working out writing problems
After the first draft, writing begins to feel more like a puzzle. To me, at least.
You've got your characters who are doing stuff (causing trouble), your central conflict, your teensy conflicts, your mysteries and so on. And, somehow it all needs to come together in a way that forms a complete puzzle.
NO one enjoys a puzzle that's missing only one piece. That one piece is a nuisance. It matters.
After getting beta reader feedback, I thought YAY, there isn't too much that I should take another look at. But, once I started diving back in and moving pieces around, there was more unavoidable work and problem solving to be done.
Which is fun, but also can be overwhelming. Especially if you're holding it all in your head.
Here are my tips for how to work through plot problems or holes, when you feel stuck:
If you have someone who will happily listen to you talk even if they're confused by what you're saying, it helps to speak your plot issues aloud.
It's even more helpful to do this while on a walk.
If walking and talking doesn't help, I like to try to summarize the issue I'm working on in one sentence. It helps me focus on the crux of the issue, and makes it seem much smaller than it may be, thus making it easier to begin to deal with.
I'd love to hear what tips you have for how to riddle through writing problems!
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