Day 13: Escaping the Muddle in the Middle with Hank Phillippi Ryan

Why are middles so difficult? And what can we do to avoid losing our readers interest in our story? Hank Phillippi Ryan gives us a series of five steps to help you think through the muddle, PLUS, a whole lot of ideas for creating obstacles for your characters that remain true to your book.For a list of my fave craft books and the most recent works by our guests, go to our Bookshop page.HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the USA Today bestselling author of 14 psychological thrillers, winning the genre's most prestigious awards: five Agathas, five Anthonys, and the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. She’s also investigative reporter for Boston's WHDH-TV, winning 37 EMMYs. National book reviewers call her “a superb and gifted storyteller.” Her newest is the page-turning standalone THE HOUSE GUEST – a story of psychological manipulation exploring the dark heart of marriage and friendship—it’s Gaslight meets Thelma & Louise! Publishers Weekly says, “Ryan is a master of suspense!” and the Library Journal starred review calls it "Binge-worthy.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 7amnovelist.substack.com