🐻Thoughts from the Den #5: How to Fix a Sagging Middle

(Without Losing Your Mojo or Your Mind!)

Ever hit that wall in the middle of your manuscript where everything feels... meh? That “why am I like this?” part of the writing journey? That’s the Sagging Middle Monster—and you are not alone.

This week, I’m sharing a post from the Mojo website with a few tried-and-true ways to reshape your story's core so it doesn’t feel like creative quicksand.

💬 Writers, what’s YOUR favorite trick to handle the saggy-middle spiral? Let’s talk below!

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How to Fix a Sagging Middle in Your Story

One of the biggest struggles authors face is the dreaded sagging middle—that point in your story where the momentum slows, tension weakens, and your readers start checking their phones instead of turning pages. If Act One was thrilling and your climax is explosive, but the middle feels like a slog, don’t worry—we’re about to fix that!

Why Does the Middle of a Story Sag?

The middle is where many stories lose their steam because:

✅ The initial excitement of the setup has faded.

✅ The stakes aren’t rising fast enough.

✅ Characters aren’t being pushed hard enough.

✅ There’s too much filler or aimless wandering.

The key to a strong middle is to reignite tension, increase stakes, and keep the reader emotionally invested. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Raise the Stakes—Make It Worse!

If things are feeling slow, your protagonist may not be struggling enough. The middle should introduce new obstacles, bigger problems, and deeper conflict. Ask yourself:

• What is the worst possible thing that could happen right now?

• How can I push my protagonist further outside their comfort zone?

• What would make them question their goal or mission?

Example: If your detective is searching for a missing child, have them discover a new, unexpected threat—maybe the kidnapper is actually after them. If your romance hero is fighting their feelings, have them forced into a fake dating situation that makes ignoring it impossible.

2️⃣ Strengthen Your Subplots

Subplots are powerful tools to keep readers engaged. The best subplots intertwine with the main plot and add extra layers of conflict.

• Does your protagonist have a personal challenge that conflicts with their external goal?

• Is there a side character with a subplot that could tie into the main story?

• Can you use a romantic, mystery, or emotional subplot to enhance the tension?

Example: In a thriller, the detective’s own past trauma starts resurfacing while working the case. In fantasy, the hero develops unexpected powers that come with dangerous consequences.

3️⃣ End Every Chapter with a Hook

If your story starts dragging, look at how your chapters are ending. Are you giving readers a reason to keep turning the pages?

🚀 Make sure every chapter ends with:

• A new question that needs answering.

• A shocking revelation or unexpected twist.

• A moment of tension or danger that keeps the stakes high.

Example: Instead of ending a chapter with a character going to bed, end it with a knock on the door at midnight. Instead of a hero just arriving at their destination, make them realize they’re being followed.

4️⃣ Cut the Filler—Make Every Scene Matter

A sagging middle can mean too much filler—scenes that don’t move the story forward. Every scene should either:

✅ Advance the plot

✅ Reveal important character development

✅ Build tension or suspense

Try This: If you can remove a scene and it doesn’t change the story, cut it or combine it with another scene!

5️⃣ Add a Midpoint Twist—Shift the Direction!

The midpoint of your novel should be a game-changing moment. It’s where something so impactful happens that it shifts the entire course of the story.

🔥 Ways to shake up your midpoint:

• A big revelation that changes everything.

• A shocking betrayal or unexpected ally.

• A new ticking clock—a deadline or increased urgency.

Example: In a mystery, the detective realizes they’ve been following the wrong suspect the entire time. In romance, the love interest gets engaged to someone else right when feelings are undeniable.

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🚀 FINAL TIP: Keep the Tension High & the Pages Turning!

If your middle starts dragging, don’t be afraid to shake things up! Add conflict, deepen relationships, increase risks, and keep your protagonist fighting for their goal.

✍️ Your Turn: Go look at your story’s midpoint. Is it a turning point, or is it just another chapter? If it doesn’t shake things up—revise, tweak, and make it STRONGER!

Happy writing! 🚀📖