I’m stuck!
You can land there even if you plot, but it happens especially during NaNo when people are typing fast and for the word count: You’re writing along happily, and suddenly you realize you’ve put your characters into a situation even YOU don’t know how to get them out again. Things look hopeless.
Yikes.
How in the world is this going to be resolved?
Well, there are some options:
1) Introduce a (new) character who saves them.
Of course, that means going back in editing and at least hint at their existence earlier in the story. Otherwise it’ll feel rather unrealistic.
I have to admit that I’ve found quite a few very likable and fascinating characters this way. And it’s only cheating if you don’t edit in an earlier appearance for the sake of story flow.
Alternatively, one of the villain’s henchmen might desert and join the good guys. You never know unless you try it.
2) Let a character discover or unlock a new ability.
Again, this needs to be believable. If they need some special tools, mention them earlier in the story, once you get down to editing. This is a great way to show character growth, by the way. Special bonus if it’s something your character needs to know, be able to do or have for the final showdown.
3 ) Let your imagination roam wide and far, and come up with a brilliant solution out of thin air.
Now this is special. It takes trust in your ability to tell a story. But I’ve been there several times, and I want to reassure you that it really, truly works.
It takes stillness, an empty mind and space to do this in. You really need to let go of all worry about this and just start dreaming about the situation. Daydream about it. Imagine you’re a drone, just flying above the scene. Is there something you haven’t noticed before? Something that allows your characters to escape? Or use as weapon? Or turn the table on the villain?
I’m sure it’ll come to you.
And the best news? If you didn’t see that solution coming, neither will your readers. Let me tell you, they’ll love you for this.
Believe in your creative mind. It’ll do the work for you.
Here’s some tapping to help you with that belief.
Even though I’ve written myself into a corner, and I feel so foolish about it, I’m a good writer, and I now trust my writing instinct to get me out of this.
Even though I’ve done something sooo stupid, and don’t know how to get my characters out of it, I’m a good writer, and I now choose to come up with an astonishing solution out of the blue.
Even though I have no idea how to resolve this, how stupid is this, I’m still a good writer, and I now choose to let go of my expectations and fears, and let my writing skills take care of that.
Your Turn:
What was one of the biggest corners you wrote yourself into?
And what was your solution?
What happened while you were tapping?
And finally – what great story are you writing right now?
Would love to hear from you!
Image Source: F. Moebius
(Yes, I draw those myself.)
PS: As indie author, you need to be able to keep writing. Getting blocked for days is simply not an option. And trust me, I know how that feels. I can teach you how to use EFT to unblock yourself quickly. Sound good?
I’d love to do that for you. If that you want to learn more, click HERE and send me an email. We’ll decide how I can support you best.
PPS: My newsletter contains a full tapping round to go with my blog posts, so you can start getting results. Sign up through the form on the upper right hand corner, and receive that tapping round plus occasional special offers. If you’re on a mobile and can’t see the sidebar, you can sign up through this link: Newsletter Sign-up.
