When I started this blog, the idea was to bring the issues that I find to the forefront and be honest about them. In the past, I’ve talked about struggles specific to books I’ve been working on. I’ve also talked about my process, my challenges, and my wins. Today, I want to talk a little bit about some of the drafting issues YOU may run into and my tips for getting past them. Not every trip or trick will work for every writer, but they’re worth a shot!

Stuck on Brainstorming or Outlining

You have an idea but you have no idea how to push it to the next level?

Here’s a few ideas:

1. Write poetry or something totally unrelated to the project from your main character’s POV. Do this on a separate document or paper but don’t delete it. Connecting to a character like this can be a great way to move your brain past whatever is blocking you on this project. 
2. Freewrite whatever comes to your mind for a set amount of time (my preferred time is 30 minutes). I literally set a timer and start typing on a blank document. You aren’t trying to get in touch with a character here. The only rule is KEEP WRITING until that timer goes off. Usually when I do this I start out with some variation on “I’m forcing myself to freewrite for thirty minutes” then it lapses into typing about my day or my life. Before I know it, my fingers are flying and I’m getting out all kinds of mental blocks I didn’t even know I was having on the paper. This is more of a tool for freeing up whatever in YOUR life might be screwing with your creative process, but it’s amazing how many times it’s worked for me. 
3. Start at the end and work backwards to where you are now. This one especially helps if you are worried about getting to the right ending. Sometimes you can work that out early and go backwards to it. This doesn’t always work, but it’s worth a try! 
4. Open a blank document and try something drastic. Change a character name, location, or power. Kill off a character. Something WILD. Usually this will either click in your brain that you did it right OR your brain will automatically correct that and help you figure out a better way to do it. 

Stuck on Drafting

You’ve started writing (with or without an outline) and you thought you had it all figured out but something has stopped you. You’re officially stuck.

Here’s a few ideas:

1. Call a friend or videotape yourself. Talk about the story. Tell as much of the idea as you can. Talk about where it goes. Talk about what’s hanging you up. In my experience, saying it out loud often helps me see the problem from another angle and find the answer. If you have a friend who’s willing to listen, that’s even better! You’d be amazed how many times a question they ask helps you figure out what comes next. 
2. Grab a piece of paper or a separate document (this is important, do NOT do this on your main draft). Force yourself to come up with 4 ways the story could go from here. They should be obviously different. The more different, the better. Force yourself to write the next 100 words down each of these paths. Even if you love the first one, force yourself to write the other three. When you’re done, if my history is any indication, you’ll already know which way you want to go. BUT you’ll also have some cool stuff you may be able to work into this story (or other stories) later. Call it writing practice AND helping yourself get unstuck. 
3. Switch mediums. If you’re typing, switch to paper and pencil. If you’re handwriting, grab a computer and start typing. Often the problem can be solved by thinking about it in a different way. Similarly, try a change of scenery. I’ve been known to ditch my laptop and bring paper and a pen out into a park. I’ve also been known to randomly jump in the car and take my laptop to a coffee shop. Change the situation and maybe that will help you move past the block. 
4. This last idea is the nuclear option. Save this one for last. If you’ve tried everything else and you’re still stuck, this is my best suggestion. First of all, NEVER delete anything. EVER. Open a new document. Change something about your main character or situation. Start again. You’re hating this option, I know. But sometimes the only way to get past a stuck WIP is to start again. Change who the main character is, the point of view, or even gender swap your main character. The point is to have it be just a little different so you can start over. This sort of tricks your brain into thinking you’ve solved “the problem” (whatever that was) by making a change. It also lets your brain think you’re starting a different project. 

Something is Wrong

You’ve moving along nicely, following your outline (or the loose plan in your brain) and making progress. But suddenly, you discover that something is wrong. You’re missing a scene, something isn’t working, or you may have an error back a few chapters (maybe you said it was November but now you need it to be summer time). The struggle to go back and fix those could put you in an endless cycle that will lead to you never finishing this draft.

What do you do?

1. Ok, there’s only one right answer here and it’s the one your brain already knew but you didn’t want to hear it. SKIP IT. Make a note about it somewhere obvious (I like to use the comments of a google doc or a sticky note) but move on. You’ve gotta keep the momentum moving toward the end of the book. Trust me, you’ll spend plenty of time editing this story when you’re finished writing. Whatever it is can be added in later. 

Can’t Stop Editing

I don’t have this problem, but I hear it all the time from other writers. They have to fight their natural instinct to edit every time they open a document. I had a nice young writer tell me she had reworked the first chapter no less than fifteen times because she kept reading it when she opened her document to keep writing. We can all admit this is a bad habit (again, you have to finish the story, editing can come later).

Here’s my tips if you find yourself in this boat:

1. Time to switch to paper. A lot of people find handwriting in pen on actual paper is a great way to stop yourself from editing as you go. The idea here would be to handwrite the ENTIRE draft on paper. Then you can edit as you type, if you are so inclined. 
2. Each draft is a separate document. Don’t even look back at yesterday’s draft of Chapter 12. Just open a new document called Chapter 13 and GO. Note: This one really only works if you are working from an outline. Otherwise you’ll forget all kinds of things. 
3. Force yourself to ONLY read the last paragraph you wrote yesterday before you start today. Don’t allow yourself to read any more than that, NO MATTER WHAT. Read the last paragraph to refresh your memory and START WRITING. This takes some serious self discipline. 
4. Draft somewhere other than your final document. https://4thewords.com/ is a great way to draft and keep track of what you write. You can do all your drafting here, winning awards as you go, and then cut and paste it all into a regular draft document when you’re done. That way you’re not rereading every day. You’re just pasting. 

The Idea Has Lost it’s Sparkle

This is probably the WORST feeling, but it’s one I’m familiar with. It’s not that you’re stuck. It’s not as simple as you made a mistake somewhere earlier in the draft. Nope, instead, the idea suddenly feels WRONG or FLAT. It’s just not good enough any more. 

What can you do?

1. Try brainstorming a list of 5-10 things that could change the story drastically. Some of these might be totally outrageous (like there’s a huge fire and ⅔ of my main characters don’t make it) and some of them might not be. The idea here is to see if you can generate ANY excitement for this idea any more. You just need something you can cling to. If you can find it, get back to the idea!
2. Change the hook. Every story needs a hook. It’s the THING that makes it different than anything else you’ve seen that’s similar. If you’re staring at an idea that has lost it’s sparkle, you might need to change the hook. What’s the ONE sentence (preferably a question) that drives your entire story? Can you make a little tweak to it and find your sparkle again? Sometimes it’s possible. 
3. Set it aside. I’ve often found that leaving an idea sitting in the drafts folder on my computer and walking away is the best answer. Then, after more time has passed, you can come back to it. Who knows, maybe you’ll find something to help move the idea forward the next time you read it. 

I’m sure there are more drafting problems out there but that’s all I could think of today! If you’re stuck on a draft and need advice: drop a note in the comments and I’ll do my best to help. 

Drafting is HARD and the best we can do is help each other find a way to power through and finish the book! 

Good luck, happy drafting, and see you all again soon!