On finding the right pace in your story

Hello writers, 

We’ve talked pace in several of my writing groups & workshops lately, so I figured this was a sign that more people might be interested in the topic. 

I hope you find something of value in it. 

Idea: On Process

Pace in writing is one of those things that feels intangible, yet it has a profound effect on your reader’s experience.

Finding the "right" pace for your story isn’t about following a rulebook or hitting some universal sweet spot—it’s about aligning your storytelling with the effect you want to create.

If your readers get lost, don’t understand what’s happening, or feel like they’ve been rushed past important moments, your pace might be moving too quickly. On the other hand, if your paragraphs take up entire pages or your readers feel bogged down by mundane details, your pace might be dragging.

The good news? You can control the speed. To slow things down, zoom in: use sensory details, inner thoughts, and longer sentences that linger in the moment. To speed things up, focus on action, skip over unnecessary steps, or summarize events to move the story forward.

The key isn’t to follow every critique—it’s to ask yourself: Is my writing achieving the effect I hoped for? If the answer is no, feedback can guide you toward adjustments.

Pace is deeply personal and creative, but ultimately, it’s about guiding your readers through the journey you want them to experience.

Inspiration: "The Moment Before"

Set a timer for four minutes and write continuously on the prompt above. This week, lean into the images, feelings, or ideas that feel important. Afterward, decide whether to revise, continue, or leave it as is.

Want to get more comfortable sharing your work? Inspire a friend? Forward them this email and share your quick-write with them. Then, ask them to send you theirs. Sharing imperfect work is an excellent way to silence the inner critic and build confidence!

Invitation: To Experiment

This week, I invite you to explore pace by tackling the quick-write prompt, "The moment before." Write two versions of the same scene—one quick-paced, the other slow-paced—using different techniques for each.

For the quick-paced version, try:

• Dialogue: Use rapid exchanges between characters to create immediacy.
• Short Sentences: Keep your sentences brief and punchy to mimic urgency.
• Action Verbs: Focus on movement or direct actions to propel the story forward.

For the slow-paced version, try:

• Sensory Details: Layer in descriptions of sights, sounds, or smells to immerse the reader.
• Rhythmic Sentences: Use longer, flowing sentences to stretch out the moment and create a sense of lingering.
• Inner Thoughts: Reveal the character's internal reflections or emotions to slow the moment down.

Once you’ve written both, compare the two. How does the shift in pace change the feel of the scene? Which version better conveys the mood or effect you hoped to achieve?

Let this exercise be an experiment in how you, as the storyteller, can shape the reader’s experience through pace.

Until next week,

Trevor