We've finally finished two weeks into the challenge and are almost half-way to our goal date! Whether or not you are half-way to your writing goal doesn't matter; what matters is that you are closer to your word count goal than you were when you began the challenge.
The half-way mark can be difficult for many writers. Motivation can begin to wane, and the writing doesn't always flow as smoothly as it does in the beginning of a writing project. If you find this happening to you, try reading through what you have written so far. Is the story heading in a direction that is exciting to you? If you are getting bored with it, the chances are that your readers will get bored with it too. Are there any changes you can make to what you've already written to steer your writing into a direction that still inspires your muse?
Another thing you can try doing is think up different endings for your story. You probably already have one planned, unless you like to let the story dictate itself as you write, in which case coming up with different endings can sometimes inspire new directions for your story.
Something that always helps me when I start to struggle with a story is talking about it with someone else. Usually, for me, this is my husband. We go for walks and discuss my story. I will complain about having trouble with some aspect of it. My husband will then shoot a bunch of ideas my way to resolve the conflict, and I will then reject all of his ideas. But the thinking process involved in all of the discussion will prompt me to think up an idea of my own. There is something about talking about your story out loud that can help your mind process ideas and function more clearly when it comes to writing.
For more ideas on getting through the middle of your story, check out these previous challenge posts:
What to do if you hate what you've written by Nancy Holder
How to write more - Tips and tricks for a quick first draft by Jo Hart
How to write more - Tips and tricks for a quick first draft by Jo Hart
Writer's block or procrastination? by Jarm Del Boccio
What to do when you hate what you've written by Adam Wallace
What to do when you hate what you've written by Adam Wallace
Happy writing!
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Give-away
Today's give-away is a copy of
I have one chapter left to finish! Talking about my story and characters helps me too. My children are my biggest supporters, their enthusiasm is very motivating.
ReplyDeleteI have been having a wonderful time working on my book. Characters and plot are developing.
ReplyDeleteLuckily, things are going well. No blocks or boredom yet. The end is in sight.
ReplyDeleteKeep on working evey day!! Getting closer and closer to my middle! Thank you for sharing links!
ReplyDeleteI've been putting off my CB for some NF research. But.. this all may end up a CB or MG non-fiction piece so perhaps it is good after all! :-)
ReplyDeletePlugging away at it. Getting closer and closer to the end every day.
ReplyDeleteSetting aside my draft for a few days helped me see some GLARING mistakes on my read through this weekend. WOW, it's amazing what basic things I had missed. Keep calm and carry on, right?
ReplyDeleteBack to my old draft
ReplyDeleteIt's so helpful to be reminded of the importance of the middle of the story. Since that can be a time of plot stagnation, it's all the more important to keep the action moving. Many thanks for sharing that helpful reminder and for offering motivational wisdom about moving beyond the middle of this month's challenge!
ReplyDeleteThese posts are always great. I am not half way through my story, but I am writing!
ReplyDeleteI actually finished one chapter book. Starting on the next!
ReplyDeleteThere was a public holiday in the middle of week 2, so I finally got started :)
ReplyDeleteI was plodding along consistently through the middle of the month. I wouldn't let my health get in the way, and when I wasn't writing I was discussing the series, and researching.
ReplyDeleteThese posts linking to other posts are a great idea. Very helpful. Thanks!
ReplyDelete