The Brutal Middle Stage—Worse Than The Muddy Middle
How? It’s basically the same thing. You’re somewhere in The Middlelands—dry, flat, huge, and empty. Even the vultures don’t bother circling. It’s that bad.
The Brutal Middle Stage can be anything you want. Right now, for me, it’s this:
I’m burned out at work.
I’m getting bored with my own story.
I’m wondering why the hell I think someone else will read this if I’M losing interest.
Somebody stop the bus. I’d like to get off here.
My characters are talking, but I don’t know what to do with what they’re saying. Then I feel psychotic because I’m hearing these voices—people I created, people I actually enjoy spending time with!
WHEW! That actually felt good.
The Brutal Middle Stage has me pounding my head against the desk, the wall, whatever hard surface is nearby. It feels like failure that hasn’t failed yet—because there’s still plenty of time.
I pride myself on being a pantser—someone who writes without a detailed plan, letting the story unfold as I go.
But here’s the kicker: I actually have a playbook for THE ENTIRE REST OF MY BOOK.
I call it a playbook because I categorically refuse to call it an outline.
And yet—here I am, stuck in The Middlelands.
What Keeps Me From Quitting?
If I say stubbornness, stupidity, or a bit of both, will that get me to the next level?
Hate to tell you—but in my case, it will.
I’m a little touched in the brain for even writing this, knowing damn well I plan to share it.
I’m REALLY stubborn because I’ve poured sleepless hours, bottles of Excedrin, and too many daydreams into seeing MY book on a shelf—one that’s not just my own.
If me being me is enough to keep going, then I’m still in the game.
What About the Slumps, Reid? You Said You’re Running on Empty.
Yep. And yet, I’m writing this.
My mind still works.
I still have something to say.
If this is the best I can do right now, then as long as I do it well, I’m good.
Rants, rages, and ramblings? Part of the process.
I ain’t done yet. And I don’t need Hal to open the pod doors.
I got this.
