At the Midpoint
I'm so excited! My word counter finally says fifty percent done. Whew. I feel like I've made progress. I'm finally halfway through.
I think the middle of a book is so important. This is where the tension is upped, where some threads are added to, others are resolved and the main one is complicated even more. Sometimes, this is where the sagging middle comes into play.
The midpoint of a story is a good place to look at everything happening and take stock. Is the conflict getting higher and higher? Are the characters different than at the beginning of the story? At a different place, in the process of changing?
This is how I look at the middle. What does the mid-point mean to you? What usually happens in the middle of a good book or movie?
I think the middle of a book is so important. This is where the tension is upped, where some threads are added to, others are resolved and the main one is complicated even more. Sometimes, this is where the sagging middle comes into play.
The midpoint of a story is a good place to look at everything happening and take stock. Is the conflict getting higher and higher? Are the characters different than at the beginning of the story? At a different place, in the process of changing?
This is how I look at the middle. What does the mid-point mean to you? What usually happens in the middle of a good book or movie?
Comments
I can't think of anything more to add, and I'm supposed to be getting ready for work anyway. Heh.
But when I saw that you reached the midpoint (WOW) I just had to get on and say CONGRATS!!
Keep up the hard work, girl! You're over the hump. :-)
The sagging middle is a scary thought. I'm trying to keep adding new twists throughout this portion. I will need a new set of eyes to let me know how I did.
Hey, I booked my flights yesterday for Denver. Very excited.
So you write skeleton first? That's interesting. As you flesh it out you'll probably get a good idea as to the ebb and flow of the story.
The middle for me brings questions, like you said, about what all I have going on. And then the doubts about how good (or not good) it may be. :(
I just got through a big doubt too. Stopped writing for two days while I thought about it. I have a great writer friend who offered to read through it for me and I'm going to take her up on it. It helps to have an objective view on what is or isn't working. :-) I totally feel you on the doubts.
Great point. You mean like a twist or a big turning point? I think you're exactly right. And like you said, now for it to happen in our own stories. LOL
Right now my characters have yet to make any break thrus with their internal conflicts so I'm starting to touch on this now so my middle won't get too saggy. (I hope) :)
*makes note to do so in the future*
Congrats on passing the 50% mark! The word count is something I pay attention to. Sometimes on a minutely basis. ;-) Good job!
Great progress this week!
Is that how we keep our middles from being saggy? Great point. My characters are still in conflict too, though things are warming up. :-)
:-)
:-)
I'm revising the middle of my story right now. If I ever get out of this editing phase, I'll be thrilled.
Blessings,
Susan
Midpoints are always my favorite. From that point on I feel like the story just flows and flows and doesn't stop. Yay!
Just remember: Quantity doesn't equal quality. :-)
You'll be out soon and I hope what you see is wonderful!
I tend to like the second half too. My first chapter or two usually flows and then after that it's an upward battle to the midpoint. And then, down we go, tying up threads, tightening conflicts, headed for the big black moment. :-)
the middle is where other books sag that aren't well-written (yet still managed to get pubbed, go figure). usually that's b/c the action tapers off or slows down. so we need to remember that pacing is of extreme importance in the middle!
Very true. Pacing is something I'm still learning about too.
Congratuations! That is so cool. I am proud of you!
Hopefully the middle means you will pick up some steam and rush for the finish line. You go, Sweetie!
Thank you! I hope I pick up steam too. :-)
I don't usually go back but with this one I am and it's really helping me to see where I could improve and tighten the story. Smart advice.
That's an awesome way to say it. I hadn't thought about scaring the reader, but good point.
I'm completely amazed that you're at the midpoint. Congrats!!! That's pretty awesome. :-)
It helps the reader gather their thoughts.
I don't know how writers do it, but when I'm reading a really good book, I don't even notice the middle, because all I can do is focus on getting to the next page. I love a book that leaves me just a little bit disappointed when I have reached the end. Disappointed, that is, because I want to keep reading.
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I love it when that happens. I remember several times noticing that I was almost done with a book and just hating that it would end.
In screenwriting the middle is usually where there is another new twist or complication added into the story.
And one of my husband's screenwriting teacher's said that in movies the sex scene is usually at about the halfway point - I guess that could be seen as an added complication too.
But it's the middle that's the toughest. That's when you start to get tired. You look up and see how far you have to go, and you look down and see that it's too far to give up.
The middle, he says, defines what you're made of. The middle reveals your dedication and your faith.
I think he's right. And I think you're right, too.
So glad I stumbled upon your blog!
Great point about the sex scene. That's very true. Since I write inspirational, the midpoint is kind of where I plan for the characters to become comfortable with pursuing their relationship, and maybe even kiss. LOL Gotta love those kisses. Thanks so much for that screenwriting input. Very interesting.
Wow, what a great analogy! Someone else has been doing posts about rock climbing (Cindy, maybe?) and it's so very true. I love your comment.
Thanks for popping by and commenting! :-)