What is pacing?

 

What youmay well ask, is pacing?

It canrefer to the rhythm of the novel, the rate the reader reads, the speed at whichevents take place in the story. Usually, it refers to the latter.

Whatspeeds up the pace? Dialogue. Every good book begins with the protagonistwanting something.

S/he mightnot know what it is s/he wants on page one, but s/he had better have found outby page 30, and 20 would be even better. Everything that follows should lead tothe achievement of that goal. Other characters have their own particular goals,which often prove to be obstacles to the protagonist.

If thereare two conflicting goals for the same character, then the battle is within thatcharacter. Each goals is a plot arc. The main arc should open at the beginningof the story and close at the climax. Smaller arcs can open and close along theway and stay relevant to the particular character by showing their motivation,agency and desire.

Pacing,therefore, refers to the length of time between moments of conflict.