Let’s Rewrite Those Difficult Chapters!

Hey there aspiring writers!

Writing is not an easy task, we all know that. Sometimes, you might find yourself stuck in the middle of a chapter, not knowing how to continue. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. The good news is, there’s always a solution and it involves a bit of rewriting.

First things first, take a break from your work and come back to it with a fresh mind. When you reread your difficult chapter, try to identify where the story is getting stuck. Maybe the dialogue is too forced, the pacing is too slow, or the characters are not behaving naturally.

Next, try your best to determine what the problem is with the chapter. Is it too slow? Too fast? Too boring for you? Are you info-dumping and it’s way too heavy? Maybe there isn’t enough movement in the chapter? (Try reading Save The Cat!) If you can’t determine what the problem is, let someone you trust and feel comfortable with read it and share their thoughts. Or even a few people!

Once you have identified the problem, it’s time to start rewriting. Remember that no one writes a masterpiece on their first try. Sometimes, you have to rewrite a chapter multiple times before it’s perfect. The important thing is to not give up.

When rewriting, consider changing the POV, adding more or less dialogue, or even changing the setting. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a major change, sometimes something as small as a dialogue tweak can completely change the outcome of a chapter.

Rewriting difficult chapters is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of a good writer. Embrace it as a natural part of the writing process and above all, be patient with yourself. Masterpieces take time and rewriting is an important step towards creating a successful story. Happy writing!