Novels, Part 2 of 2: How to Finish

Have you ever started a project with sparkling visions of the finish? Then, halfway through, an enormous gap opens, and the project has nowhere to go. In the world of concrete and steel, that happened while building two of Pittsburgh’s bridges.

The first structure is officially called the Fort Duquesne Bridge. After years, “The Bridge to Nowhere’s” fix was seamless. Not so for the Birmingham Bridge where the huge mismatch remains visible. [See lower left side of photo at top of this post]

‘Mid Novel Slump’ is the notorious and insidious situation with a story’s beginning and ending can’t be, well, bridged. Why? In starting stories, the celebrated writer Ray Bradbury advised, “Find a character, like yourself, who will want something or not want something, with all his heart. Give him running orders. Shoot him off. Then follow as fast as you can go.”

Too often, characters do run off and create situations where the beginning doesn’t seem capable of connecting to an ending.  To keep going, Writers Digest recommends giving the ‘supporting cast more page time.” Because “Act One introduces [the main character] … it’s in Act Two that the supporting cast comes to life.” This article also explains the “Rule of Three,” a valuable story-building tool. See “What to Do when You’re Stuck in the Middle of Your Novel.”

“Five Ways to Beat the Mid-NanoWri Slump” recommends, “Getting out of your usual writing space and breathing some different air can be one of the best things to do… Whether it’s taking a short walk, driving around the block, or doing a little shopping, the change of scenery gives your brain a break.” See four more tips.

Also see “Six Tips to Avoid a Sagging Middle.”

The videos below share enriching, empowering writing motivations. And, Pinterest offers insights from accomplished authors. One of my favorites is also from Ray Bradbury,

Keep in mind, someone could be waiting for you to become their favorite author.

Keep bridging the gaps between start and finish, whatever the type.

Succeed and Soar!

COMMENT.

See Wordsmith Stars Part 1 of 2, “How to Start A Novel.”    https://wp.me/p9Qn9N-Lx

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