Novels, Part 2 of 2: How to Finish
Consider Someday you’re going to be someone’s favorite author. –Flash Fiction Online 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, Your intuition knows what to write, so get out of the way. 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 Ten Best Tips for Overcoming Writers Block Click Here to View. 12 minutes, 50 seconds. How to Get through the Sagging Middle of Your Book Click Here to View 23 Minutes, 59 Seconds Join me in drafting a complete novel [or memoir] during 2024. Each Weekly Class [via Zoom] includes: Inspiring Resources Enriching Discussions Encouraging Support Enlightening Feedback Goal: 430 page first draft by mid December Cost: $100/month. [Sample first class for $25. ] Write me with questions and to register. This Month, Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Puzzles As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more Puzzles are great for quiet time, focus and centering. A pleasant way to share time with others or relaxing alone. Puzzles are made from premium 0.2” paper stock A semi-gloss coating on top surface makes image pop Puzzles available in two sizes [18”x24”, 500 pieces and 20”x28” 1,000 pieces] Safe storage in in handsome, sturdy box with artwork printed on top Puzzle pieces are unique shapes Prices vary, from: $40 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit on item. Use CUSTOMIZE. tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit on item. Use CUSTOMIZE. tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. Purchase this Puzzle View All Puzzles Thanks for your support!