Writer’s block happens even for veteran storytellers. But there’s always a way out of it. You can develop the backstory of a supporting character, focus on the fun scenes first, and even write the ending first!
Throw In a Major Plot Twist
Plot twists make a story interesting. Plus, they introduce new information, raise the stakes, and force characters to make difficult choices.
One incredible example is the novel Gone Girl. Just when readers think they understand what truly happened to Amy, new information is revealed, completely changing their perspective. After this plot twist, the story becomes even tenser and more conflicted.
Tip: If you want to make your plot twist memorable, it must propel the story forward rather than merely shock the reader. So drop subtle hints as you go, so the reveal is surprising, but still believable and coherent.
Shift the Point of View
If you’ve been living in your protagonist’s head for several chapters, try writing the next scene from the point of view of another character. This shift can reveal information and motivations, allowing readers to have a full grasp of the entire plot.
A good example is Game of Thrones. Instead of focusing on a single hero, the novel switches between many characters around the world. If one plot line bogs down, another point of view comes in with new conflicts, secrets, or political intrigue.
Plot the Ending First
The best way to approach this technique is to start by asking a few questions:
- Who wins or loses?
- What has changed for the protagonist?
- What final choice brings the story to a close?
Then work backward to identify the events that must happen before that ending.
Tip: The aim is to create direction, not get stuck with a rigid outline. Even a general idea of the ending can help you pick up the pace and get past a creative block.
Build Your Protagonist’s Backstory Even Further
Sometimes you get stuck because you know what your protagonist wants, but not why they want it. So, spend some time writing scenes from your character’s past. Explore their childhood, a defining mistake, or a moment that shaped them and their view of the world.
A good example is Her. Theodore’s loneliness, failed marriage, and difficulty connecting with others shape nearly every decision he makes throughout the story. The film gradually reveals pieces of his past, which gives deeper meaning to his relationship with the AI operating system.
Throw More Obstacles to Your Protagonist’s Path
If every problem has an easy solution, there is little tension to keep the plot moving.
One way to regain momentum is to introduce a new obstacle that makes your protagonist’s goal harder to achieve. This obstacle can be external, such as a rival, a deadline, or a betrayal. It can also be internal, such as fear, self-doubt, or unresolved guilt.
So, what’s the best way to approach this story continuer technique?
You can start by looking at your protagonist’s main goal. Then ask yourself, “How can I make things harder for the protagonist to reach its goal?” The answer often reveals the next scene.
Introduce a New Character
Introducing a new character can shake up the dynamic and create fresh opportunities for conflict, growth, and plot twists.
For example, the arrival of Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street has a profound impact on the story’s development.
He’s not just another character in the cast; he’s the embodiment of everything Sweeney has lost, and the catalyst of much of his obsession and actions. On the other hand, characters such as Mrs. Lovett continue to complicate the story by promoting questionable choices that lead it towards a darker, more unexpected direction.
Tip: Every new character should give more depth to the story. Otherwise, they are just clutter.
Use an AI Story Continuer
If you are in a pinch, AI story continuers can be a lifesaver. Use the prompt below to transform ChatGPT or Gemini into your personal AI story continuer – don’t forget to replace the placeholders and be detailed to get the best results!
You are an AI story continuer. Your goal is to brainstorm and suggest ways in which I should continue my novel.
Relevant information about my novel is as follows:
Genre: [insert genre]
Plot: [insert main plot]
Protagonist: [insert info]
Antagonist: [insert info]
Supporting characters: [insert info]
Framework/structure: [insert info]
Where I'm stuck: [insert info]
When brainstorming, consider the following:
- Shift the point of view
- Add a new character
- Introduce a plot twist
- Build a support character's backstory
Output requirements:
- Put your suggestions in a bullet list and include a quick explanation.
- Ensure the suggestions are in line with the plot, genre, and structure/framework of my novel.
Connect Plot Points With a Purpose
Plot points move stories forward. But they should always be connected to one another to ensure a logical progression in the story. For instance, if the third plot point is the climax, the next point should be the aftermath.
The movie The Butterfly Effect is a perfect example of how plot points should be connected. Every time Evan changes something in the past, even a tiny, minor detail, it creates a ripple effect that dramatically alters the future.
Tip: Every major incident should create consequences that naturally lead to the next event.
Use Creative Writing Prompts
Writing prompt generators can give you a new perspective, conflict, or character motivation. For instance, if you’re plodding through a mystery novel, a writing prompt such as “A skilled hacker stumbles upon encrypted files belonging to an underground organization linked to several high-profile disappearances; as they dig deeper, they find themselves targeted by powerful forces determined to keep their secrets buried?” can add a new twist, increase the stakes, or create a conflict that helps to advance the story.
Tip: Don’t force a prompt into your story if it doesn’t fit.
Write the ‘Fun’ Scenes First
Writing the scenes that excite you the most can reignite your enthusiasm and help you keep the momentum going. Just make sure to write scenes that matter to contribute to the larger narrative.
For example, if you’re struggling with a transitional chapter but can’t stop thinking about the final showdown between your hero and villain, write that scene first. Once it’s on the page, you may find it easier to figure out what events need to happen to get there.
Tip: Use exciting scenes to uncover new character and plot points, but don’t forget to connect them to the story’s main plot.
Build Supporting Characters’ Backstory
Not everything revolves around your protagonist; you should also build the supporting characters. However, don’t make them predictable. They should have their own goals, motivations, and history.
For instance, if your protagonist’s sidekick is always pessimistic, don’t settle for the lazy it’s-just-who-they-are reason. Instead, think about their backstory. Maybe they had a major failure in the past, or they’re trying to prevent the protagonist from repeating the same mistake.
Developing these details can reveal new conflicts, relationships, and subplots – perfect for continuing a story! In fact, a B plot gives side characters their time to shine.
Tip: Not every supporting character needs an overly detailed backstory, and don’t add a backstory if it won’t affect the story.
Final Thoughts
Getting stuck while writing is normal, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon it! There are countless ways to regain momentum. You can throw in a plot twist, build a character’s backstory, or even try creative writing prompts. Whatever method you try, remember the most important thing is to keep writing.