It happens to all writers at some point: we’re on a roll, the words are flowing from our mind like some kind of nice, flowy thing; we start to fall in love with our story all over again. And then we hit it: a lull. We know we want to get from beginning to end, but what can we do with all that empty space in-between? Our characters are just standing there, twiddling their thumbs and looking up at us like, “What now, Mom?”
At this point in your writing journey, the next plausible step you can take is to do what any good mother should do: ask yourself, “What is the worst possible thing that can befall my characters next?” and have it befall them.
Granted, consideration must always be taken for your characters’ current situation. The worst possible thing should still make sense in the moment. If they just finished a bubbly, heartfelt conversation, have the school bully show up. Or make it rain, hinting at ominous things ahead. And if your characters just defeated a whole army of darkness, start raising them from the dead. Or have your main antagonist finally show up to give them what’s what.
Dependent on the overall situation, and how your world works, and what your protagonists and antagonists are like, there are many ways you can play with this concept. And, at the very least, it will help add a little spice to your characters’ journey from beginning to end.