What Unexpected Truth or Betrayal Is About to Change Everything?

The storm is still gathering | First Draft November: Day 21

art by Mariam Chagelishvili

→ This week’s goal: Fully embrace the messy middle by leaning into tension, the promise of your premise, and the unexpected ways your protagonist is tested.

→ Word target: 35k words by the end of the week.

→ Looking for some daily accountability? Join the First Draft November Chat to post your daily word count and connect with your fellow writers.

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Hi writers,

Greetings from a Friday in the messy middle! How are you all doing?!

We’ve been writing together for 21 days, which means we’re nearing the end of this challenge. However, when it comes to our draft, we are still in the thick of it.

Today, we’re going to hone in on the crossroads our protagonists will inevitably face. Similarly, you might be at a crossroads as to whether or not you should keep writing. But I’ll solve that one for ya real quick: Keep going!

Here’s today’s guiding question:

What unexpected truth, twist, or betrayal is about to change everything?

We’re not at the midpoint yet (that usually lands closer to 40k), but we’re setting it up. The midpoint is where the story truly shifts: The stakes rise, the energy pivots, and the protagonist can no longer go back to how things once were.

If the inciting incident at the end of Act One was the protagonist’s first push forward, the midpoint is the door slamming shut behind them. We’ve already talked about false victories and defeats, but let’s recap in terms of how most midpoints play out.

False Victory
Things seem to be going great. The protagonist looks like they’re winning, succeeding, or moving closer to their goal. But the win is built on shaky ground, setting up the fall to come. Example: They get the job, the romance, or a big win—but it won’t last.

False Defeat
Things seem to be going terribly. The protagonist looks like they’ve lost or failed completely. But things aren’t final—it’s a setup for a future turnaround.
Example: A relationship collapses, they’re rejected, or humiliated—but this will drive the story forward.

As we begin planning how false victories or defeats will play out at our midpoint, think about these beats as unexpected truths, twists, or betrayals. These elements will inevitably ramp up the tension, which is something we’re always looking to do.

What could happen that completely reorients the story? Could your protagonist betray someone or be betrayed? Could a truth be revealed in a way that your protagonist didn’t see coming?

Quick reminder

Continue to be curious about how your main character responds to your antagonist. That’s where tension lies, and that relationship may also be a place where you find lies, betrayals, or unexpected twists.

Today, let’s lean into that tension. Remember: We’re on a trajectory where things aren’t getting any easier for your protagonist! Let your main character feel confident or crushed in a way that sets up the (shit)storm on the horizon.

Happy writing!

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First Draft November is a free-for-all, month-long challenge for writers who are ready to get that novel they’ve been dreaming of on the page. And no, it’s not too late to join. Write with us!