9 Foolproof Strategies to Rescue Your Novel’s Saggy Middle

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares a variety of tips to help writers strengthen the middle of their novel. First, they discuss structural techniques such as using a 'tentpole' event, raising the stakes, and introducing reversals to keep the narrative engaging. The video also advises on the importance of subplots, using digressions, and abandoning oversimplified structures. Additionally, character-driven tips are offered, like confronting fears, sabotaging strengths, and evolving desires. The speaker emphasizes the power of character development and storytelling tools to overcome common middle-story struggles, ultimately helping writers push their narratives toward a strong conclusion.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prop up your novel's middle with a 'tent pole' event: A climactic moment in the middle of your story can divide the middle into manageable sections and energize the narrative.
• 😀 Escalate the stakes: Increase the tension by raising the stakes between the beginning and middle of your story, making the consequences more dire and engaging.
• 😀 Introduce reversals: Characters or situations can undergo drastic changes that flip the narrative, giving you fresh material to explore in the second half of the middle.
• 😀 Apply Chandler's law: Add an outsider or unexpected event (like a character with a gun) to stir things up and introduce new opportunities for the story.
• 😀 Use digressions strategically: Add a story within a story or an unrelated scene to provide thematic depth or advance your character's journey from a different angle.
• 😀 Avoid oversimplified structures: Ditch basic three-act structures for more complex ones, like a seven-point structure, to better navigate the middle of your novel.
• 😀 Don’t forget about subplots: Develop parallel storylines that provide breathing room and expand your narrative, preventing it from feeling too thin.
• 😀 Make your protagonist face their main fear: In the middle, push your character to confront their greatest fear, creating natural tension and conflict.
• 😀 Deliberately sabotage your protagonist’s strengths: Take away your protagonist’s abilities or advantages in the middle to force them to adapt and grow.
• 😀 Change the character’s desire: Alter the protagonist’s goals or desires midway through the story, adding complexity and driving the narrative forward.

Q & A

What is the purpose of having a 'tentpole' event in the middle of a novel?

A tentpole is a climactic event that occurs right in the middle of the novel, serving as a major turning point in the story. It divides the middle into two parts and keeps the reader engaged by providing a surprising twist or significant shift in the narrative, ensuring the character is committed to the story without turning back.

How can raising the stakes in the middle of a novel help improve the story?

By escalating the stakes in the middle, the story becomes more intense and engaging. Initially, the stakes might be existential, but they should increase in severity and complexity as the story progresses. This keeps the tension high and the reader hooked, as they anticipate greater consequences and challenges for the characters.

What is a 'reversal' and how can it enhance the middle of a novel?

A reversal is a plot twist where the protagonist or another character shifts their position dramatically. This could mean a character changes from being a hero to a villain, or from having high moral standards to none at all. Reversals stir up the plot and keep the middle of the story fresh by introducing unexpected challenges and shifting dynamics.

What is the significance of Chandler's law in the context of novel writing?

Chandler's law suggests introducing an unexpected element, such as a character with a gun, to stir up the plot and create new opportunities for storytelling. This outsider can introduce conflict, force the protagonist into difficult situations, or prompt unexpected actions that push the story forward.

How can a digression be useful in the middle of a novel?

A digression is a section of the story that seems unrelated to the main plot, but it can serve to explore themes, develop the protagonist’s character, or offer metaphorical insights. By introducing a digression, writers can provide new perspectives, give characters room to grow, and ultimately reinvigorate the plot.

What is the downside of following oversimplified structures like the three-act structure?

Relying too heavily on simplified structures, like the three-act structure, can lead to a lack of depth in a novel. These structures are better suited for short stories or films, and may cause a novel to run out of steam. A more complex structure, such as a seven-point story or detailed beat points, provides better tools for managing the middle of a novel.

Why is subplot important in the middle of a novel?

Subplots add depth and complexity to a novel. They provide breathing room away from the main plot, allow for character development, and offer new angles for the reader to engage with. For instance, subplots can mirror or contrast the main story, enriching the narrative and preventing the middle from feeling stagnant.

How can making a character face their main fear improve the middle of a novel?

Having a character confront their greatest fear in the middle of the novel forces them to grow and evolve. This shift in the character's arc keeps the story dynamic and adds emotional weight. For example, in 'Jaws,' Chief Brody must face his fear of water, a challenge that drives the narrative forward and deepens his character.

What effect does deliberately sabotaging a protagonist's strengths have on a story?

Sabotaging a protagonist’s strengths challenges them to adapt in creative ways. By taking away their key abilities or characteristics, the writer introduces new obstacles that force the character to change, offering fresh storytelling opportunities and helping to fuel the middle portion of the novel.

Why should a character’s desire change in the middle of the novel?

Changing a character’s desire midway through the novel can add complexity and drive the plot forward. It prevents the story from becoming predictable and allows the character to evolve. For instance, in 'The Godfather,' Michael Corleone’s desire shifts from wanting a normal life to embracing his family’s mafia business, which propels the narrative in a new direction.