The Middle is Where Books Go to Die

There’s a graveyard at 30,000 words.

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Most manuscripts don’t die at the beginning.

They die in the middle.

Here are four reasons you’re stuck:

• The early chapters are fueled by adrenaline and idea energy.

• Around 25–40K words, you run out of structure.

• You shift from storytelling to explaining.

• The real issue? You don’t have a narrative spine.

And I know this because I’m feeling it too.

As my May 1st deadline closes in, I’ve noticed exactly where I disconnect.

I’m planning two workshops and a launch while trying to spill my inky past onto the page. Every ticket sale. Every graphic that needs approval. Every email. They all feel urgent.

And I ask myself: How can you focus on writing when you’re supposed to be coaching others? Running a business?

So I pivot.

I dive into the projects that make me feel productive. And abandon the one that brings me clarity.

The momentum I had in the first few chapters slows. Not because I lack skill. Not because I lack story. But because I’m not honoring my narrative spine.

I know what I want this book to do. I know who it’s for. I know what I want them to walk away with.

But when I stop writing from that spine — and start listing facts instead of building transformation — I lose direction.

Returning to the spine is the only way to regain momentum.

Not adding more words. Not pushing harder. Realigning the story.

This is usually the point where I help writers clarify the spine before they lose steam.

So let me ask you:

Where are you currently stuck in your manuscript?

Head to the comments. Tell me the word count. Tell me what feels foggy.

We’re building books that move people — not just pages.

Peace Cousins!

Shay Drapeau

A 3x bestselling author and writing coach, Shay works with writers and brands to bring their lived experience to the forefront.

Her workshops and services have garnered attention from leadership development, coworking, and retail brands.