I
love beginnings—in life and on the page. Anything and everything is possible
whenever a blank slate appears before me. That momentum can last for days,
weeks, months, and sometimes even longer.
At
least, that’s what I like to think whenever I begin a new writing project.
A
linear pantser, I write brief character sketches, plot the first three chapters
and the last, and then let the words flow. At some point, usually around Page
80, I encounter the murky middle, that nebulous place where I find it difficult
to continue or sustain the tension of the novel. In short, I’m lost with no
clear trail or direction in sight.
In
the early days of my writing career, I struggled to regain my motivation, wondering
if I should abandon the novel. Thankfully, I have discovered three strategies
that have lifted me out of the abyss.
Professional
Development
During
my teaching years, I would sign up for summer in-service at different
universities throughout the province of Ontario. These courses would last
anywhere from three days to four weeks. Afterward, I would feel refreshed and
ready to tackle a new semester in the fall.
While
experiencing my second prolonged drought, I searched for the right
course/workshop that could propel me over the writing hump. Online courses
offered through Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America, Savvy Authors,
and Ed2Go have worked best for me. Lasting anywhere from one to four weeks,
these courses succeed in inspiring and motivating me to return to the page. The
key is to complete all the recommended exercises and actively participate in
discussions.
Cross-Reading
In
Think, legal analyst and author Lisa
Bloom urges us to select books that challenge our points of view. Her argument:
Our brains need a varied diet of books to stay sharp.
An
avid reader of mysteries and women’s fiction, I decided to explore historical
fiction written by a male author. During a cold, blustery winter, I spent the
entire month of February reading the Century Trilogy by Ken Follett. The three
tomes—Fall of Giants, Winter of the World, Edge of Eternity—follow dramatic events
in the lives of five interrelated families (American, Russian, German, English,
and Welsh) and sprawl over nearly 3,000 pages. After that month-long reading marathon, I was
ready to return to the calmer, less complicated world of my WIP.
NaNoWriMo
(National Novel Writing Month)
This
is the Red Bull solution that has helped me avoid two murky middles. In 2016
and 2017, I joined millions of authors worldwide and made the commitment to
write 50K words during November. Inspired and motivated by the online community
and local meet-ups, I wrote at least 1,667 words each day and completed very rough
first drafts of two novels: A Different
Kind of Reunion and No More Secrets.
Whenever I encountered a roadblock, I typed INSERT CHAPTER and continued
writing. My well-honed left brain appreciated the badges, and I wanted to wear
the Winner T-shirt!
Trailer – A
Different Kind of Reunion
Giveaway:
Click on the Rafflecopter link
below for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.
Bio
A
member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of
America, Joanne Guidoccio writes cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, and
inspirational literature from her home base of Guelph, Ontario.
Website:
https://joanneguidoccio
Great suggestions! I think many of us suffer from the "murky middle" problem.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kathleen on the murky middle. I throw in a subplot and amp up the pace.
ReplyDeleteThanks KM! I find it a common problem among writers and feel reassured when others share their "murky middle" stories. :)
ReplyDeleteI've also added a sub-plot and additional characters to a couple of my books. Thanks for dropping by, Margaret :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting me, Elaine :)
ReplyDeleteGood idea for avoiding the mid manuscript sag.
ReplyDeleteThanks Warren!
ReplyDeleteMiddles can be HAAARRDD. One writer called said it was "like driving through Texas." It goes forever and you don't think you'll ever get there.
ReplyDeleteGood ideas on that middle problem where I am now. I'm a reader, too. Last year I read 97 books and most of them were mysteries except for the ones picked by the two book clubs I belong, too. I've put your name on my list of TBO books to read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these great ideas, Joanne! I've never done Nano, but now you've got me thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteHi Carla, Love the comparison! For me, driving through parts of Northern Ontario approximates that "murky middle" feeling. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Gloria, 97 Books...that's impressive! I read between 50 and 60 books a year.Thanks for the support. :)
ReplyDeleteGood to see you here, Shari. I didn't think I'd ever do Nano. But now, I'm hooked. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting us at WWK. It was the Ed2Go course on How to Write a Mystery that got me started. I don’t think I would have come up with a finished manuscript without having taken it.
ReplyDeleteHi Grace, Always a pleasure to visit WWK. I've taken several courses with Ed2Go and highly recommend them. Only 6 weeks in length and chock full of wonderful content and advice.
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