How to Write Your Novel from the Middle
05/10/25 • 47 min
Most authors start writing from the beginning. But what if the beginning is the wrong place to start?
In our most recent episode, I talk with bestselling author and writing teacher James Scott Bell about one of his most powerful ideas: the mirror moment.
You’ll learn
✅ Why the midpoint is more than just the halfway mark
✅ How to turn a sagging middle into your novel’s strongest moment
✅ What Casablanca, Goodnight Moon, and The Cat in the Hat have in common
✅ How one scene can help you fix your beginning, your ending, and everything in between
Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, listen in or read the blog version of this episode. It will change how you approach your next novel.
Most authors start writing from the beginning. But what if the beginning is the wrong place to start?
In our most recent episode, I talk with bestselling author and writing teacher James Scott Bell about one of his most powerful ideas: the mirror moment.
You’ll learn
✅ Why the midpoint is more than just the halfway mark
✅ How to turn a sagging middle into your novel’s strongest moment
✅ What Casablanca, Goodnight Moon, and The Cat in the Hat have in common
✅ How one scene can help you fix your beginning, your ending, and everything in between
Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, listen in or read the blog version of this episode. It will change how you approach your next novel.
Previous Episode
Discovery Writing 101: How to Craft Gripping Stories Without an Outline
The term "pantser" has been used to describe writing a book without an outline. At writers conferences, outlining and "pantsing" (also known as discovery writing) are often framed as rivals. However, most writers fall between the two extremes.
I've seen successful authors across that spectrum. What truly matters is finding the method that works best for you.
While there are countless books on outlining, there are very few on discovery writing. So how do you learn to "write by the seat of your pants"?
In this month's episode, I interviewed bestselling author Steven James, who shared his secrets for discovery writing—the art of writing "by the seat of your pants" while creating gripping stories.
He shared
✔️ Four questions that can solve any plot problem
✔️ What truly drives a great story to a satisfying ending
✔️ How to use pivots to surprise and satisfy your readers
If you've ever struggled with outlining or wondered if "pantsing" could work for you, this episode will give you the guidance and courage to give it a try. Listen in or read the blog version to learn more.
Next Episode
How to Write a Novel Faster Using Dictation Software
Did you know the Apostle Paul didn’t write the book of Romans by hand? He dictated it to a someone else who wrote it down, and he’s not the only famous author to do so.
In this week’s episode, we explore how authors from Cicero to Agatha Christie to USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller have used dictation to write faster, better, and with more freedom.
In this interview with Misty, you’ll learn:
✅ How to overcome the intimidation of hearing your own voice
✅ Which dictation tools are most accurate and beginner-friendly
✅ How to spur creativity and increase your output without burning out
Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, dictation can save you time and unlock your most natural storytelling voice. Misty shares how she writes up to six books a year using this technique and how you can too.
Write faster. Write smarter. Write like the Apostle Paul. Listen in or read the blog version to learn more.
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