Wednesday, May 29, 2013

MUDDLING THROUGH THE MIDDLE

MUDDLING THROUGH THE MIDDLE
Stuck in the maze between beginning and ending?


            Your idea for a story is brilliant. Original. You begin your novel, excited about the project, then it happens—you get mired in the middle. Sound familiar?
That’s where I am in my third novel, going down in quicksand with no save in sight! Recently I read some great advice: when stuck in the middle of your novel, go ahead and work on the end. Okay . . . Did that. The middle remains an endless sea of ideas, twists, and surprises for the reader. I feel like I’m going in circles. What to do now?
I look to my shelf of how-to books on writing and basket of Writer’s Digest magazines, all screaming advice. Some of the best suggestions:
1.     Go back to the beginning and work on your characters’ evolution.
2.     Plan conflict resolution for your main characters. And for the crime, if writing a mystery, thriller or suspense novel.
3.     Go over all of your clues (or subplots) and make sure they are all relevant. Add any that are needed, keeping them as subtle as possible.
4.     Work toward tying up loose ends. Start with one and move on from there.
5.     Have the end planned? Work on it a bit, then go back and see if it inspired you to work toward it!
6.     When all else fails, do something! Edit what you’ve written or develop an outline for your book. Outlining is a tedious task, but will have the effect of bringing it all together in your mind and encourage you to keep moving.
7.     Plan your final action scene. As a reader, I like them to be neither  too short or too long. A dragged out climax will send your reader rushing to the end. Also, one of my least favorite endings is when the killer (usually at gunpoint one way or the other) tells the protagonist every detail of his/her crimes. Boring. Find a more creative way to wrap things up.

Dear readers,
I hope these suggestions are helpful. Putting them together has me eager to go back to my writing! I’m getting over a lingering case of the flu and need to get my physical and my writerly mojos back!
Thank you for stopping in and for all your wonderful comments. If you have any other ideas for tackling the middle, please share with us.
Have a wonderful weekend,

Marla

13 comments:

  1. Writer Dave Here, Hi Marla,
    I am at the middle in my second novel. I got unstuck by adding some more obstacles for the characters to overcome to drive the plot on.
    The middle of the story is the odd one out. The beginning sets the scene, and hooks the reader. The end ties everything up.
    The other problem is that you lose your drive in the middle! You have to get through all three parts.
    Writing a novel is a marathon event!

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    1. I'm with you, Dave! The middle has me in a rut. but feeling better now, and will get back to it.
      Adding more obstacles is a good idea. Can do that!
      Nice to hear from you. Again, you are #1!!
      Marla

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  2. They don't call them saggy middles for nothin'. I'm talking about books, not bodies. Although now that I think about it ...
    I hate middles.
    Hope you're feeling better, Marla!

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    1. Ha ha! You're right, both "middles" can be problematic. Can identify with sagging.
      I'm feeling much better, thank you.
      My solution to the writing-middle challenge is to just keep writing! There's always the delete key if I
      take a wrong turn.
      See you soon and thanks fo your comment,
      Marla

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  3. Hi there! I have nominated you for "The Very Inspiring Blog Award"! Read this post for more information about what you have to do to accept it! http://lorrainemariereguly.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award-links-to-sites-for-freelancers-writers-and-poets/

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    1. Hi Lorraine,
      Thanks, I'll check it out! Glad you stopped in.Have a nice week,
      Marla

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  4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    1. HI Marina,
      I had to look up iterative. I was hoping it meant working without an outline, because I tend to do that! Guess it means in no particular order when applied to writing. I think and plan when I walk, too, and even bought a recorder to carry with me. Haven't used it much, though. Seems to spoil the creative mood!
      Visiting the place your story is in sounds like a super idea. May have to try that one.
      Thanks so much for contributing!
      Marla

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    2. Sorry, Marina, I deleted your comment by mistake and can't find a way to repost it!

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    3. Iterative mean that you are able to jump back to change or add things and then continue where ever you want to.

      Hope my advice will help

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    4. Great word! Sure applies to my writing style, too. LOL
      Thanks for sharing,
      Marla

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  5. I love this! Concise and encouraging. Thanks for sharing, Marla!

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    1. Hi Kaela,
      Happy to hear you enjoyed this blog. I like to talk about things that are problems for me as a writer
      and a reader.
      Have a fun weekend,
      Marla

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