Ever read a book that spends three pages describing a sunset? Or one that jumps from action scene to action scene without letting you catch your breath? Both extremes can make a story feel unbalanced—either too slow or too chaotic.

Great storytelling is all about balance. You want to immerse readers in your world without drowning them in details, and you want action that excites without exhausting them. So, how do you strike the right balance between description and action?

These are questions that always plague my writing process. At times, I get the writing of a particular scene right and then there are other times that I’m just all over the place. So try to keep in mind that we are all learning and there is no perfect recipe or magic trick to get this done right. We’re all trying to be better and improve our craft.

Show, Don’t Just Tell

You’ve probably heard the phrase “show, don’t tell” a million times, but what does it actually mean? Instead of flatly stating facts, engage the reader’s senses and emotions.

Example:

• Telling: “The night was cold, and she was scared.”

• Showing: “She wrapped her coat tighter as the icy wind bit at her skin. Every shadow stretched long and menacing, and her pulse hammered in her ears.”

The second version pulls readers in, making them feel the character’s fear and discomfort instead of just being told about it. You get into the character’s head and experience what they are going through. The scene becomes real and alive for the reader and sucked into the action of the plot.

Use Sensory Details Wisely

Sensory details can bring a scene to life, but too much at once can slow the pacing. Focus on key details that matter to the moment. As you saw in the previous example, ‘showing’ can be lengthy and can confuse readers. Having a healthy balance between showing vs telling is key in story telling.

If your character is running from danger, don’t describe the embroidery on her dress. Instead, focus on fast, visceral details: the slap of her feet against wet pavement, the burning in her lungs, the distant shouts closing in. Keep front and center the information that will move your narrative forward. If you feel a scene is running in circles, chances are high you’re running in circles.

Keep Action Scenes Crisp and Clear

Action scenes should be quick, punchy, and easy to visualize. Avoid overloading them with long descriptions that kill momentum. I love describing a good fight scene but sometimes I have to stop, and ask ‘am I being too much with this scene?’ Stick with what’s important to your story.

Instead of this:

“He swung the sword in a wide arc, the silver blade catching the dim torchlight as it sliced through the cold night air, the tension in his muscles evident as he prepared to strike down his opponent.”

Try this:

“His sword flashed in the torchlight as he struck.”

Shorter, sharper sentences create urgency and excitement. Although, I tend to write like in the first example more often than not. But when revisions come, I try my best to control my overly descriptive prose and switch to a straightforward version. But this is when the next section comes…

Pacing: When to Slow Down and When to Speed Up

Your pacing should match the mood of the scene:

• Fast pacing: Action sequences, tense confrontations, or chase scenes.

• Slow pacing: Emotional moments, deep introspection, or atmospheric world-building.

Mixing both creates a rhythm that keeps readers engaged.

Example:

• A fast-paced moment: “She ducked just in time. The bullet whizzed past, shattering the lamp behind her.”

• A slow, reflective moment: “She traced the edges of the old letter, her fingers lingering on the faded ink. A lifetime of memories was captured in just a few fragile lines.”

Let the Reader Breathe

Even the most intense thrillers need quiet moments. Give your readers a chance to absorb what’s happening before throwing them into the next big event.

Think of it like a movie—the best action films aren’t nonstop explosions. They include moments of reflection, humor, or emotional depth to keep the audience invested. If you go from one event to another, and then another without pause, your readers will become exhausted—like they are headed straight into mental gymnastics with your story.

Find Your Balance

The secret to balancing description and action, showing and telling, is knowing when to zoom in and when to zoom out. Give just enough detail to paint the scene without overloading the reader, and keep action tight and focused.

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