Surviving the Dreaded Middle: Tips for Keeping Your Writing Momentum

Introduction

You’re halfway through writing your novel, and suddenly the excitement you felt in the beginning starts to fizzle. This is what we call “the dreaded middle.” It’s that part of the story where everything seems to slow down, and you start to doubt your entire plot. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Every writer faces this struggle. In this post, I’ll share some tried-and-true strategies for pushing through the middle and keeping your writing momentum alive.

Step 1: Revisit Your Outline

When the middle of the novel feels like it’s dragging, it’s time to step back and look at the big picture. Revisit your outline to remind yourself where the story is heading. Sometimes, we get so bogged down in the details of individual scenes that we forget the larger arcs of our characters. By refocusing on the major plot points and the direction your characters are going, you’ll reignite your passion for the story and regain a sense of purpose.

Step 2: Create Mini-Goals for Each Chapter

Breaking the middle of your novel into smaller, manageable chunks can help keep the momentum going. Instead of focusing on the massive task of finishing the whole novel, set small goals for each chapter or scene. What does this scene need to accomplish? What emotional beat does it need to hit? By giving yourself mini-goals, you’ll feel a sense of achievement with every step forward, no matter how small.

Step 3: Introduce New Tension

The middle of your novel is a great place to introduce new sources of tension. Whether it’s an external event that complicates things for your protagonist, or a revelation that shakes them internally, adding a fresh layer of conflict can help drive the story forward. Just remember, this tension should be tied to the characters’ arcs and their growth—it shouldn’t feel like an arbitrary twist just to liven things up.

Step 4: Let Your Characters Guide You

When in doubt, let your characters take the wheel. Sometimes we hit a roadblock because we’re forcing the plot in a direction that doesn’t align with the characters’ development. Ask yourself: What would my character realistically do in this situation? What decisions would they make? Often, the answer to pushing through the middle lies in the choices your characters make.

Conclusion

The middle of your novel may be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to deepen your characters and explore new facets of your story. By revisiting your outline, setting mini-goals, adding new tension, and letting your characters guide you, you can keep up your writing momentum and push through to the end.