Writing Tips and Reviews

Pacing

Pacing is a hard thing to do starting off. My first three works should be a sign of me not exactly knowing what to do in the beginning. One solution I found is to do the Final Fantasy way of pacing, or at least how I play.

First a main story mission, or two depending on the story, then some side quests. This fleshes out the world and characters and allows for some fun moments. After all, a story that is just main story all the way can end short. Without grinding the main story of FFXV can be done in three days. Also depending on the person playing it. When doing side quests, grinding and just hanging out with chocobos, you can get much more from the game.

This is also why I feel Kingdom Hearts 3's main story was executed poorly. The fun scenes came and then the main story without a mix of both. Say, if we saved Aqua after two worlds then Ventus two worlds after her. That gives her time to rest and the story doesn't feel rushed.

Rushing the story isn't a good thing and neither is making it too long. There needs to be a balance. And from now on, I'll be using this technique in my own writing, as I think it's a good idea to try.