The Illusion of “Bad Pacing” | Why Your Writing Feels Off

TL;DR

Pacing issues in storytelling are not the actual problem, but rather a symptom of weak storytelling.

Transcript

before Consulting session I always ask my client what they think the problems are with the story but I don't ask this question because I need help identifying the problems I can do that just fine on my own I ask because I want to know what sort of person I'm dealing with about a third of these clients will point out specific contradictions and dots... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎑 Pacing issues are often a result of deeper problems in storytelling, such as contradictory plot elements or irrelevant scenes.
• 🍉 Pacing is an audience-driven term and should not be solely relied upon for evaluating the quality of a story.
• 🎑 Efficient storytelling is important, but scenes and moments should also be given individual attention to prevent overlap and maintain clarity.
• 🍂 Falling action and reflection after a significant event in a story are crucial for providing closure and checking in on characters and plotlines.
• 🧍 Writers should stand by their storytelling decisions and not compromise their vision based on subjective feedback about pacing or tone.
• ❓ Objective feedback that addresses specific areas of concern is more valuable than general critiques about pacing.
• 💍 It is important for writers to engage with feedback and continuously evaluate their story structure to improve pacing.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do some clients struggle to identify the problems with their storytelling?

Some clients may not have the necessary tools or knowledge to pinpoint the issues in their story, relying on external feedback to identify problem areas.

Q: How can writers identify the specific problems related to pacing in their story?

By actively engaging with feedback and asking for more specific details, writers can gather information about which parts of their story may be contributing to pacing issues.

Q: Can pacing issues be resolved by simply implementing pacing techniques?

No, pacing techniques can only treat the symptoms of weak storytelling. Writers must address the underlying issues in their plot, characters, and themes to improve pacing.

Q: What should writers do if they receive feedback about pacing problems?

Writers should interrogate the feedback further to understand specific areas of concern and then analyze their story for scenes, dialogue, or unnecessary information that may be impacting pacing.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A significant portion of clients have specific contradictions and gaps in their story that need to be addressed.

• Pacing is often highlighted as a problem, but it is a symptom of deeper issues in storytelling.

• To address pacing concerns, writers must identify and resolve the underlying problems in their story structure.