C.J. Ives Lopez's Blog

Mid-Book Rescue

Mid-Book Rescue: How to Get Unstuck When Your Story Hits a Wall

We’ve all been there—charging ahead with a brilliant book idea, words flowing, characters leaping off the page—and then bam… the middle hits like a brick wall. The dreaded middle slump. Suddenly, your brilliant beginning feels like a distant dream and your ending seems miles away.

If that’s you right now, breathe. You’re not alone, and this is totally normal. In fact, it’s such a common part of the writing journey that we’ve named it: The Mid-Book Rescue. And today, we’re throwing you a lifeline.

Why Does the Midpoint Feel So Hard?

The middle of your novel is where things get real. It’s the bridge between setup and payoff, where your characters are challenged, secrets begin to unfold, and your pacing needs to hold strong.

But it’s also where writers often:

Lose sight of the story’s core theme or direction
Struggle with plot progression or character motivation
Burn out from the excitement of the beginning fading

So how do you get back on track?

The Mid-Book Rescue Toolkit1. Reconnect With Your “Why”

Why did you start writing this story in the first place? What message or emotion do you want your readers to walk away with? Revisit your why and let it guide the choices you make from here on.

2. Use the Mid-Book Rescue Worksheet

To make things easier, we’ve created a downloadable worksheet you can fill out when you’re feeling stuck. It helps you re-evaluate key story elements like:

Character motivation
Conflict and stakes
Story structure

Download the Worksheet Here

3. Zoom Out and Reassess

Take a step back and look at the story from a bird’s eye view. Ask yourself:

What does my character want at this point?
What stands in their way?
Am I repeating plot points or dragging things out?

Sometimes you’re not stuck—you’re just writing around the problem instead of through it.

4. Throw in a Twist

If things feel stagnant, stir the pot! A betrayal, a ticking clock, or an unexpected discovery can jolt your story (and your inspiration) back to life. Midpoints are great places for surprises.

5. Embrace the Mess

Your first draft isn’t meant to be perfect. It’s meant to be written. Give yourself grace. You can clean up pacing, deepen emotional beats, or shift structure in revisions. Right now, just get the story down.

You’re Not Alone

Writing is hard. Writing a book is even harder. But when you hit that wall, remember this: every author—yes, even the greats—have wanted to walk away halfway through. What matters is that you don’t.

You’ve got this. You’re telling a story that matters.

And if you ever feel like shouting into the void, you know where to find me—@CJivesLopez on socials, or hit reply on the newsletter. I’ll be right here cheering you on.

?? Until next time, CJ

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Passion vs Profit

Writing What You Love vs. Writing What Sells: Can You Do Both?

Every writer, at some point in their journey, faces the ultimate creative dilemma: Do I write the stories that ignite my soul, or do I write what readers are actually buying? It’s passion vs profit. It’s a question that can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to turn your passion for storytelling into a sustainable career.

The good news? You don’t have to choose just one. But you do need to understand how to balance passion with marketability if you want to find success in both creativity and sales.

The Passion vs. Profit Dilemma

Many writers start their journey because they have a story inside them that demands to be told. Maybe it’s a childhood dream, a character who won’t stop talking in your head, or a world so vivid that you need to put it on paper.

But then comes reality: the books we love to write may not always be the books readers are actively searching for.

So, how do we navigate this?

Writing What You LoveOffers complete creative freedomAllows you to tell the stories that excite and inspire youHelps you build a dedicated audience that appreciates your unique voiceWriting What SellsMeans studying market trends and reader demandOften requires following genre expectations and tropesIncreases the chances of financial success and a broader readershipReality Check: You Don’t Have to Choose Just One

The key is understanding your goals and expectations as an author. If you write purely for the joy of storytelling, that’s amazing! But if you want financial success, it’s important to align your work with market realities.

Finding the Overlap Between Passion and Profit

If you’re looking for a way to merge your love for writing with the realities of book sales, consider these strategies:

1. Know Your Market

If your dream is to write epic poetry about moonlit nights and existential dread, but readers are flocking to spicy romance or cozy mysteries, you may struggle to sell books. That doesn’t mean you have to abandon your passion—it means you need to find a niche where your love of storytelling meets a hungry audience.

2. Genre Expectations Matter

Readers expect certain elements in specific genres. If you love writing historical fiction, but you ignore historical accuracy, you may alienate your ideal audience. If you write romance but don’t deliver the required HEA (happily ever after), romance readers won’t come back for more.

? TIP: Study bestsellers in your genre. What themes, lengths, and styles are resonating with readers?

3. Branding & Positioning Can Bridge the Gap

Your book doesn’t have to fit into a rigid mold, but how you market it can make all the difference. Even if your book is a genre-bender, finding the right keywords, audience, and messaging can help you reach the right readers.

? Examples of Success Stories:

Colleen Hoover: Wrote the books she loved but positioned them for commercial success, becoming a viral sensation.Brandon Sanderson: Built a career writing epic fantasy with his unique twist while still aligning with genre expectations.Indie Romance & Cozy Mystery Authors: Found success by balancing what they love writing with what readers devour in their chosen genres. Being Realistic About Your Expectations

Before diving headfirst into your next book, ask yourself: What do I want from my writing career?

If you’re writing solely for passion:

You may not see instant financial success—and that’s okay!Focus on building a niche audience who loves what you do.Explore alternate income streams (Patreon, Kickstarter, teaching, speaking gigs, etc.).

If you’re writing for commercial success:

Stay on top of market trends and be willing to adapt.Create a consistent publishing schedule to keep up with demand.Expect to focus on marketing, branding, and positioning as much as writing.

If you want to do both:

Find ways to infuse passion into market-friendly genres.Be intentional about your storytelling choices and marketing strategies.Build a long-term author brand that readers connect with. Final Thoughts: The Best Approach is YOUR Approach

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy in publishing. Your best path forward is the one that aligns with your goals, values, and creative joy.

? Ask yourself:

Am I writing for self-expression or financial success?How can I merge passion with marketability?Am I willing to adapt, learn, and refine my approach over time?

? Remember: You can be a storyteller who follows their heart and a business-minded author who understands their audience. The key is clarity, consistency, and creativity.

What are your thoughts? Do you write what you love, what sells, or a mix of both? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

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Embrace Imperfection in Your First Draft

Why It’s Okay to Be Messy

Writing a first draft can feel like staring at a blank page, but you need to embrace imperfection in your first draft.. The pressure to create a perfect manuscript right from the start can be overwhelming. But here’s the truth: first drafts are meant to be messy, imperfect, and raw. Their primary purpose is to capture your ideas and get the story out of your head. You don’t need to worry about grammar, style, or finding the perfect words at this stage. You just need to write.

Why Your First Draft Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect

The first draft is the foundation of your story. It’s not meant to be the final product; it’s where your ideas take shape and form. Embracing imperfection allows you to free yourself from the constraints of perfectionism, which can hinder your creativity and slow down your writing process. When you allow your first draft to be imperfect, you permit yourself to explore, make mistakes, and discover new directions for your story.

Focusing too much on perfection during the first draft can:

Stifle Creativity: When you’re obsessed with getting every word right, you might second-guess your ideas or overthink each sentence. This can disrupt the flow of your writing and cause you to lose momentum.Lead to Writer’s Block: Perfectionism often leads to procrastination. If you’re too concerned about making your draft flawless, you might avoid writing altogether because the task feels daunting.Slow Down Progress: Constantly editing as you go can interrupt the writing flow. The first draft is about progress, not perfection. Revising should come later once the story is on the page.The Purpose of a First Draft

Think of the first draft as a sketch for a painting. When artists begin a new work, they don’t immediately create a finished masterpiece. They start with rough outlines and basic shapes, allowing the details to come later. Writing works the same way. In your first draft, you lay down the broad strokes of your story—characters, plot points, and themes. It doesn’t need to be polished because its primary purpose is to capture your raw ideas and emotions.

At this stage, the most important thing is momentum. Keep writing, even if you’re unsure about certain parts of the story. You can always come back and revise the awkward sections, adjust the pacing, or refine the dialogue later. The key is to get the story out of your head and onto the page.

Tips for Embracing Imperfection in Your First DraftSet a Timer and Write Without Stopping
Give yourself a set amount of time, like 30 minutes, and write without pausing to edit or critique your work. This will help you focus on getting words down without worrying about quality. The goal is to keep the words flowing.Turn Off Your Inner Editor
Your inner editor may want to jump in and fix every little mistake as you write, but this can be counterproductive. Remember, there will be plenty of time to edit later. For now, allow yourself to write without judgment.Leave Placeholders
If you’re stuck on a particular detail, leave a placeholder and move on. For example, if you can’t think of a character’s name, write “[NAME]” and keep going. This allows you to maintain momentum without getting bogged down in details.Embrace the Idea of “Bad Writing”
Accept that some parts of your first draft might be clunky or poorly written. That’s okay! It’s all part of the process. You can always revise and improve your writing later. Recognizing that the first draft isn’t supposed to be perfect can be incredibly liberating.Set Small, Achievable Goals
Instead of writing a perfect chapter, set a goal to write 500 words or fill one page. This reduces pressure and helps you make consistent progress without obsessing over the quality of the content.Why Editing Comes Later

Once you’ve completed your first draft, the real work begins. Editing is where you shape the rough outline into a cohesive, polished story. This is when you can:

Improve the structure and pacing of the story.Refine dialogue and character development.Focus on grammar, style, and readability.

The editing process allows you to shape and mold the story, but none of that would be possible if you didn’t have a draft to work from. Remember, you can’t edit a blank page.

Celebrating Your First Draft as an Achievement

Finishing a first draft is a significant accomplishment. It means you’ve taken your story from an idea to something tangible. Celebrate this milestone, and don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Writing is an ongoing process; your first draft is just the beginning.

Embrace the Messiness

Don’t let the fear of imperfection hold you back from writing. Embrace the messiness of your first draft and focus on getting the words down. Remember, the natural beauty of writing lies in revision, where you get to shape your story into the work of art it’s meant to be. But to get there, you must first allow yourself to be imperfect.

What challenges do you face when writing your first draft?

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Your Author Platform

Focus on Readers, Not the Noise

As authors, our ultimate goal is to connect with readers. But in an age dominated by social media virality and ever-changing trends, it’s easy to get distracted by the noise. Viral posts can create instant buzz but don’t always foster meaningful or lasting connections with your audience. Instead of getting swept up in the chaos, authors need to create a platform that resonates with readers and prioritizes the peace and escape that books provide.

Here’s why building a reader-focused platform matters—and how to do it authentically.

What is an Author Platform?

Your author platform is how readers find, engage with, and connect to you. It’s the collection of all the spaces you occupy in the literary world—your website, social media, newsletter, and more. But an author platform isn’t just about self-promotion; it’s about building trust and creating a space where readers feel seen and valued.

Think of your platform as your virtual handshake with readers. It’s your opportunity to say:

“This is who I am.”“This is what my stories offer.”“Here’s why my voice is worth listening to.”

A strong platform provides consistency, authenticity, and content that aligns with your audience’s needs and desires.

The Temptation of Virality

It’s no secret that viral posts capture attention. Some authors use viral moments to increase their visibility, from fiery debates to controversial opinions. While this might work in the short term, it can often alienate the audience you’re trying to attract—readers.

Why virality can be risky for authors:

Short-Lived Attention: Viral posts bring fleeting engagement that doesn’t always translate into loyal readers or book sales.Emotional Fallout: Viral content often thrives on controversy or sensationalism, which can create unnecessary stress or conflict within your community.Disconnection from Readers: Fiction readers, in particular, often turn to books for solace and escapism. Engaging in chaotic or divisive conversations can clash with their expectations.

While there’s a place for noise—often in nonfiction or activist spaces—fiction is largely about creating worlds where readers feel safe, inspired, or entertained. Staying focused on those values will help you build a more sustainable and fulfilling connection with your audience.

Why Reader-Focus Matters

Readers pick up fiction for many reasons, but one of the most common is to escape. They want to immerse themselves in a story that provides relief, healing, or adventure. Fiction offers a sanctuary—a space where they can process emotions, dream bigger, or step away from the pressures of reality.

Here’s why focusing on readers over trends is critical:

Books as Healing Tools: Fiction can heal and provide solace. As an author, your role is to create that space for your audience.Consistency in Tone: By prioritizing your readers, you can create a brand and platform that feels like home to your audience, reinforcing their trust in you and your work.Long-Term Loyalty: When you center your platform around what your readers love, they’re more likely to stay with you for years to come.How to Build a Reader-Focused PlatformUnderstand Your Audience: Learn who your readers are and what they want. Are they fans of cozy mysteries, fast-paced thrillers, or sweeping romance novels? Tailor your content to reflect the emotions and themes they love.Be Authentic, Not Perfect: Readers don’t expect perfection—they want authenticity. Share your writing journey, challenges, and victories. Let them see the human behind the words.Provide Value: All content you share should offer value to your audience. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process, tips for fellow writers, or snippets of your work, make sure it resonates with your readers’ interests.Avoid Panic and Noise: Resist the temptation to chase every viral trend or controversial topic. Instead, focus on creating content that aligns with your values and your readers’ concerns.Stay Consistent: Consistency builds credibility. Whether posting on social media, sending newsletters, or updating your blog, ensure your tone and messaging remain true to your brand.Balancing Noise with Creativity

There’s no denying that social media and digital platforms can amplify your reach. But it’s important to strike a balance. While nonfiction authors may use their platforms to drive social change or educate, fiction authors often serve as storytellers and escapists. By keeping your platform aligned with the themes and emotions of your work, you can cut through the noise and deliver what your readers value most.

Final Thoughts

Your author platform is more than a collection of social media profiles or a website—it’s a bridge between you and your readers. When you prioritize their needs and craft a space where they feel seen and understood, you create more than just a brand; you create a community.

As you build your platform, remember this: your stories are an escape, a source of joy, and a place for healing. Let your platform reflect that same sense of peace and creativity, and you’ll build lasting relationships with readers who can’t wait to join you on your literary journey.

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Scene Transitions

Tip Tuesday: Scene Transitions Made Smooth!

Hey writers! Let’s talk about scene transitions this week. Poor transitions can pull readers out of the story, while smooth ones keep them hooked. Here are three tips to master those shifts:

Use Sensory Details

Anchor your reader in the next scene by providing a sensory detail—what the character sees, hears, or smells as the scene changes. This smooth transition helps the reader feel like they’re right there.

End and Begin with Connection

End the previous scene with a question or tension, and start the new scene with an element that ties back to it. This helps maintain the flow between scenes.

Avoid Jarring Time Jumps

If there’s a large time gap, make it clear early in the transition so readers aren’t confused. Add cues like “Two weeks later” or “By the time morning came” to help ground the shift.

Great transitions keep your reader glued to the page. Use these tips to make scene changes seamless!

How do you transition between scenes? Share your favorite techniques!

#TipTuesday #WritingTips #SceneTransitions #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #TheAuthorsPorch #WritingCommunity

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Never Cry Alone

If you haven’t read Never Cry Alone, this is a book you want to pick up. My great escape is reading murder mystery/thriller books. It’s a weird escape, but I enjoy the mystery of it all and trying to find out whodun it. I’m starting to enjoy cozy mysteries as well in my older age as I become a bit softer.

Check out my review below.

Never Cry Alone by Tyrell Plair

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Reading Never Cry Alone by Tyrell Plair will send chills down your spine. It’s hard to believe this gripping story is based on a real case, but it is, and it’s told from two perspectives: the killer and the detective trying to track them down. Tyrell’s descriptive narrative pulls you into the minds of both characters, making you feel everything they feel. While it’s fascinating to experience the detective’s perspective, it becomes eerie when you’re inside the head of the killer.

You start to see the victims and the world through the killer’s eyes, and as much as you want to shout out warnings, you feel silenced by the intensity of the killer’s thoughts. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and suspense that keeps you turning the pages. The crimes are brutal, yet the story is so gripping that you’ll be hooked until the end. I can easily see this book climbing the charts and becoming a bestseller.

If you’ve read any of Tyrell’s other works, like Stolen Innocence, you’ll already know he’s a master storyteller. And let’s not forget the fantastic work PlaTY Multimedia and Publishing is doing—this is Tyrell’s own company, and they have a stellar catalog. Special shoutout to James Scales for his incredible cover designs that perfectly capture the essence of the genre.

I will note that there are multiple trigger warnings for this book, but it’s definitely worth the read. I highly recommend it and am glad I picked it up.



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Frigid Whispers

I do love me some westerns, and when I had the opportunity to read Frigid Whispers, I was all over it.

Growing up, I listened to country music, loved cowboy and cowgirl boots, and watched old country westerns like they were going out of style. This was a little strange, considering I grew up in the city since the age of ten. Maybe you can account for the first half of my upbringing being in the country, where you needed boots, or you’d get stuck in the mud, wade in ponds, and probably get bit by a snake if you didn’t have boots on.

Oh, how I miss parts of my childhood, because let’s admit, there ain’t many people who miss all of it, am I right!

Check out my review below.

Frigid Whispers by Jeremy Sawyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Frigid Whispers is a masterful blend of noir, western, and detective crime genres that captivates from the very first page. Jonathan Ashline and Jeremy Sawyer prove themselves as fantastic storytellers, weaving a narrative that feels like an Indiana Jones adventure set in the Old West, laced with supernatural undertones.

The authors’ vivid descriptions transport you into the story, evoking a sense of being in the dusty streets of a forgotten western town, where “unspoken secrets and hidden sin” lurk in every shadow. The dialect is authentic and true to the era, bringing the characters to life and adding depth to the tale. The scenes are so vivid you can almost hear the creak of old wooden floors and the ominous whispers carried by the wind.

The atmosphere is delightfully tense and ominous, filled with the kind of intrigue that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Frigid Whispers is a unique mix of mystery, adventure, and the supernatural—a thrilling ride that leaves you hoping for more from these talented authors. If you enjoy a good detective story with a paranormal twist in an old Western setting, this book should be at the top of your reading list.



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Sleigh Belle

If you know me, you know Christmas is my favorite holiday. Growing up, I spent Christmas with my grandma, and reading Sleigh Belle made me feel nostalgic.

Just a few weeks ago, I was reminiscing with my mother about a time I spent with her and my dad and how our neighbor, who is practically family, had gone on the roof and stomped around playing Santa Claus so we kids would go to sleep. I remember running to our room because we thought if Santa came when we were awake, we wouldn’t get any presents. Oh, the shenanigans parents do to keep the spirit of Christmas alive and the power of Santa Claus hidden.

The power of reading a book is simply amazing, isn’t it? I must transport myself into a story and feel the charm of the holiday season even though the weather is scorching outside. I also needed to feel my grandmother’s spirit now that I’m home in Indianapolis and living back in the city of my birth after 30 years.

I said I’d never live back here, but I find myself back home wanting to be with my family again. While I’ll be transient since I love Texas, I’ll also be in the city a lot more nowadays and exploring my creative side in the place where I have so many stories and memories I want to explore more.

Check out my review below.

Sleigh Belle by N.D. Testa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wrap up the presents, hang the wreaths, and get ready to dive into the Christmas spirit because this book is an absolute must-read.

I can’t believe I let this gem sit on my shelf for so long, but now that I’ve finally read it, I’m completely immersed in the festive feels. This story has me yearning for snowflakes, twinkling lights, and everything merry and bright.

N.D. Testa has truly mastered the art of capturing holiday magic. I’ve never read anything that swept me up into the spirit of the season quite like this. If you’re not already in the mood for Christmas, this book will do the trick. I’m definitely checking out more of her holiday reads!

Imagine a perfect blend of Beauty and the Beast and Miracle on 34th Street, all tied up with a modern twist. This story brings together small-town charm and an enemies-to-lovers romance that hits you right in the feels.

After finishing this charming tale, I’m ready to pack my bags and move to this cozy little town, where the traditions are heartwarming, and the bakery sounds absolutely irresistible. The characters were so endearing that I even found myself reading parts of the story aloud to my mother and niece—just to share the joy it brought me.

I’m so glad I finally read this book, and you will be too. So, grab yourself a cup of hot chocolate, snuggle under a blanket, and if it’s summer like it was for me, crank up the A/C to get that cuddly winter vibe. Trust me, it’s worth it!



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Year One

I’ve read Nora Roberts for years, but I love her move into more of the fantasy genre, and I especially love Year One.

When I was growing up, I read Nora’s romance books, but as I grew into adulthood, I grew with her writing career and the exploration of her genres. I especially love her fantasy and suspense books, and, well, I won’t lie, I love everything that Nora does because she’s simply fabulous.

Have you ever thought about what the world would be like if it had magic? As a Kid, I thought about this, and even as an adult, I still think about it. I know that some will misuse it; however, a lot more will use it for good. The sad part is that there is good and evil in the world, and we must counteract evil with good and continue fighting it daily. No one ever said that life would be easy, but God did say it would be good; we just have to work at it and walk a path set out for us. Put the work in, and we can have a good life; it’s a matter of what we want.

Check out my review below.

Year One by Nora Roberts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I Love Nora Roberts, and she never ceases to amaze me with her imagination. She has taken a whole new twist on the end of the world and turned it into an inspiring tale with a fantasy twist. Don’t forget what she is best known for, which makes you feel all right! Great! I can’t wait to read book 2. Her trilogies are my favorite!



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Little Miss Crazy Hair

If you know me, you know that I began my author career writing children’s books. You might also know that I have a daughter who is my very own “Little Miss Crazy Hair.”

Reading this book took me back to my daughter’s childhood and the fond memories of learning about the differences in hair that I had no idea I would encounter. It’s funny how we can go through life without noticing the things right in front of us.

My daughter is biracial, with her father being Black and me being white. As she was growing up, I never paid much attention to the differences she might experience, except for learning how to care for her hair. While her hair is similar to mine, it is super curly, so we had plenty of days with big, wild hair.

Check out my review below.

The Adventures of Little Miss Crazy Hair: The Girl with Curl by Christopher Garcia-Halenar

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Bee great

I loved this story and how it had little lessons throughout the book, but it was not overwhelming with them. The main point was to have fun and be yourself. I love the hair, and I love the dog. It’s a great story and super cute since there aren’t enough books for girls with big curly hair!



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