Write Squad Fortnightly News
If things feel messy in the middle, you might need a refresher on the purpose of the midpoint
Hi Squad,
Happy Monday! We often hear about the ‘messy middle’ in writing. Many a book has lost its way at this point! Sometimes it can be really helpful to have a refresher on what this part of your book is trying to achieve. More below.
And if you haven’t already, come join the chat over on Instagram @jfgibsonwriter—I’d love to hear how your writing week is going.
What should your midpoint do?
If the beginning of your story is the setup and the end is the payoff, the midpoint is the hinge—the moment everything changes. It’s the part of your story where your protagonist stops being swept along by events and starts making bold, often irreversible choices.
But what exactly should your midpoint do?
Here are three key things to keep in mind:
📍 1. Raise the Stakes
By the midpoint, your character should understand what they’re really up against—and what they stand to lose. Maybe they uncover a new piece of information that shifts their goals. Maybe a personal cost becomes clear. Either way, the midpoint should make things more urgent, not less.
Think of it as the “no turning back” moment. After this, your character’s path narrows, the pressure builds, and we, the readers, lean in.
🍃2. Change Your Environment
This is the moment where your character often moves from reacting to acting. They’ve been pushed, tested, confused—but now something clicks. They may not have all the tools yet, but they have clarity. And that internal shift—from doubt to determination, or fear to boldness—gives the story momentum.
A good midpoint deepens your character’s emotional investment. They care more now. And so do we.
💔3. Create Consequences
Your midpoint should carry weight. It’s not just a plot twist—it’s a turning point that creates ripple effects. Whatever choice your character makes here (or whatever revelation they face), it should lead to fallout in the second half of the book.
This is where your story tightens. What happens here shapes everything that follows.
💡 The Takeaway
A strong midpoint isn’t just the centre of your story—it’s the pulse. It should reframe the journey, deepen the stakes, and push your character into the second half with purpose (and probably a bit of panic).
Think of it as the part where your protagonist realises: Oh no... this just got real. And then they do something about it.
Comps & Opportunities
☘️ Publishable - QLD Writers Centre
Date: 20th May
Manuscript development competition. Details here.
☘️ Peter Cowan Short Story Competition
Date: 30th April
Short stories of 600 words or less! Details here.
☘️ Varuna Fellowships
Date: 5th May
Now open for 2026. Details here.
Food for Thought
⚡️ Is the self-publishing model damaging the industry?
⚡️ Children’s comics are booming…and creating a new generation of readers
Ask The Author Podcast
🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
Writing a sci-fi or fantasy? In this week’s episode of Ask The Author, I give you the top genre essentials of sci-fi and fantasy so you can nail reader expectations. And, if you have your own question, please feel free to ask by hitting reply to this email. (And you can remain anonymous.)
Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson
Until next time, happy writing!
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