In a post on Writers in the Storm, Sandy Vaile offers four tips for avoiding a saggy mess in the middle of your novel. “A story sags when it loses focus anywhere between the midpoint and the climax,” Vaile says. This happens when a writer doesn’t know how to move the protagonist to the next plot point, when the story starts to wander, or even when the writer loses enthusiasm for the story after the initial burst of creativity.
Vaile suggests four strategies for avoiding the saggy middle:
- Find the story’s throughline. What is most important to your main character’s journey? Your throughline is the thread that guides the character through the story. Focusing on this element helps you ensure your story is more cohesive and driving towards the climax.
- Create a roadmap for where you’re headed. Create clear signposts for your protagonist’s journey. Where and when will he encounter obstacles, make a decision, or experience emotional change? Developing those scenes will help you carry the story forward.
- Exploit existing conflicts. Force your hero to make tough decisions or adapt to a new situation. Put other characters into contention against him. Use environment and internal struggles to create conflict without a direct antagonist.
- Ensure characters have agency. Your main character shouldn’t merely react to events, but take action to drive the plot. “A proactive MC is essential for maintaining story momentum and avoiding a saggy middle,” Vaile says. An active MC draws readers into the story, creates conflicts with the antagonist, and makes it easier for you to decide what happens next, because their desires will be clear.
