Possible reasons the book gets stuck in the middle
- Characters’ desires, needs or goals aren’t strong enough to drive the story.
- Plot moved away from the outline and needs to be reassessed
- Main plot is dragging - some B plots or subplots may need to be weaved in
- Reread your novel so far, and then write a letter to yourself about all the reasons your novel isn’t working.
- Look for “possibility points” - loose mentions (an object, a characteristic) that could be expanded further and wrapped up.
Ending boosts
Write some of these scenes to help you get to the ending.
- Protagonist hits their lowest point.
- Protag realizes what they need to do in order to tackle their big problems and inner weaknesses.
- Protag confronts their fear, weakness, enemy.
- Closing image that mirrors the opening one.
Revision checklist
- Mark emotional points - moments that make you laugh or cry.
- Mark where you’re bored or confused, or where words are repeated too close together.
- Not enough description.
- Too much description.
- Not enough dialogue.
- Too much dialogue.
- Character appears but doesn’t contribute to the story.
- Write a list of all the scenes in each chapter and the pages they’re on.
- Any plot holes?
- Are plot points playing out in the best order?
- Is there enough character arc?
- Is action too slow or too quick?
- Ask yourself questions.
Scene checklist
- Does this scene move the plot forward?
- Does it offer new, vital information or insights into a character?
- What does this scene achieve?
- What is the mood of the scene and how does the setting evoke that?
- What does the mood reinforce about the characters in it?
Dialogue checklist
- Does the dialogue move the story forward, reveal things about the characters, or increase the tension?
Prose checklist
- Concrete and sensory details: taste, touch, smell, sight, hearing
- Circle words, sentences or sections that you like. Write a word or two to tell what you liked about it.
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Big Picture
- Uncover any hidden motifs and themes
- Identify your protag’s arc
Subplots
- Who is the protagonist of the subplot? How are they related to the protagonist?
- Who is the antagonist of the subplot?
- How does the subplot fit into the larger story?
- Highlight each subplot with a different color.
- How often do they show up?
- Are some of them introduced too late?
- Are any unresolved?
- Do some do nothing to advance or mirror the main plot?