FILL: One-Third of a Nanowrimo? (280 words)

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Original Posting Nov. 10, 2015

Would that be a skoosh or a pinch?

Anyway, it's about day 10, right? Which means you should be at about 20,000 words, more or less? One third of the way through the month, rumbling away at that word count...

This is often where the discontent of the middle sets in. You've written that flashing start, got those characters living and acting, and... now there's the muddle in the middle to write through. Ugh! But you knew the job was dangerous when you started it, right? Keep on pounding those keys!

Take a look ahead for a moment. Remember that ending you are headed for? Maybe you did a draft of it to start with, or at least a little sketch? Anyway, think about that ending, that glowing climax, where the good triumphs and evil is vanquished! Set your sights on that glowing star, and then back into the muck of the middle.

This is where that notion of the try-fail cycle comes in handy. What can your characters try, and fail at? Remember to use the yes-but and the no-and -- yes, they succeeded, but things got worse and no, they failed, and now it's even worse. You may also want to drag out the scene-sequel format to reinforce the middle. Write a scene, full of action and dialogue, and follow it with a sequel, where the characters react to what has happened, rethink their strategies and goals, and reset where they are going next.

Mostly, settle into your pace and keep writing. One-third of the way through? That means only about two-thirds to go! Crank up the music and hum along now...

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