Two of the most critical criteria in the storytelling process are pacing and suspense. Before we go any further let's define pace and suspense and what makes them different. Pace is the rhythm of your story. It is the ebb and flow that defines the genre. If you were writing a drama, for example, the pace would be much slower than a horror film.
Pace is the blueprint to character progression and identity.
The most important element to keep in mind when pacing your story is to maintain a progressive flow or balance. Many novice writers overlook proper pacing, which can easily take the strength from their story. Just as with walking up a flight of stairs, the movement of your story should be balanced, planned and logical in progression to a predetermined destination. In other words you have to know what type of story you are writing and not deviate. Suspense is tension.