How to slow down the pace of the story?
Asked by: Barb Rosales
Let’s take a look at 5 techniques to slow down the pace:
- Lengthen your sentences. …
- Add descriptions. …
- Include subplots. …
- Use flashbacks and backstory. …
- Add more introspection. …
- Shorten your sentences. …
- Use more dialogue. …
- Remove (or limit) secondary subplots.
What affects the pace of a story?
The pace is determined by the length of the scenes, how fast the action moves, and how quickly the reader is provided with information. It is also sometimes dictated by the genre of the story: comedies move faster than dramas; action adventures move faster than suspense.
How do you slow time in writing?
The feeling of slow motion in life you have to actually take up more physical space on the page use more films so to speak in doing so you will create tension. And keep your reader interested.
Which part slows down the pace of the narrative?
Generally speaking, descriptive passages tend to slow things down, while dialogue and action scenes speed things up—but slowing the pacing of action down at choice moments can also build suspense.
What makes a book fast paced?
In a society that moves quickly, fast-paced books are designed to be page-turners. A book that hooks the reader, forces them to procrastinate on everything else, and makes them stay up late to finish the book is often considered the ideal fast-paced read.
How do you write a slow motion moment?
Simply write “SLOW MOTION:” followed by whatever action you intend to be shown in slow motion. Be sure to end the sequence by writing “END SLOW MOTION.”
Why do writers slow down time in writing?
If your character is in a dangerous situation, her perception of time will slow down. Your writing should reflect that heightened perception by dilating the scene (see description of scene dilation below). New experiences. Like fear, when we encounter a brand new experience, time seems to slow down.
Why might a writer slow down the pacing of a narrative?
Narrative devices such as inner monologues tend to slow down the action and give readers time to get to know the characters. These slower sections establish language patterns and personality traits for the characters.
What is a slow pace?
Definition of slow-paced
: moving at a slow rate of speed : slow-footed.
How do I make sure my story isn’t boring?
This is how to keep your story fresh and exciting in every scene:
- If You Can, Trash It. Your first choice should always be to get rid of any in-betweens that don’t advance your plot. …
- Introduce Personality: Make It about Character. …
- Introduce Action: Make It about Drama. …
- Introduce Questions: Make It about Suspense.
What makes a plot boring?
This is the number one reason a story is boring. A story has to have conflict. But the conflict has to escalate in each scene, or the story gets old fast. For example, if a killer with an axe is chasing a girl around in the woods, that’s a good conflict.
How many pages is a 100 000 word novel?
100,000 words is 200 pages single-spaced or 400 pages double-spaced. Typical documents that are 100,000 words or more include full-length novels. It will take approximately 333 minutes to read 100,000 words.
How do you make a story less predictable?
To combat predictability in your plot, try thinking about the complete opposite of every twist or turn you’ve noted down above. If your narrative naturally begins to lean towards a certain outcome or event, try steering it in the complete opposite direction and see what happens.
How do you end a story with a twist?
A great twist genuinely surprises the reader and turns their whole understanding of the story on its head. To do so convincingly takes organization and a thorough understanding of the motivations behind every choice your characters make. Elevate a secondary character with a big reveal.
How do you foreshadow?
To create foreshadowing in fiction or non-fiction,
- Give the reader direct information by mentioning an upcoming event or explaining the plans of the people or characters portrayed in the text: …
- Place clues in the first few sentences of a story or chapter to indicate the themes that will be important later:
What makes a story predictable?
If you’ve read a book and guessed what was coming, or if you’ve seen a movie and guessed the outcome way before it finishes, then it’s generally a sign that the plot is predictable. Perhaps you’ve read a book that seems quite similar to another book you’ve read. The same happens with movies; some feel very similar.
Should a story be unpredictable?
Writer’s shouldn’t place unpredictability over good plotting. The common worry is having a predictable twist. But, having a predictable twist doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer, in fact, it’s the opposite! You have to remember that it’s all about set up an execution.
Are plot twists necessary?
Generally speaking, they are not necessary, but they are making the ride more… thrilling. On the other hand, a good thrill ride would likely have loops, but it’s not the number and size of them that makes the ride good. So, put twists in your story, but don’t add twists just for the sake of it.
How should I end my story?
Here are a few elements that can make for a great ending for your book or story:
- The “right” ending. …
- The unpredictable element. …
- The plot twist. …
- The dark moment. …
- The emotional epiphany/change. …
- The could-have-changed-but-didn’t dead end. …
- Comingling happy and sad. …
- Leave room for interpretation.
How do you write a hidden villain?
You’ll give yourself a variety of puzzle pieces to drop into your story. Go beyond the villain as a character role. Give her a name, a background with relationships, physical fallibility, and emotional weakness. In your background, focus on the relationship between the villain and the victim.