Novel Kicks Writing Room: Midpoint

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room and the Plot Challenge.

Over the next few weeks, we will be focusing on plotting a piece of fiction, one task at a time.

These will potentially help you master plot structure by writing all major plot points, then analysing how each element builds toward a cohesive story.

Task 4: Midpoint

The midpoint is where you raise the stakes dramatically. Shift the story’s direction. Move from “trying to solve the problem” to “fighting for survival/truth/redemption.”

Some of the key things to consider when completing this task: 

• What does your protagonist discover or lose at the midpoint?
• How does this force them to change their approach?
• What was their old strategy? What’s their new one?
• What’s the point of no return?

Write your turning point moment(s). This could be a revelation, a betrayal, a loss, or a forced choice. Your protagonist enters this section thinking one thing; they exit thinking differently.

Additional things to consider: 

• Does something fundamentally shift here?
• Can the protagonist return to their old life? (They shouldn’t be able to.)
• Are stakes personal and urgent now?
• Is there a clear “before” and “after” this section?

As with previous tasks, take your time and most of all, have fun.

Click to view the story conception task from week 1. 

Click to view the inciting incident task from week 2. 

Click to view the rising action task from week 3.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.