53. Fixing that ONE Thing in Your Novel

Today we're talking about that one thing: the mysterious, nagging problem in your novel that you just can't seem to fix. Every writer hits this wall, and today I'm going to help you find a way through.

Join me as I discuss four effective methods for overcoming story writing struggles.

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Transcript

STEPS TO STORY EP 53 - Fixing the one thing in your novel 

[00:00:00] Nicole Meier: Today, we're talking about that one thing, the mysterious nagging problem in your novel that you just can't seem to fix. Every writer, yes, every single one, hits this wall. And today, I'm going to help you find a way through.

[00:00:24] Nicole Meier: Welcome to Steps to Story. This season, I'm focusing on helping you grow as a writer and as an author. I'm Nicole Meier, multi published author and certified book coach, here to guide you on strengthening your story and getting it out into the world. This season, we'll explore ways to overcome the challenges that hold writers back, from breaking through creative blocks to fine tuning your story structure and navigating the publishing world with confidence.

[00:00:52] Nicole Meier: Wherever you are in your journey, consider this your supportive space to find clarity, direction, and encouragement. Let's take the next step in your story together.

[00:01:07] Nicole Meier: Hey there, writer. Welcome back to Steps to Story. Today we're talking about that one thing, the mysterious nagging problem in your novel that you just can't seem to fix. Maybe you know something isn't clicking, but can't pinpoint what. Maybe beta readers or critique partners have said something feels off.

[00:01:28] Nicole Meier: But they can't quite articulate why. Or maybe you've written the same scene five times and still feel like you're patching cracks instead of fixing the foundation. I know I've been there myself and it's not fun. If this feels like you, keep listening. First let's take a deep breath. You're not in this alone.

[00:01:53] Nicole Meier: Every writer, yes, every single one, hits this wall, and today I'm going to help you find a way through. Okay, first, let's identify the real issue. Here's the thing. The problem you think you might have might not be the actual problem. When something feels off in your novel, it's often a symptom, not the root issue.

[00:02:17] Nicole Meier: Instead of forcing a solution, let's get reflective. Ask yourself. Is this problem showing up in multiple places? If so, it may be structural, plot, pacing, or stakes. Or does this problem stem from a character choice? If so, their motivations might not be clear or even believable. I actually see this one quite a bit in my developmental editing business.

[00:02:44] Nicole Meier: Or maybe you feel stuck because you're unsure of what happens next. If so, you may need to revisit your story's narrative arc, scene structure, or even the ending to see if you're right on track. A great exercise here is to write a letter to yourself as if your novel were a friend explaining its own problem.

[00:03:04] Nicole Meier: I know that sounds funny, but it works. Ask yourself, what would it say? If your book had a voice, what would it be asking for? Also, look at reader feedback. If multiple people point out the same section as feeling quote, off, but can't tell you why, trust that instinct. It might be time to analyze that section with fresh eyes.

[00:03:29] Nicole Meier: All right, next I want to encourage you to break free from the overthinking loop. Oof, we've all been there. Once you've identified where the issue might be, the next challenge is getting unstuck. And for that, we need to shake things up a bit. I really encourage you to try one or even all of these following methods.

[00:03:50] Nicole Meier: Okay, number one. Step away. No, really. Your brain is like a web browser with too many tabs open. Close them. Go for a walk, sip tea on your patio, take a shower. Just give your subconscious room to mull things over. Number two, talk it out. Explain the problem to a writing partner or book coach. Saying it out loud often clarifies what's really wrong, and you'll also benefit from a little co strategy.

[00:04:20] Nicole Meier: Number three, write it from another point of view. If a scene isn't working, rewrite it from another character's perspective. This can be difficult at first, but honestly, there are no stakes here. You're just playing around. The result is that it might reveal a missing piece and give that ah ha moment you're seeking.

[00:04:38] Nicole Meier: And number four, read it out loud. This is one of my personal favorite tricks. Reading a passage out loud forces you to slow down and take notice of awkward phrasing, gaps in logic, or missing emotional beats. Now, for an important step, trust your instincts and move forward. Sometimes the answer is already inside of you.

[00:05:03] Nicole Meier: It's just buried under fear of making the wrong choice or not being perfect enough. How many times have we faced that? But here's the thing, there is no wrong choice. There's only the next choice. I'm going to say that again. There is no wrong choice. There's only the next choice. I love thinking about it this way.

[00:05:25] Nicole Meier: If you're really stuck, give yourself permission to test a solution without commitment. Try writing it out in a kind of what if version. If it doesn't work, you've literally lost nothing, maybe just a little time. If it does work, congratulations, you just unlocked a new path forward. Also, don't discount the power of time.

[00:05:47] Nicole Meier: Letting a tough section sit for a few weeks can sometimes lead to an epiphany when you least expect it. Finally, writers, remember that writing is problem solving. Writing a novel isn't about getting everything right the first time. It's about staying curious, trusting yourself, and being willing to explore.

[00:06:08] Nicole Meier: I encourage you to remember if you're feeling stuck, it doesn't mean you're a bad writer. Not at all. It means you're an engaged, thoughtful storyteller who cares about getting it right. That's a great thing. So don't let frustration win. Take a step back, shake things up, and approach it with fresh eyes.

[00:06:29] Nicole Meier: All right, let's recap what we've covered so far. Number one, identify the real issue. Number two, break free from overthinking. Number three, trust your instincts. And number four, remember that writing is problem solving. So if you're staring at that one thing, feeling stuck, I want you to take a deep breath and remind yourself.

[00:06:53] Nicole Meier: You are capable, you are creative, and your story is worth working through. I encourage you to go try one of these exercises and see what unlocks in your novel writing process. Still want help identifying that one thing that needs fixing? I've got a few spots open in my novel writing VIP days. These powerful sessions are for fiction writers who feel the pull of inspiration but want to slow down and truly sink into their story.

[00:07:24] Nicole Meier: If you're ready to dig deep into your novel with focused, one on one support, this is your moment. Together, we'll peel back the layers of your manuscript, refine its purpose, and shape it into something that feels true and lasting. You can find more details at nicolemeier. com forward slash vip hyphen days.

[00:07:45] Nicole Meier: That's nicolemeier. com forward slash vip hyphen days. I'll also include a link in the show notes. All right, writers, that's it for this week. Until next episode, keep writing and keep believing in your story. I'm cheering for you all the way.

[00:08:07] Nicole Meier: If you want to check out my coaching programs for fiction writers, Visit NicoleMeier. com. That's M E I E R. And if you liked this episode, I'd love you to take a minute to leave a rating and review for this podcast. This will help more writers like you to discover the show and to get going on their writing journey.

[00:08:28] Nicole Meier: Thanks so much for listening. Until next time, happy writing, everyone.