Why Your Story Feels Stuck
The sagging middle. The hardest part for writers everywhere. Let's figure out why your story is slowing, and how to fix it.
4/19/20261 min read
The sagging middle. The reason so many developing stories get tossed. The hardest part of any first draft.
The middle.
So many writers hate it. Most writers hate it. But it doesn't have to be the hardest part of getting through a novel!
Let's break this down.
Number 1. You're not out of ideas. You just don't know what to have your character do.
Number 2. You are not a failure as a writer. You are a normal writer.
Number 3. Before you stop typing or put that pen down, wait. Give yourself a break. Then, read on.
Here are some questions to ask yourself the next time you feel like giving up.
Is your character being pushed enough? Are the stakes high enough? Is there enough conflict?
Usually, if your answer is no to any of these questions, all it takes is adding in the right bits and pieces to get you back on track.
Here are some tips and tricks you could think about the next time you stall out in the middle of the story.
A. Make Something Go Wrong
Interrupt progress
Add a problem
Raise tension
B. Force a Decision
Give your character a choice
Make both options difficult
C. Reveal Something New
A secret
New information
A twist
D. Let Actions Have Consequences
What happened in the last scene should matter
Show fallout
E. Return to the Character’s Goal
What do they want right now?
What’s stopping them?
When all else fails, I prefer to use the crazy method. I literally list out all the things that won't happen next. Ot things that would be expected not to happen. You wouldn't believe how this question can shake ideas loose.
Any other good ideas to get over the middle stall-out? I'd love to hear them!
Happy Writing,
Michelle
