Navigating the Messy Middle of Your Novel

Have you ever started writing a novel, only to find yourself stuck in what feels like the never-ending, confusing middle? Rest assured, you are not alone! Many authors struggle with what is commonly called the "messy middle." This is the point in a story where the initial excitement and inspiration have worn off, yet the ending remains out of reach. It can be tempting to give up or throw in the towel, but don't let the messiness of the middle derail your passion. In this post, we'll explore what the messy middle looks like, ways to overcome it, and strategies for getting through it to see your story through to the end.

Plotting and outlining: One of the best ways to tackle the messy middle is to be prepared before you even start writing. Plotting and outlining your story beforehand will give you a clear roadmap to follow and prevent you from getting lost in the weeds. By knowing where your story is headed, you can keep your focus on the narrative and ensure that the middle stays on track. A detailed outline or storyboard will also help you identify where the pace is lagging or where key plot points may be missing.

Embrace the mess: While it may sound counterintuitive, sometimes the best way to push through the messy middle is to lean into it. Allow yourself to experiment with different scenes, characters, and plot points. Even if they don't make it into the final draft, these explorations can help you find new inspiration and ideas that can ultimately help you get unstuck. Give yourself permission to write badly or simply "write it out" until something clicks.

Tighten your focus: Sometimes the messy middle is a result of the story being bogged down by too many subplots or characters. Take a step back and re-evaluate what is essential to the story and what can be cut. Refocus on your main characters and their arcs and ask yourself what they need to accomplish or overcome to move the story along. By trimming the excess and refocusing on the core elements, you can regain momentum and clarity.

Take a break: It's okay to take a step away from your work. Sometimes the messiness of the middle can be due to writer's block or burnout, and a break can help refresh your creativity. Go for a walk, read a book, or simply take some time to clear your mind. You may come back feeling re-energized and ready to tackle the story once again.

Push through: Lastly, it's important to remember that getting through the messy middle can take time and effort. It's okay to work through it slowly and methodically. Keep the end goal in mind and remind yourself why you started writing this story in the first place. Remember, writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint, and it's okay to take your time getting there.

The messy middle can be one of the most frustrating aspects of writing a novel, but it doesn't have to be. By being prepared, embracing the mess, tightening your focus, taking breaks when needed, and pushing through, you can successfully navigate the middle and emerge on the other side with a story you're proud of. The key is to stay focused on your end goal and not let the messiness discourage you. 

Write on!