Get Over the Mid-Draft Slump: How to Push Through and Finish Your Novel

As writers, we all know the exhilarating feeling of starting a new project. The words flow effortlessly, your ideas feel fresh and exciting, and you can’t wait to see where your story takes you.

But then, somewhere along the way, something happens: the excitement fades, the momentum slows, and you hit the dreaded mid-draft slump.

It’s a common experience, but if you’re feeling stuck, know that you’re not alone. Nearly every writer—whether a seasoned pro or an aspiring novelist—faces the challenge of powering through the middle of a manuscript.

That’s because the middle is often where the real work begins. It’s where your story must grow, evolve, and maintain the reader’s interest. It’s also where your self-doubt can creep in, threatening to derail the entire process.

But here’s the good news: you can push through this slump and finish your manuscript. It’s all about adopting the right mindset, strategies, and habits to reignite your creativity and keep moving forward. Here are some practical ways to overcome the mid-draft slump and finish strong.

Revisit Your Original Inspiration

When you first began writing your manuscript, something sparked your passion for the project. Maybe it was a vivid character, a powerful theme, or a compelling scene. Whatever it was, reconnect with that initial source of excitement. Take a moment to reflect on what drew you to this story in the first place and how it made you feel.

Go back to your brainstorming notes or outline and remind yourself of the bigger picture. Why is this story important to you? What message are you hoping to convey? Rekindling that initial spark can help reorient your mind and motivate you to keep going, even when the words don’t come as easily.

Break the Story into Manageable Parts

Many writers hit a mid-draft slump because of the overwhelming feeling of having so much left to write. The thought of completing an entire manuscript can be daunting. Break your story into smaller, bite-sized sections to make it more manageable.

Think of each chapter or scene as its own mini-project. Focus on completing one small piece at a time rather than thinking about the manuscript as a whole. By setting short-term goals, such as writing one chapter this week or finishing a key scene by tomorrow, you’ll build momentum and make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed by the larger task.

Reevaluate Your Outline (Or Create One)

If you’re feeling lost in your draft, it might be time to reassess your outline—or create one if you don’t have it yet. Having a clear roadmap for your story can prevent you from veering off course, often leading to that feeling of being stuck.

Take a step back and examine your plot. Are there sections that feel weak or underdeveloped? Is there a particular scene that’s slowing you down? Sometimes, the mid-draft slump happens because something isn’t working in the story. Use this opportunity to fine-tune your outline, reconsider character motivations, or strengthen plot points.

And if you’re more of a pantser than a plotter, don’t worry—you don’t need to create a rigid outline. A loose framework that helps guide you through the middle of your story can be just as effective.

Embrace the “Messy Middle”

It’s easy to get frustrated when your draft doesn’t turn out as polished as you envisioned. But remember, the middle of a first draft is supposed to be messy. The key to overcoming the mid-draft slump is to embrace imperfection.

Give yourself permission to write poorly, especially in the middle of the manuscript. Let the words flow without worrying about how they sound. You can always revise and refine it later. The most important thing is to keep moving forward. Each imperfect sentence gets you one step closer to finishing your draft.

Change Your Writing Environment

Sometimes, a change in scenery can work wonders for your creativity. If you’ve been writing in the same space for weeks (or months), try switching things up. Head to a coffee shop, park, or library—anywhere that gives you a fresh perspective.

If you can’t change your physical location, try altering your writing routine. Write at a different time of day, listen to new music, or even try handwriting a scene instead of typing. These minor adjustments can reignite your creative energy and break the monotony of your usual writing practice.

Use Writing Prompts to Spark New Ideas

If the problem is that you’ve hit a creative wall and can’t think of what happens next, writing prompts can be an excellent way to spark fresh ideas.

Step away from your manuscript for a brief writing exercise focused on something unrelated to your current project. Free writing, character explorations, or quick prompts can jumpstart your creative flow and help you return to your manuscript with renewed focus.

Alternatively, try a prompt within your story’s world. Write a scene for a side character, explore your protagonist’s backstory, or dramatize a turning point you haven’t written yet. Even if you don’t use these scenes in your final draft, they can help unlock insights and reveal the next step forward.

Accountability is Key: Get Support from Fellow Writers

Writing doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor, and having support from other writers can be invaluable when you’re stuck. Whether it’s through a writing group, a critique partner, or an online community, sharing your struggles and goals with others provides motivation and accountability.

Join a writing community where you can exchange feedback, set goals, and celebrate small wins. Often, the encouragement from fellow writers is the push you need to break through the slump and get back on track.

Celebrate Progress, No Matter How Small

One of the most effective ways to stay motivated is to acknowledge and celebrate every bit of progress, no matter how small. Did you write 500 words today? Finished a tricky scene? Maybe you finally figured out a plot hole that’s been bothering you.

Each of these small victories brings you closer to your ultimate goal: finishing your manuscript. Take pride in every step forward and remind yourself that progress, however slow, is still progress.

Need Help Finishing Your Book?

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