It’s tough but, at some point, you’re going to get stuck. Happened to me yesterday…

I was working my way through the second draft of the third book in the Scream Street series, and made quite a few changes to several of the chapters. All was going well until I realised that the original ending didn’t fit anymore. The alterations I had made earlier in the book meant I had to come up with a brand new ending. The problem was, I couldn’t think of one.

So, I did whatever I recommend to anyone facing the problem of writer’s block - I took a break. I got away from my desk and let the problem simmer for a while. how could I create an original and exciting ending to this book? I had dinner, watched some TV and played with the kids - all the while, letting my mind work on the ending for the book.

The answer came, as it always does, from what I had already written. I went back through the book and made notes of every item, comment or action that isn’t followed up - one of them had to pay off in the end. Before long, an idea hit and, even though I was sitting in bed with a notepad, I had to get up and write the last chapter there and then. I was worried that I wouldn’t remember my idea in the morning, or even be able to understand my hastily scribbled notes!

I had to go back and tweak a few scenes to lay clues for what would happen at the end but, eventually, I had a climax to the book that both made sense, and was fun to read.

So, whenever you’re stuck on what happens next, just read back over what you’ve already written. Chances are, the answer is already in there somewhere.

Tommy

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