7 Tips on Mastering Your Story's Pacing To Keep Readers Hooked

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Thank you so much for watching!... And Check out these videos too: Complex Characters are NOTHING Without These Two Things - kzbin.info/www/bejne/noiZiqmtjJd4n7M 4 Tips on Writing the Beginning of Your Story - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGHLlo1-pNBmhKM . . . Also, there is a spelling error buried in the video... If you find it, Congrats! :)

[@Beth64]

Aslo

[@wrestlingwithwords]

@@Beth64 this broke my brain for a moment…

[@Beth64]

@@wrestlingwithwords And now I can't recall the context of that comment. 😄 Anyway, I think this is a terrific video and the best explication of pacing I've found yet.

[@wrestlingwithwords]

@@Beth64 not a problem. Thank you for watching and I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@Drudenfusz]

The main reason why I love the Kishotenketsu approach is that the story pattern also automatically brings that pacing wave with it. Especially if one does that pattern not just for the narrative overall, but for every scene.

[@encouraginglyauthentic43]

Kishotenketsu is for pacing

[@fa7355]

I think one of the best pieces of advice I've been given in writing is that “no chapter should end like it began.” In other words, something should have happened in the chapter that pushes you onto the next, no matter how small that thing is.

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Exactly! Something needs to have changed! The character, the advancement of the plot, some sort of set piece or emotional state… something!

[@gonaye1]

Loved the point about reading the story back to yourself to get a feel for it. I really like using the ‘Speak Text’ function on my phone to listen to my story… it really helps me decide if I’m immersed, invested, bored or confused.

[@wrestlingwithwords]

For sure! This is a really helpful tool!

[@DesOttsel]

I used a lot of flashbacks in my first novel because it was focused on grief and the character was always looking to the past so the story reflected that in the structure, but I was always doubting the pacing

[@BadNessie]

Very helpful thoughts! I especially love when the tension of the current part of the story is heavily reflected in the way that the sentences are built. John Le Carré is masterfully doing that in The Night Manager, for example. The protagonist Jonathan gets into a stressful situation and while Carré usually describes scenes and actions carefully, now he builds an even stronger sense of urgency by boiling each sentence down to the bare minimum, going into hyperfocus on what's really important right now. I found that to be a great show-don't-tell way to underline the pacing of the plot's section.

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Great points!!! And thank you for the comment, I’m glad this was helpful!

[@louiscalvente2331]

I've also found that when it comes to pacing, we all have a natural inclination towards our own natural pace within our individual writing styles. Starting out, I'd experiment with different genres in an attempt to find my 'writers voice', to see what fit me best. Following this, feedback from others showed there was a recurring pattern within most of my works, polished or otherwise - the pacing was received well, but my writing was always 'fast paced' or 'intense' and 'tense', which I guess served the drama of the story well in some sense. So now I play to this natural inclination that I have, matching my natural, 'fast paced' style with suitable genres ie Action/Adventure, and stories that are complimented by a certain fiery intensity within their pacing, making for a more coherent end result. Finding your own natural pace and rhythm of speaking/writing and using that to enhance and compliment the energy of certain narratives and stories, will win you half the pacing battle in my experience. Its always a good idea to play to one's strengths. Great stuff man, keep at it!

[@kreiskhaos8516]

I have a tendency to write fast scenes with a focus on speeding up towards the middle-to-end. Works really well with my cosmic horror, psych thriller, etc. writing.

[@mycointhetrees]

what an amazing train of thought. it really clicked with me! thank you so much, and i look forward to your future content :)

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Thank you for watching! I am so glad that this was helpful for you!

[@ohnojojo2262]

This is a really good breakdown on something that strikes me as kind of nebulous when presented in other videos. This really helped me out, and I'll definitely check out more videos.

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Thank you so much for watching and I’m glad this was helpful!!

[@greggazro2389]

I totally agree. I've watched a number of other videos on pacing that kind of just speak about it in very general advice that amount to "make sure you pay attention to your pacing!" This was concrete though, very helpful

[@SUPPAcHERO]

This video was very helpful. Thank you. Pacing is something i struggle with. Sometimes it feels like the low point of the wave feels like fillers, so I'll be working on that.

[@wrestlingwithwords]

@@SUPPAcHERO so glad to hear that! Thank you for watching and for your comment.

[@SUPPAcHERO]

@@wrestlingwithwords you're welcome. And also I subscribed.

[@chipstealer.-.]

The way you present pacing makes it really helpful

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@JohanesTarata]

Thanks for the video Smile more, it costs nothing and it go a long way to evoke good feelings May your channel grow and be prosperous

[@tallaaron1115]

Thank you for providing great videos. I am currently working on my third book now, almost fourth if I am honest as it is already being mentally plotted. Pacing I am told is not an issue I am having. I am struggling with the bits about an adventure and a saga. Adventure being a small cast of main characters (1-3?) and the adventure they are thrust or dive into. Where Sagas tend to be multiple main characters who you trade on and off as the story goes to develop a wider view of the world and the actions present. Trying to find the balance of the saga is where I am semi struggling with things. My first book did okay (given it was a fist book with little to no marketing). My second book is on the path to doing better then the first, and my third should hopefully follow that trend but I keep falling back to how many characters I need to juggle. With my RPG experience, it is not terribly difficult, but at the same time it does cause some interesting complications. Any ideas on this would be amazing if you have any.

[@aSnailCyclopsNamedSteve]

Good pacing and voice. I checked the audio and the midrange is solid, the spikes (sound outside the midrange; I do not know terminology) within acceptable limits. You do have a slightly louder volume between about 2:17 and 7:28 that I notice, but most will not. I am not seeing anyone else go into theory like this, which is great. It makes your channel stand out. I would start a playlist and include videos like this in a writing theory category. 17 minutes is an acceptable time, esp. since the even pacing means that using settings to increase playback speed will allow even shorter times. I would, when time, energy, and enthusiasm permit, do a text analysis of one book showing how to apply these principles. And then I would link the two postings. That would make for a more powerful message. As to myself, I am still in outlining. I finally figured out the system so that I ask myself the leading questions, like what is the hook in this chapter, that are allowing/forcing me to put things in concrete form and in a logical order. And things are getting worse for the protagonist now.

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Thank you for the comment and for noticing the “better” sound! I have adjusted a few things and leveled things out. Also, thank you for the kind words. This is something I will probably revisit, and that I will go into more detail on in the future. Also, glad to hear you’re still working away at your manuscript! So great to hear!

[@Henbot]

It’s interesting pace because you have like pacing also manifest from different story structures that are connected to different cultures. Like 3 act structures and then Japanese manga have completely differing structure that isnt 3 acts and it interesting seeing the divergence.

[@wrestlingwithwords]

@@Henbot and between different genres and age groups pacing can differ too!

[@norman2696]

My and my best friend have always had the dream of making a fantasy story so this should be able to help

[@lucasost318]

So far great vid and tips! Looking forward for more

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Thank you so much for watching and for your comment!

[@wateradept88]

Wow this is so many ideas! Thanks

[@wrestlingwithwords]

You’re welcome! Thank you for your comment and for watching!

[@cash1833]

Wonderful video! Very helpful!

[@wrestlingwithwords]

I’m so glad! Thank you for watching!

[@RattlerMC]

Is the problem with the pacing that it remains the same throughout the story, changes too much throughout the story, or is not overall consistent (like the wavelength picture you showed)? I don't tend to notice pacing issues unless it's EXTREMELY slow or fast for long periods of time, so I was just wondering.

[@tjreed7797]

Any advice on getting myself off my lazy butt and start writing practice? So far this year, I pretty much just 100 days of copywriting to get a feel for scriptwriting but when it came time to write my own story, I stopped and haven't gotten around to getting back to it.

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Setting goals is something that has worked in the past for me. Whether it be word count goals, or dedicated time goals--both can be effective. You can also try changing up what you are writing. Try writing microfiction or flash fiction (stories under 100 words or under 1000 words). Also, joining a writers group can help. Having others hold you accountable has worked in the past too! Thank you for your question and for watching!

[@ComicPower]

This is helpful because i was just trusting my gut

[@trikebeatstrexnodiff]

10:48 The first book of my series suffers from that "unanswered questions" part. It takes place at a small town and I asked so many questions but no answers (they will be answered in the later books) due to the obvious lack of information of the main character. Am I doing it wrong? Should I add new plot points where I come up with new questions just to answer them so that the readers are going to trust me on getting their questions answered in the later books? This is probably my biggest issue with my book and I have no idea how to solve it. Thanks for the video btw! I do wonder how can we keep the readers engaged (without drowning them in more questions lol) in that slope where after the climax of a tension happens and we are descending down to the valley?

[@RoosSkywalker]

My favourite tactic is to offer two explanations or have the same explanation but plant a subtle detail that changes the entire meaning of the explanation later in the story, letting readers experience an "aha!" moment.

[@trikebeatstrexnodiff]

@@RoosSkywalker Thank you! I had never thought about that and that seems a really great idea but the thing is, it is important the questions are not even mildly answered in the first book. And if I would give a false information/answer then the readers are not gonna trust me anymore? I mean I guees I could try other characters coming up with answers for those questions but they all are going to be far from the truth which I think might result in making the reader not trust in me, also questioning the sanity of those characters rather than them having an "aha!" moment? The readers might think the characters might be mentally not very 'clever' even 😅

[@pop-punkreptile5827]

​@@trikebeatstrexnodiff I think as long as a few questions are answered in the first book, maybe not the important ones, but something that makes the reader feel some level of progression may be enough to get them to pick up the sequel book

[@kreiskhaos8516]

​@trikebeatstrexnodiff so obviously none of know exactly what you're going for, but if you have some big questions that are long-term, you can use small questions that do get answered, such as minor personal questions, rather than big plot questions. You can also mislead with answers

[@gamingtime468]

what series is the thumbnail from?? pls pls tell me the art style looks so good!

[@wrestlingwithwords]

@@gamingtime468 Angels Egg (1985). It’s one of my favorite animated films.

[@gamingtime468]

​​@@wrestlingwithwordsthank you so much! also, good video. have more confidence, the structure is great and the advice is spot on!

[@wrestlingwithwords]

@@gamingtime468 That is great to hear! Keep at it and keep us posted on how the writing is going!

[@gamingtime468]

@@wrestlingwithwords i will :)

[@Jacobenz]

How dare you be so good looking and creative!

[@Moriahg]

This was really helpful thanks.😄

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Thank you for your comment I am glad this was helpful!

[@matteabrown195]

great video thank you

[@KrymsonScale]

This made thinking about and fixing pacing more abstract and harder to talk about.

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Hey! Sorry to hear that. Sometimes the way a topic is phrased can resonate with some people while missing the mark with others. The good thing is, is that there should be a great deal of other articles or videos out there that might be able to help you understand pacing and how to fix it if it’s a problem in your own work.

[@mayorathfoglaltvolt]

I don't even know, if my pacing is right... I know though, that my pace changes are often abrupt and kinda unexpected. Often for chapters, there are only small blips and quick releases in tension [if there is any] then almost out of nowhere shit hits the fan. And then the characters desperatly trying to extinct the fires of the disaster at hand which noone should face... That sort of thing. Apparently, it creates tenson and a suffocating atmoshpere. Sooner or later every small hints I give feels like a foreshadowing of life threatening situations and then nothing happens. Something like that. At least, that's what my wife says.

[@Welther47]

Pacing isn't so mysterious. It was can fast or slow; but if the story doesn't keep moving, then you have a pacing problem. It's rare that the pace is too fast, because it means you are skipping things.

[@THEJASKumar-ui7qw]

Please do a video about how to do a perfect twist ft-->OLDBOY SEVEN, FIGHT CLUB, PRESTIGE, USUAL SUSPECTS

[@Moriahg]

Oooo I really want to see this too.

[@wrestlingwithwords]

I'll take this into consideration for future videos!

[@THEJASKumar-ui7qw]

@@wrestlingwithwords 🙏

[@theapavlou3030]

Pacing for a crime series (dynamic) would be very useful.

[@cristianaval]

THUH dog ate THEE apple

[@Adanonasad]

The not dii dude

[@barsabe]

Funny thing is this video is terribly paced

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Congrats! I knew someone was going to say this! Thank you for the comment and for watching, I appreciate you regardless.

[@barsabe]

@@wrestlingwithwords i wanted to watch it, though not because i'm bad at pacing. apparently that's my only good quality as a human being. i had to skim through the bits and... the advice is surprisingly generic (read any editorial book) and unhelpful. been chronically online long enough to test all of them, and they all certainly have potential, like this video had before you made it. potential is broad enough to be anything, but the way you presented things with such conviction makes it all go downhill. weird that you didn't mean general story elements in the dials section but just how detailed things are. it is true if a section of a tale isn't carried by any momentum, shortening the boredom may be a wise decision--but things don't necessarily work that way. you may take the shine out of the glass, smile out of a face, and lose more than the word count: the weight and presence of that section. making it worse than a boring part, making it simply a mandatory part. you could add more details, on the other hand, and it _could_ simply rework itself into a perfect component of the emotional journey, creating its own slower momentum within, that doesn't necessarily gallop the reader, but occupies her just enough to not get stale. look at things from your side and yet see through, that's what an editor should be able to do.

[@Itsabdulbabu]

@@barsabe1.25x speed is a good option to speed up the material.

[@La-PetitMort]

​@@ItsabdulbabuI watched at 1.5

[@jiyosu3039]

This video itself isn't well paced...

[@Mykal06]

To anyone reading this, please repent and believe the gospel! There is a loving God who wants to know you and save you. Jesus died on the cross and resurrected so we can be forgiven of our sins and be saved. Please consider the state of your soul. Believe in Jesus and follow Him so you may have salvation. Life is short, please make the right choice today!

[@sixtape3way]

I’m getting meta. This video’s pacing is off.

[@arthurthegreatandpowerful3841]

9:01 I’m sorry…what? This is NOT how parks and valleys work in pacing. The inclines are where action starts to pick up until it hits a crescendo at thr peak. The valleys are where they slow down. Who taught you this? It’s very wrong.