Writing a story, whether it’s a novel, a memoir, or a short piece, often starts with a burst of inspiration. The beginning is exciting, full of potential and possibilities. But then, you hit the middle. Often described as the hardest part, the middle is where enthusiasm wanes, doubt creeps in, and many writers struggle to keep going. However, with the right strategies, you can stay motivated and push through to reach the end of your story. Here are some practical tips for navigating this challenging stage of writing.
1. Reconnect with Your “Why”
Before delving into any technical strategies, it’s important to revisit the reason you started writing this story in the first place. Why did you choose this particular idea? What about it made you excited? Perhaps it’s the characters, the message you want to convey, or a theme close to your heart. Revisiting your purpose helps rekindle that initial spark of motivation and provides clarity on what you want to achieve. Some ways to stay connected with your “why” include:
- Writing a letter to yourself from the perspective of your protagonist or another character.
- Creating a vision board with images or quotes that represent the themes of your story.
- Re-reading your early notes to remember what excited you initially.
This sense of purpose will help you feel anchored, especially on days when writing feels more like a chore than a passion.
2. Set Manageable Goals
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of pages left when you’re in the middle of your story. Breaking down your work into manageable pieces can make it less daunting and help maintain a steady writing rhythm. Instead of focusing on finishing the entire story, try setting smaller, achievable goals like:
- Word counts: Aim for a modest daily or weekly word count, such as 500 words a day or 3,000 a week.
- Scene goals: Decide to write a single scene each day or focus on completing a particular chapter by the end of the week.
- Time blocks: Schedule focused writing sessions where you work for 25-30 minutes, take a break, and then continue. This technique, often called the Pomodoro Technique, keeps you motivated and avoids burnout.
Breaking it down this way keeps you moving forward, bit by bit, without feeling like you’re scaling an endless mountain.
3. Embrace Messy First Drafts
Often, writers get stuck in the middle because they feel pressure to make every chapter perfect before moving on. But the middle of a story is a place for exploration, where ideas may feel jumbled, and the plot might temporarily lose direction. Instead of letting this slow you down, embrace the messiness of a first draft. Remind yourself:
- The first draft is only for you. It doesn’t have to be pretty or polished.
- You can revise later. Progress is the priority in the middle stages; the polish comes with editing.
- Mistakes are part of the process. Imperfect chapters can be reworked, but there’s nothing to work on if you don’t finish.
Acknowledging that your middle sections don’t need to be perfect will give you the freedom to write without judgment.
4. Keep Characters Moving Forward
One of the most common issues in the middle of a story is that the plot starts to stall. This can be incredibly frustrating and can sap your motivation to keep writing. To combat this, think about ways to keep your characters active and pushing forward, even if it’s in small ways. Some ideas to consider:
- Raise the stakes: Introduce a new challenge or increase the urgency of an existing problem. This will keep both you and your characters engaged.
- Develop subplots: Sometimes, a fresh subplot involving secondary characters can give your story the momentum it needs to keep moving forward.
- Explore character growth: Use the middle to reveal more about your characters’ fears, desires, and flaws, giving them more depth and allowing you to explore the narrative in new directions.
Keeping your characters engaged in the story can reignite your interest in writing about them, making it easier to push through.
5. Change Up Your Writing Routine
When progress starts to feel stagnant, changing your environment or routine can make a huge difference. Routines are great, but sometimes a little variety can help refresh your motivation. Here are a few ways to shake things up:
- Write in a new location: If you usually write at home, try a coffee shop, library, or even a park.
- Experiment with writing tools: Try handwriting instead of typing, or use a voice recorder for free-flowing ideas.
- Alter your schedule: If you’re used to writing in the evening, try switching to the morning (or vice versa) to see if a new time inspires fresh ideas.
These small shifts in routine can help you see your story from a new perspective, which may be all you need to regain momentum.
6. Celebrate Small Wins
A long story is made up of countless small accomplishments, and recognizing them can keep you motivated. Keep track of your progress in a way that allows you to celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. For instance:
- Create a progress tracker: Use a checklist or a progress chart where you mark off completed sections, word counts, or chapters.
- Reward yourself: Set up small rewards for reaching specific milestones. For example, treat yourself to a coffee break, a new book, or an episode of your favorite show after hitting your writing target.
- Journal your journey: Keep a writing journal where you jot down thoughts on the process, challenges overcome, and lessons learned. Revisiting this journal can remind you of how far you’ve come.
These small wins will remind you that you’re making progress and help sustain your energy through to the end.
7. Visualize the Finish Line
Motivation increases when you can clearly see the goal. Imagine the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel once you type the last sentence. Visualizing the end product, whether it’s your name on a book cover, a completed manuscript in your hands, or just the satisfaction of finishing a draft, can be incredibly inspiring. Try the following techniques:
- Picture your finished work: Take a few moments to visualize holding your completed manuscript or having readers engaged with your story.
- Create a “mock cover”: Design a placeholder cover or title page as a reminder of your end goal.
- Envision the impact: Think about the emotions or experiences you hope to evoke in readers once your story is complete.
When you keep the end in sight, the tough middle becomes more manageable, because you know what you’re working toward.
Wrapping Up
Writing the middle of your story can feel like pushing through quicksand, but it’s also where some of the most meaningful parts of your story are born. Staying motivated through this phase is about connecting to your purpose, setting achievable goals, and reminding yourself that the journey—messy and all—is part of the creative process. With these strategies, you’ll find that the middle becomes not an obstacle, but a necessary and exciting bridge to the final chapter. Keep going—you’re closer than you think!
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