Critique2026-10-12

Pacing map: the tension curve scene by scene

When to use it

Someone said 'the middle drags' and you cannot see where.

Fill in the variables

Manuscript (a chapter or several){{manuscript}}

Assembled prompt

534

Divide the manuscript below into scenes and build a pacing map.
Table: scene # | opening words (quote 5) | length (words) | tension 1–5 | what the scene changes (information / relationship / danger — or 'nothing')
Below the table:
- Stretches where tension holds the same value for three or more scenes (the drag).
- Scenes marked 'nothing' — cut or merge candidates.
- One sentence on whether swapping the longest and shortest scenes would help.
Rules: diagnose only; do not rewrite.

[Manuscript]
[Manuscript (a chapter or several)]

Free runs use the fast model and return a short preview (about 300 words). Only the first ~1,000 words of manuscript are read.

How to use this prompt

1
Fill in the variables
Enter your manuscript, characters or situation in the fields below. The example values are hints.
2
Check the assembled prompt
The prompt is assembled below with placeholders filled. Edit any rule to fit your work.
3
Copy it or run it
Copy it into the tool you already use, or run it in SparkLore for a short preview.
4
Revise the result into your manuscript
The output is a draft. Follow the tips and rewrite half of it by hand.

How to get the most from it

The free run sees only the first ~1,000 words; use the studio's manuscript analysis for a full curve.
Three scenes at tension 5 in a row also drag. A plateau is a plateau at any height.

Use it in the studio with your story bible

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