I like to examine pacing on two levels: Sentence level and chapter level. To answer this reader’s question, I will just talk about pacing on the chapter level.
Often, issues of pacing on the chapter level come down to the “pull” at the end of a scene. That meaning, you probably don’t have one [a pull]. This “pull” may be plot-related, for example, a reveal or action-packed moment that’s left on a cliffhanger. (This is a time when cliffhangers are beneficial).
The “pull” can also be an emotional draw. For example, the feeling that there is more the character needs to discover or make sense of, or maybe the character has a realization (about the world around them or about themselves).
Look at it this way: Your story has the plot (external), and you need to balance that out with the character journey (internal).
Developing the pacing for each chapter will aid in the pace of the entire novel. It’s the crux of what keeps readers turning the page.
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