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1. International Plot Writing Month -- Day Twenty-two

The Middle (cont.)


Consider the "middle" of the Middle of your story. 

The scenes in the middle of the Middle of a story often line up looking like below. So long as the unusual and/or exotic world is intriguing and mysterious and fascinating enough, you're in good shape. By the time the reader is at the middle of the Middle she has surrendered to the dream you've created. The story and the characters have actually replaced parts of the reader's world and become real for her. 
The early Middle and middle of the Middle are the honeymoon stage. The reader likes the character as revealed so far. The reader wants to hang out with the story and the characters. The middle of the Middle the protagonist is still on her best behavior -- relative to her and her alone. 

Eventually, later, closer to the 3/4 mark and when the Crisis hits, the character opens up more and more to the reader as the stakes rise higher and higher. Under pressure, the protagonist reveals who she really is, flaws and all. 

But, that's for later. For now, here, in the middle of the Middle, the character has settled a bit into the new world and no longer feels so much like a fish out of water. She begins to catch on to the rules of the new world. 

In other words, the story can slow down a bit here (keep in mind, however, a sort of major shift or "hit" usually occurs at the exact 1/2 of the entire page count mark.) 

Homework:
  • Continue to plot out your scenes on the Middle of your Plot Planner
  • Research the unusual world for authentic details. Take notes for your next draft. 
  • Consider how the Middle and the End work together. What in the Middle is contributing to the overall character transformation of your protagonist at the End? 
  • How many of the following antagonists** are you using to create conflict, tension, and suspense. The antagonists must arise out of the story itself and contribute to the overall meaning or thematic significance of your story overall. (If you do not know the thematic significance statement for your story, continue the exercises on: Day Four and Day Seven.)
**Antagonist List
Other people: friends, family, lover, co-workers, boss, children
Nature: flooding, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, freezing temperatures, drought
Machine: anything mechanical or electronic
Society: rules, laws, customs, traditions, expectations, religious institutions, dogma
God: spiritual beliefs
Self: flaw, hatred, prejudice, fears, past mistakes

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