Pacing in a mystery novel is not just a strategy for racing through the story. It is a way of blending action, emotion, and tension. At times you will want a fast-paced scene. At other times you may need a slower-paced scene. Action requires fast pacing. Tension requires a slower pace. Here are some pacing strategies for each:
Pacing for action:
- Shorten chapters, paragraphs, sentences, scenes and even words.
- Ensure that something interesting is happening on every page.
- Use short dialog coupled with quick action.
- Move from one scene to another in a short amount of time.
- Use active voice.
- Keep setting and description to a minimum.
Pacing for Tension:
- Slow down the action.
- Add interior monologue. Have your character debate in his mind options for what to do next.
- Leave something in the scene or chapter unresolved.
- Ask a question in one scene and make the reader wait for the answer in a later scene.
- Have your character slowly become aware of evidence of danger.
- • Worry your reader.
In a mystery novel, pacing is as important as plot, character, and setting. Give it the attention it deserves.
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