It has been said that the middle of every project feels like a disaster. You’re far enough away from the starting point that you’ve lost some of the enthusiasm you had at the beginning. But you’re too far away from the end to see the finish line.

How do you break through the messy middle and keep going?

Remember: it’s not about you. It’s about your readers. Do you love them? Do you care about them as individuals? Do you want the best for them?

It’s best not to picture your readers as one big group. Think of one person. Just one. Picture them reading your book at the doctor’s office, at their kitchen table, or in the car waiting for someone. What’s the expression on their face? What are they thinking and feeling as they read? How will they be different after they’ve read your book?

That is the person you’re writing for. They have a name and a story. That is the person who will get you through the tough parts, the messy middle, the long journey from the starting line to the finish line.

Writing is hard. So why do we do it? For the love of our readers.

Daily Question: Who is the person you pictured reading your book, and how will your writing change them? Be specific.