Slow or fast pacing stories

[sonicalh9]

I noticed when reading light novels that there are stories that have a difference in pacing (I thought there were some standers regarding the pace).
Some stories are very slow and explains everything in detail. And there are stories that does things very fast, with little explanation.

My question is: what do you (as reader and/or writer) prefer and why? Also, how can the pace have an impact on the story?

[DasIstWunderblyat]

As a reader I prefer medium to slower paced stories because it let me to actually sit down and get immersed in it. I tried reading faster-paced stories which seems to be the norm in many web novels, some don't leave an impression as strong as the slower pace one. To me it is just like being rained on with events and events. For comics incorrectly done fast pacing is just more off-putting.

It reflects on my sloth-paced writing

[mariannightblade]

I find that I like slow middle paced stories as well because I want to fill the relationships and tensions grow before hitting the climaxes. Sometimes if a story is too fast with plot or romance, it doesn't leave time to get attached to the story or characters.

[Lirina]

I think Tapas is a better medium for faster-paced stories because novels are released by episode. Slow-paced stories work better as a traditionally published novel where the reader can read more in one sitting and become more immersed. At least that's my opinion (and I still published my slow-paced novel here )

[thispersonishuman]

tbh, for me when writing, i have no idea, lol. for the fanfiction i'm writing for nanowrimo camp, it's a medium pace imo, and it's over ten chapters rn, but i also have a bunch of more fast paced oneshots, as well as slower paced oneshots (and these oneshots are usually no longer than 1000 words, lol)

and: as a reader, i prefer faster paced if i'm reading, but i just mostly don't have the patience for slower paced stories often because they don't suit my personal tastes (but when they do suit my tastes, i love them, lol)

[Oto_Kouda]

As a reader, I like slow-paced stories only if the things happening are either entertaining or informative towards the story itself.

As a writer, I love stories that make you think and question the rest of the story. A fast-paced part will suddenly become a part that you reread due to a reveal later.

[EncryptedWriting]

Is medium an option?

I want their to be a goal from the start, not a drag on of trying to find, "OK so why is the mc doing this?"

But if it's SHABAM all action, then it's like, "wow this is too much."

[Kaydreamer]

I really like slower paced things. This goes for novels, comics, video games, TV shows, movies, you name it. I like to be immersed in the tone of a world, to feel the weight of emotion in each character, and to have a chance to reflect and appreciate what's happening before the plot moves on.

I can't get through things which are wildly sluggish - I never finished reading Lord of the Rings due to that. (Although I love the movies.) But a lot of modern media is paced far to quickly for my liking, and I find it really hard to get invested and to truly care about the characters for that reason.

Most of my favourite comics here and on Webtoon are slowly paced, as is my own now that I've got a half-year of experience under my belt. (It started off way too quick, but shaky starts are part of learning a new skill. I'll fix the beginning in time.) Hayao Miyazaki has a word for those moments in the story which allow an audience to just soak in the ambience - he calls it 'ma' - and it's one of the many reasons his worlds and stories feel so rich.

[sonicalh9]

Wouldn't slow pacing stories not be boring in comparison with for example medium paced stories?
Certainly if every insignificant detail in the story gets explained or described?

[DesiredUsernameTaken]

My question is: what do you (as reader and/or writer) prefer and why? Also, how can the pace have an impact on the story?

Far as narrative pacing is concerned, the pacing can have a huge impact on the story for me. It can affect whether or not I absorb the information, if I care about the story, if I find it believable (or unbelievable in a good way), and it can be a determining factor in if I drop, or finish the story. The pacing I like also changes depending on what the story is and what, say, the synopsis lead me to believe about it.

As @Lirina said, if you're asking about which is better for publishing online, then readers seem to be geared toward faster pacing, which I've found true on every writing site I've ever been to. If the staff of said site engages with their users, I'll usually see some posts from them recommending having a faster pace as well. I feel like just the association with the Internet, being fast and instant and having everything at your fingertips, means most things on it have to be fast, or bite-sized. Sometimes both.

[Azifri]

I enjoy both types, but character-driven slow paced stories with a well developed plot are the ones I will likely remember some months or years after they have finished.

[Legendofgenii]

I’d say medium paced too.

I like books that have a few in the series and build up lore etc. But if things get a bit wordy I find myself skipping pages.

[LettieK]

As a reader, it depends on what mood I am in. Sometimes fast-paced stories can be good for quick entertainment and more mind numbing escape. I do find, that the novels that I absolutely adore and leave a lasting impression on me, are the slower-paced ones, provided the chapters aren't just filler, and are meant to progress the plot along at a believable pace. It makes the climactic parts more exciting!

I think my writing can be categorized as slower/med-paced, and I feel bad sometimes only releasing 1 chapter per week, but my readers seem to be sticking with me so far!

[Donley]

I prefer a slower pace with more description of the setting and characters (including character actions over the course of a scene, not just describing how they look when they show up). I feel like it shows me the story more and helps me get immersed in it. When a story is too fast-paced I get reading whiplash.

[marbl]

A faster pace throws you into a story, and it feels like more of an escape, something you can mindlessly enjoy. Slower-paced stories give the reader space to think about what's going on, but sometimes feel like a plot/info dump if not done well.

I think there's a place for both, but I would prefer fast-paced stories most of the time.

[Leverance]

Depends on the story, genre, and main character(s). Some stories fit a more rapid pace than others because they fit the theme and world they live in. In others, a slow pace is preferable because you need to build the world, the tone, the characters, the rules, and so on. Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Paranormal is some genres I consider slow pacing is best.

The best Horror I've read is usually shorter but it has more punch to it. Because Horror, even published, is normally in the shorter range compared to other genres. Keep in mind each genre has its weaknesses and strengths.

[hjpetersonauthor]

For me, there's a time and place for both. Usually, though, I prefer stories that take it a little slower.

[NinaWrites]

Depends. There are no hard and fast rules for which pace is best pace.

Preference wise, I would say the middle - because it really depends. For example, if it's too slow, the storycan feel like it's dragging and it makes me want to skip several pages. The worst is when you do skip several pages and the author STILL hasn't resolved anything.

So if the story is slow pace but each words are carefully crafted, I would read it. Same with fast. Same with medium.

But if the story is slow paced rifled with filler - that's when i lose interest. Keep the filler as a side story or part of an anthology but not in the main story if that makes sense.

[sonicalh9]

What is exactly the difference between medium and slow pace?

[Crimson_B]

I feel this and I also still went and published my slow paced novel here.