Getting Unstuck

Before I reached the half-way mark (25,000 of 50,000 words) during this NaNoWriMo, I felt truly stuck. I didn't want to sit down at my computer because I wouldn't even be able to pick up from where I was without feeling like I was fumbling my way around, and I was afraid of putting down thousands of words that would be useless to my story. I knew my ending, knew where I was headed with my story, but didn't know what should go in the middle to get me there.

So, I fell back on my safety net and refreshed myself with a very helpful YouTube video of Dan Wells on Story Structure. (watch it here) It is rich with example plot lines from familiar stories, and he walks you through how to get your own story structured, working with intuitive building blocks, rather than chronological. It's great. I worked through my snags, filled in that gap in the middle of my novel and even realized a subplot that was lurking on the sidelines that would help bind the whole thing together. Now I am back on track, with almost 34,000 words drafted. Woo Hoo!

I am noticing a trend of the most important tools I'm using this time around, very similar to 2011.

Post-it notes! I have them stuck to the wall beside my desk, each one a visual representation of a chapter. I have the POV character listed first, then a brief snippet of what happens in that chapter. They are lined up in order, so I can grab one and enter it into Scrivener's notecards when I'm ready to tackle that chapter and I'm off to a good start.

Timer is definitely a best friend again, setting fifteen minute increments (sometimes back-to-back) which helps me not feel overwhelmed, because it is only fifteen minutes, after all! And it keeps my fingers clacking away at that keyboard.

Another thing that I used in 2011 as well, but failed to mention...
Writer's Digest Weekly Planner. This thing is awesome. There is so much space for everything I need. There are 54 undated weeks-- which is perfect, because I was able to come back to the same planner and pick up with it, five years later!! Between each week there is a whole two-page layout for Goals, Notes, and Musings. Each day of the week has space enough for agenda items, and daily writing goals, because I LOVE CHECKLISTS. There are also helpful and encouraging essays, inspirational quotes, and seven sample query letters. If you are interested in getting one of your own, check it out here.

If you are a writer, I hope your words are singing along! Share what tricks you've used to get unstuck!