In this episode, we tackle the "messy middle" of the second act. One of the solutions we offer involves a series of Try Fail cycles, where the protagonist encounters a carefully designed obstacle course that tests their resolve and pushes the plot forward. Ines emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to these cycles, suggesting that each cycle should include a plan, an obstacle, a setback, a scene of growth, and a regrouping phase to maintain narrative momentum and character development. While Leslye insists the best way to get out of the middle is with the "Yes, But" or "No, And" formula. This method ensures that each scene contributes to escalating the stakes—when a character succeeds ('Yes'), there's a complicating factor ('But'), and when they fail ('No'), the situation worsens or changes direction ('And'). This episode is packed with practical advice and approaches to help authors refine their storytelling skills, keep readers engaged through the mid-point of their books, and effectively develop their narratives towards a satisfying climax.

Sign up for author Nalini Singh’s newsletter to receive fan service here: https://nalinisingh.com/

Want the official Psy-Changeling Reading Order? Click here: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/

BOOKS and SHOWS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Write your Novel From the Middle by James Scott Bell: https://amzn.to/3A2KWg7

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder: https://amzn.to/4882ELO

Save the Cat Strikes Back by Blake Snyder: https://amzn.to/3YmeNJU

Save the Cat Goes to the Movies by Blake Snyder: https://amzn.to/3NmAmDQ

Lisa Daily’s Youtube Channel where she talks about Three Dates and a Disaster: https://www.youtube.com/@BestsellingAuthorLisaDaily

Leslye’s watching Love Is Blind on Netflix.

Ines binge watched Nobody Wants This on Netflix.

Check out Leslye’s podcast where she discusses the messy middle on her Substack.

You can find Ines’ substack at https://ineswrites.substack.com/

Get ready for Ocean of Light, coming in 1 week! Grab your copy to read along: https://amzn.to/487ZAPO

Want to learn worldbuilding from Leslye? Sign up here: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/

Want to learn story structure from Ines? Sign up here: https://ineswrites.com/PTP

Find the hosts online at:

Leslye Penelope: https://lpenelope.com/

Ines Johnson: https://ineswrites.com/

Credits: "Moonlight Hall" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.