I’ve always loved beginnings—the thrill of a new idea, the freshness of a blank page, the endless possibilities that stretch out before me. Endings have their charm too, bringing closure and a sense of accomplishment. But what about the middle? The messy, tangled middle where stories truly come to life? Lately, I’ve found myself wading deep into this space, and it’s both challenging and exhilarating.
The Challenge of the Middle
As I dive deeper into writing the second book in the Incubadora series, I’ve hit that inevitable point where the initial excitement has worn off. The characters are developed, the setting is established, but the path forward feels murky. Kelsey‘s journey is unfolding, but not always in the ways I anticipated. She’s making choices I didn’t plan for, saying things that surprise me. And that’s both frustrating and wonderful.
The middle is where the real work happens. It’s where characters grow, conflicts intensify, and the story’s heart beats the loudest. But it’s also where doubts creep in. Is this subplot necessary? Does this scene advance the story or just fill pages? Am I staying true to Kelsey’s voice? These questions can be paralyzing if I let them take over.
Finding Comfort in Discomfort
I’ve realized that embracing the uncertainty of the middle is essential. Instead of fighting the messiness, I’m learning to lean into it. After all, life itself is rarely tidy or predictable. Kelsey’s struggles mirror that reality—she’s navigating motherhood, career challenges, and personal desires that don’t fit neatly into a box. Her story deserves the depth and complexity that only the messy middle can provide.
To keep myself grounded, I’ve started journaling as Kelsey. I write from her perspective about her fears, hopes, and everyday moments. This exercise has been enlightening, allowing me to see the world through her eyes and uncover motivations I hadn’t considered. It’s a reminder that characters, like people, are multifaceted and ever-evolving.
Embracing Imperfection
Perfectionism is a persistent foe. It’s tempting to revise endlessly, to polish every sentence until it gleams. But writing is, by nature, an imperfect art. The first draft is about exploration, not perfection. Allowing myself to write imperfectly gives me the freedom to discover unexpected paths in the story.
Kelsey’s story doesn’t need to be flawless right now; it just needs to be honest. She, like all of us, is a work in progress. Accepting that has been liberating. It’s shifted my focus from producing a perfect manuscript to telling a true and engaging story.
Looking Ahead
As I continue through the messy middle, I’m reminding myself to celebrate small victories—a well-crafted scene, a breakthrough in character development, a day when the words flow easily. Each step forward is progress.
I encourage fellow writers to embrace their own middles. It’s where the magic happens, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. Trust the process, rely on your community, and be gentle with yourself.
Join the Journey
If you’re looking for support in your writing journey, consider joining our cohort. Whether you’re in the beginning, middle, or end of your project, there’s a place for you. Together, we can navigate the twists and turns of storytelling.
Here’s to embracing the messy middle and all the growth it brings.