Now What Do I Do?

Bit off more than you could chew? In over your head? Up the creek without a paddle? Any of these old clichés fit? Now you’re in a pickle. Me, too.

Okay. I started out right. The correct character has been murdered; the vulnerable ones kidnapped; the two main characters have been identified. What a great beginning. Questions, questions with no answers.

Now in chapter 5, I’m bogged down, experiencing writers’ block. The scene is right, the police are set in motion, the main characters are experiencing emotional upheaval, but is now the right time to introduce additional antagonists that will cause more mystery and intrigue? Is it too soon to introduce a future love interest?

I can’t leave the newly-created characters wallowing in despair in their great room. There’s only so much coffee to offer, only so many details to consider. The plot has to move. I brought these fictional characters into existence, and it’s my responsibility to get them off center. I have to make a pathway out for these grieving, hand-wringing people. Gotta move!

The only way I know is to scotch the indecision and pretend I know what I’m doing. I do know how it’s going to end. I just don’t know exactly how I’m going to get out of the jam I’m in. I think I’ve tasted this jam before.